The Royal Malta Artillery

The first Maltese artillery unit in British pay was that of the Maltese Cannoneers which was recruited in December 1794. This amalgamated with a company of French Marine Refugee Artillery in 1796. The Cannoneers served in Portugal until 1802. It was disbanded in August 1802 and the men returned to Malta.

The Militia Coast Artillery was formed in January 1801. It consisted of two companies, one based at St Paul's Bay, the other at Marsaxlokk, with detachments manning the coastal towers. The Militia Coast Artillery was commanded by Captain John Vivion RA. Vivion had been appointed Inspector of Maltese and Foreign troops in Malta by Sir Ralph Abercrombie in acknowledgment of his vital role during the blockade of the French in Malta.

The Treaty of Amiens stipulated that the Malta garrison was to comprise of local and Neapolitan troops. The 2,000 Maltese troops were to consist of two infantry battalions of 700 men each (the Provincials), one battalion of Coast Artillery of 300 men, and one battalion of Veterans of 300 men. Consequently in 1803, the Militia Coast Artillery became the Malta Coast Artillery.

On 16 February 1815, the Provincials, Veterans, and the Companies of Coast Artillery were incorporated by Thomas Maitland into the Royal Malta Fencibles.

On 25 January 1861, the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment became a corps of artillery of six batteries and was designated the Royal Malta Fencible Artillery. On 30 August 1861 it formed part of the Royal Artillery Brigade in Malta.

On 23rd March 1889, the word Fencible was dropped from its title and the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment became the Royal Malta Artillery.

On 1 October 1970, the Royal Malta Artillery ceased to be part of the British Regular Army and was integrated in the Malta Land Force.

The Royal Malta Artillery (1889 – 1970)

1889 Royal Malta Artillery

23 Mar 1889 The Royal Malta Fencible Artillery became The Royal Malta Artillery.

The average strength of the Royal Malta Artillery was 365 men. There were 232 admissions into hospital (661.1/1000 strength) with 2 deaths. 6 men were invalided from the service.

The average number constantly sick was 8.87 men (24.30/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 8.87 days; the average duration of each sickness was 13.95 days.

Admissions were for: eruptive fevers (2 measles), enteric fever (1/1 death), simple continued fevers (18), primary syphilis (3), secondary syphilis (1), gonorrhoea (10), debility (8), rheumatism (9), tubercular (1), respiratory (22), digestive (34), skin disorders mainly boils and ulcers (12), injuries (60/1 death). Half the admissions of continued fevers were said to have been very severe and required detention in hospital for three and four weeks. There were 6 admissions for mumps and 2 for influenza.

A gunner died from a fractured skull sustained through an accident in moving a heavy mortar.

The RMA had an annual average strength of 20 officers with 17 cases of sickness. There were on average 40 women with 10 cases of illness. In an average strength of 126 children there were 77 attacks of illness and 5 deaths. Admissions were for whooping cough (12/1 death), diarrhoea (13), measles (9), simple continued fever (10), teething (7/3 deaths).

1890 Royal Malta Artillery

The average strength of the Royal Malta Artillery was 365 men. There were 217 admissions into hospital (594.5/1000 strength) with 1 death. 6 men were invalided from the service.

The average number constantly sick was 9.37 men (25.67/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 9.37 days; the average duration of each sickness was 15.76 days.

Admissions were for: simple continued fevers (15), influenza (20), malarial fevers (2 ague), primary syphilis (4), secondary syphilis (4), gonorrhoea (21), debility (5), rheumatism (6), respiratory (28), digestive (26), skin disorders mainly boils and ulcers (22), injuries (42).

The RMA had an annual average strength of 20 officers with 22 cases of sickness. There were on average 40 women with 19 cases of illness and 1 death (bronchitis).

In an average strength of 121 children there were 62 attacks of illness and 5 deaths.

1891 Royal Malta Artillery

The Royal Malta Artillery had its Headquarters at Fort Lascaris, with detachments at St Antonio's Gardens Attard and Fort St Angelo.

The average strength of the Royal Malta Artillery was 365 men. There were 216 admissions into hospital (594.5/1000 strength) with 1 death. 1 man was invalided from the service.

The average number constantly sick was 7.38 men (20.21/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 7.38 days; the average duration of each sickness was 12.47 days.

Admissions were for: simple continued fevers (17), primary syphilis (4), secondary syphilis (3), gonorrhoea (8), debility (8), rheumatism (11), respiratory (30), digestive (34), skin disorders mainly boils and ulcers (23), injuries (50/1 death). A soldier committed suicide by jumping from a bastion into the ditch while in a state of temporary insanity.

The RMA had an annual average strength of 17 officers with 16 cases of sickness. Simple continued fever and bronchitis were the main causes of sickness.

There were on average 40 women with 12 cases of illness; simple continued fever being the prevailing disease. There was 1 sudden postnatal death.

There were on average 118 children with 63 cases of illness and 6 deaths. The main causes of sickness were simple continued fever (19), diarrhoea (13/1 death), teething (9/2 deaths), bronchitis (6). Deaths were from anaemia (1) and pneumonia (1).

1892 Royal Malta Artillery

The average strength of the Royal Malta Artillery was 371 men. There were 197 admissions into hospital (531/1000 strength) with 0 deaths. 9 men were invalided from the service.

The average number constantly sick was 8.20 men (22.10/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 8.09 days; the average duration of each sickness was 15.23 days.

Admissions were for: simple continued fevers (22), primary syphilis (3), secondary syphilis (3), gonorrhoea (9), debility (12), rheumatism (9), respiratory (26), digestive (10), skin disorders mainly boils and ulcers (24), injuries (48). One case of mania was treated in the lunatic asylum.

The RMA had an annual average strength of 20 officers with 17 cases of sickness and no deaths. There were 8 cases of simple continued fever.

There were on average 41 women with 13 admissions, five being for fever, and two deaths, both from simple continued fever.

There were 127 children with 74 cases of illness and 11 deaths. The main causes of sickness were: measles (22/1 death), bronchitis (10), and diarrhoea (16/4 deaths); deaths were from: teething (1) and debility (1).

1893 Royal Malta Artillery

The average strength of the Royal Malta Artillery was 372 men. There were 196 admissions into hospital (526.9/1000 strength) with 1 death (2.69/1000 strength). 6 men were invalided from the service.

The average number constantly sick was 7.09 men (19.06/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 6.95 days; the average duration of each sickness was 13.20 days.

Admissions were for: eruptive fevers (3 cox pox), simple continued fevers (21), primary syphilis (7), secondary syphilis (2), gonorrhoea (13), debility (2), rheumatism (9), respiratory (22/1 death), tubercular (3), digestive (19), skin disorders (30), injuries (46). The principal skin diseases were boils ulcers and impetigo. These were thought to arise from the salted fish eaten by the men, the action of the sun on the skin and the profuse perspiration while at work during the summer months.

The RMA had an annual average strength of 20 officers. There with 23 admissions, the main cases of sickness being simple continued fever, bronchitis and boils. There were no deaths.

There were on average 41 women with only 3 admissions and 1 death from lung tuberculosis.

There were 126 children with 35 admissions and 5 deaths. Admissions were for measles (8/2 deaths), simple continued fever (8), and bronchitis (7). Deaths were from spina bifida (1), bronchitis (1) and debility (1).

On the outbreak of War the Government had the power to raise a Volunteer Force under Ordinance No 9 of 1893. The Coast Defence Volunteers, was to be used for special services in connection with submarine mines, the management of steamers, or other vessels which could be required for the purpose of the defence of the islands. The Volunteers were engaged for a period of six months, if war was not declared within that period, or for the duration of the war once hostilities commenced.

1894 Royal Malta Artillery

The average strength of the Royal Malta Artillery was 371 men. There were 207 admissions into hospital (526.9/1000 strength). 3 men were invalided from the service.

The average number constantly sick was 8.06 men (21.72/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 7.93 days; the average duration of each sickness was 14.21 days.

Admissions were for: eruptive fevers (1 cox pox), simple continued fevers (28), influenza (5), primary syphilis (1), secondary syphilis (4), gonorrhoea (11), debility (6), rheumatism (12), respiratory (15), digestive (39), skin disorders (30), injuries (30).

The RMA had an annual average strength of 20 officers with 13 admissions and no deaths.

There were on average 41 women with 7 admissions and 1 death, from puerperal sepsis.

There were 130 children with 49 admissions and 6 deaths. Deaths were from debility (2), teething (2), diphtheria (1) and diarrhoea (1).

1895 Royal Malta Artillery

The average strength of the Royal Malta Artillery was 376 men. There were 181 admissions into hospital (481.4/1000 strength) with 3 deaths (7.98/1000 strength). 3 men were invalided from the service.

The average number constantly sick was 6.36 men (16.91/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 6.17 days; the average duration of each sickness was 12.82 days.

Admissions were for: simple continued fevers (21), primary syphilis (6), gonorrhoea (7), debility (10), rheumatism (14), respiratory (15), digestive (21), skin disorders (15), injuries (31). Four of the admissions for simple continued fever were of long duration with troublesome sequelae. 14 cases of rheumatism and 2 of neuralgia followed attacks of fever.

Overcrowding at Fort Lascaris was reduced by granting passes to those who wished to sleep at home. During the summer months, half of the men slept under canvas.

The hospital sergeant of the RMA committed suicide through an overdose of opium while in a state of temporary insanity.

The RMA had an annual average strength of 20 officers with 13 admissions and no deaths.

There were on average 42 women with 14 attacks of illness and 132 children with 39 cases of illness. There were no deaths among the families.

On 22 May 1895, Field Marshal HRH the Duke of Cambridge became the first Honorary Colonel of the RMA. From 10 May 1861, he held the rank of Colonel of the Royal Artillery; from 1895, that of Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Artillery. The Duke of Cambridge died in 1904.

1896 Royal Malta Artillery

RMA Fort Lascaris Sept 1896 showing Trumpeter A Spiteri (Fld Day Order) Regt Sgt Maj H. A. Pillow (Review Order) Lt Col Speranza CO RMA, Capt A. Vella Adjt RMA, Gnr E. Micheli (Khaki Marching Order) Gnr G. Mintoff (Review Order) (From Chesney A. G.)

The average strength of the Royal Malta Artillery was 489 men. There were 207 admissions into hospital (423.3/1000 strength) with 3 deaths (6.13/1000 strength). 4 men were invalided from the service.

The average number constantly sick was 8.88 men (18.16/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 6.65 days; the average duration of each sickness was 15.70 days.

Admissions were for: simple continued fevers (23), enteric fever (1/1 death), primary syphilis (7), secondary syphilis (1), gonorrhoea (8), debility (6), rheumatism (10), respiratory (19), digestive (24), skin disorders (18), injuries (52). Four cases of simple continued fever were severe and of long duration with 4 admissions for orchitis.

The RMA had an annual average strength of 20 officers with 8 admissions and no deaths.

There were on average 52 women with 13 attacks of illness, 6 being for simple continued fever and 3 for remittent fever.

There were 152 children with 33 admissions and 3 deaths from meningitis, teething and diarrhoea.

The regimental hospital of the RMA was at the Station Hospital Valletta.

1897 Royal Malta Artillery

The average strength of the Royal Malta Artillery was 675 men. There were 317 admissions into hospital (469.6/1000 strength) with 2 deaths (2.96/1000 strength). 10 men were invalided from the service.

The average number constantly sick was 14.86 men (22.01/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 8.04 days; the average duration of each sickness was 17.11 days.

Admissions were for: simple continued fevers (42 admissions, 10 of which had a long course and were followed by debility and rheumatic pains), enteric fever (1), primary syphilis (6), secondary syphilis (3), gonorrhoea (10), debility (6), rheumatism (15), respiratory (30), digestive (18), skin disorders (49), injuries (69).

The RMA had an annual average strength of 24 officers with 15 admissions and no deaths.

There were on average 72 women with 3 attacks of illness, 6 being for simple continued fever and 3 for remittent fever.

There were 186 children with 323 admissions and 3 deaths from debility (2) and whooping cough (1).

In 1897, an additional two companies were added to the RMA.

1898 Royal Malta Artillery

Admissions and Deaths during 1898
Average Strength	Admissions Hospital	Deaths	Admissions/1000	Deaths/1000
702	289	1	411.7	1.4
Admissions into hospital and deaths during the year with ratio of admissions and deaths per 1000 of strength. The average strength of the troops, exclusive of the Royal Malta Artillery, was 7,390 men.

Post of Aragon or Couvre Porte outside Vittoriosa

The RMA was at Fort Lascaris. In Oct and Nov 1898, two companies occupied Fort St Angelo, and Fort Salvatore at Cottonera. Defective drainage forced them to vacate the barracks and the men were placed under canvas at Kalkara Gate Camp. During the year, 79 men presented themselves for enlistment but 31 were rejected as medically unfit. Of the 48 men found fit, 16 were unable to read.

The average number constantly sick was 12.32 men (17.55/1000 strength). The average sick time per each soldier was 6.40 days; the average duration of each case of sickness was 15.04 days. 8 men were invalided from the service.

Admissions were for: simple continued fevers (48), Mediterranean fever (6), lung tubercular (2), primary syphilis (3), secondary syphilis (6), gonorrhoea (9), debility (8), rheumatism (13), respiratory (16), digestive (40), skin disorders (42), injuries (67).

The RMA had an annual average strength of 28 officers with 19 admissions, (the majority simple continued fever). There were 2 deaths (enteric fever and peritonitis).

There were on average 72 women with 6 attacks of illness. There were 198 children with 18 admissions and 4 deaths (debility, convulsions, bronchitis and disorders of dentition).

1899 Royal Malta Artillery

1 June 1899 Strength: 734 men.

The RMA formerly consisted of 6 companies. During the year it was augmented with an additional two companies for service outside Malta.

Fort St Angelo was again occupied during the year, as well as Couvre Porte, a small ancient barrack outside Vittoriosa Gate.

1900 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Jan 1900 Strength: 856 men. Location (1 Jan): Fort Lascaris.

2 Jan No 7 Coy RMA (117 men) embarked for Egypt under command of Maj H. A. Balbi. It served in Cairo and Alexandria until March 1905.

1901 Royal Malta Artillery

24 Sep 1901 Command of the RMA passed from Lt Col P. Bernard RMA to Lt Col A. Gatt RMA.

Strength: 730 men. No 1 Coy, No 2 Coy, No 3 Coy, and No 4 Coy were in Malta.
Location: Fort Lascaris, Pembroke, and Kalkara.

No 7 Coy (4 officers, 117 men, 16 children) of the Royal Malta Artillery was stationed in Cairo during the year.

1902 Royal Malta Artillery

S F S C Camilleri — Serafino Francesco Saverio Carmelo Camilleri born in Rabat Malta 1879 and served in Alexandria with the RMA (Courtesy L Metcalfe).

No 1 to No 4 Companies of the Royal Malta Artillery were in Malta with No 5 Coy RMA in Egypt (average strength 119 men).

During 1902 the six Coys of the RMA were augmented with two additional companies.
Strength: Officers 30, females 80, children 180, men 730. The Coy strength in Cairo was 119 men.

In 1902, King Edward VII succeeded the Duke of Cambridge as Colonel of the RMA.

The Royal Warrant reorganising the Army Medical Services dated 24 March 1902, laid down that: A medical officer of Our Royal Malta Artillery shall be compulsory retired on attaining the age of 55 years.

1903 Royal Malta Artillery

The second company raised for foreign service in 1899 was disbanded on the reorganisation of the RMA in 1903.

Jan 1903 HQ Coy moved from Cairo to Alexandria, leaving a detachment at the former station. The RMA detachment in Egypt had 118 men.

Dec Strength: 5 coys. Officers 32, females 125, children 285, men 690.

Head Quarters RMA was at Fort Lascaris. The Officers Mess was at No 10 Strada Mercanti Valletta.

No 1 Coy: Fort Lascaris
No 2 Coy: Crucifix Bastion
No 3 Coy: Spinola Camp
No 4 Coy: Fort St Angelo
No 5 Coy: Cairo Egypt
Depôt Coy: Fort Lascaris

1904 Royal Malta Artillery

The RMA had an average strength of 648 men, 127 women and 301 children. No 1 to No 4 Companies were in Malta with No 5 Coy RMA in Egypt.

Malta Fever contributed to ten admissions with two deaths. During the year, 139 recruits were medically examined prior to enlistment in the RMA. 58 were rejected primarily for defective vision, and poor physique.

HQ Coy at Alexandria with a small detachment at Cairo. In Egypt the average strength was 114 men, with 11 women and 23 children.

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy
No 4 Coy
No 5 Coy. In Egypt
Depôt Coy

1905 Royal Malta Artillery

No 1 to No 4 Companies and the Depôt company were in Malta with No 5 Coy RMA in Egypt.

Strength: Officers 35, men 593, women 135, children 360.

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy
No 4 Coy
No 5 Coy. On 4 Mar 1905, the company at Alexandria left the command and returned to Malta.
It was no longer listed in the returns of Oct 1905.
Depôt Coy

1906 Royal Malta Artillery

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy
No 4 Coy
Depôt Coy

1907 Royal Malta Artillery

On 1 Apr 1907 the RMA was reduced by one company. Location: Lascaris Barracks.

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy
No 4 Coy
Depôt Coy

1908 Royal Malta Artillery

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy
Depôt Coy

1909 Royal Malta Artillery

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy
Depôt Coy

1910 Royal Malta Artillery

In 1910, King George V succeeded King Edward VII as Colonel of the RMA.

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy
Depôt Coy

1911 Royal Malta Artillery

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy
Depôt Coy

1912 Royal Malta Artillery

No 1 Coy: At Fort St Leonardo and Fort Tigné
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma
No 3 Coy: Moveable Armament
Depôt Coy

1913 Royal Malta Artillery

Strength: 498 men

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy
Depôt Coy

1914 Royal Malta Artillery

Strength: 22 officers, 421 men. On the outbreak of the Great War on 4 August 1914, the regiment moved to its war positions and the reservists were called up. During 1914-1918, the RMA manned the Coast Defences. A fourth company was formed in 1914 which took over some forts previously manned by a company of the Royal Garrison Artillery. The regiment also manned the four 10 inch, Rifled Muzzle Loader guns at Gharghur High Angle Fire Battery and the 3-pounder Anti Aircraft armament at St John's Cavalier. This battery was dismantled after the war.

No 1 Coy: At Forts Lascaris, San Leonardo and Tigné
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma
No 3 Coy: At Fort Mosta
No 4 Coy: Raised 6 Nov 1914. Location: Tigné

1915 Royal Malta Artillery

1915 explosion — 16 men of the RMA killed in the explosion on 5 Oct 1915 while filling hand grenades in the Naval Ordnance Department (RN Cemetery Kalkara).

Officers of the RMA volunteered for overseas service.

They joined the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) in France. Others went to Gallipoli and Egypt.

9 Oct 1915 An appeal was launched to support the widows and orphans of 16 men of the RMA who perished in an explosion while filling grenades on 5 October.

The Daily Malta Chronicle reported that They died in the cause of the British Empire.

No 1 Coy: At Forts Lascaris, San Leonardo and Tigné
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma
No 3 Coy: At Fort Mosta
No 4 Coy: Raised 6 Nov 1914. Location: Tigné

1916 Royal Malta Artillery

Strength: 421 men. In 1916, a detachment under Maj E. Savona joined the Expeditionary Force to Egypt, where they manned the coast defences. The battery returned to Malta in 1919.

No 1 Coy: At Forts Lascaris, San Leonardo and Tigné
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma
No 3 Coy: At Fort Mosta
No 4 Coy: Raised 6 Nov 1914. Location: Tigné

1917 Royal Malta Artillery

Strength: 421 men. A battery of the RMA served in Egypt until 1919.

No 1 Coy: At Forts Lascaris, San Leonardo and Tigné
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma. HQ RMA attached to No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy: At Fort Mosta
No 4 Coy: Raised 6 Nov 1914. Location: Tigné

1918 Royal Malta Artillery

Strength: 421 men. A fifth company was raised in 1918 and the existing companies were increased to a regimental establishment of 800 officers and other ranks. At the end of the war the RMA guarded the prisoners of war held at Fort Manoel and Polverista barracks until Mar 1920.

No 1 Coy: At Forts Lascaris, San Leonardo and Tigné
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma. HQ RMA attached to No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy: At Fort Mosta
No 4 Coy: Raised 6 Nov 1914. Location: Tigné
No 5 Coy: Raised 25 May 1918. Location: Fort San Rocco

1919 Royal Malta Artillery

14 Jan 1919 The regiment moved to Cottonera where it guarded Prisoners of War (POW). On 3 March 1920, this task was taken over by a British Infantry Battalion, when the RMA was reduced to its pre-war establishment.

No 1 Coy: At Forts Lascaris, San Leonardo and Tigné
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma. HQ RMA attached to No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy: At Fort Mosta
No 4 Coy: Raised 6 Nov 1914. Location: Tigné
No 5 Coy: Raised 25 May 1918. Location: Fort San Rocco

1920 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Jan 1920 Strength: 34 officers, 777 rank and file.

In 1920, No 4 and No 5 Companies RMA were disbanded and the regimental strength decreased to 443 all ranks. The RMA returned to its peace time barracks at Fort St Elmo and Fort Lascaris. The companies were shortly afterwards designated Coast Batteries.

No 1 Coy: At Forts Lascaris, San Leonardo and Tigné.
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma. HQ RMA attached to No 2 Coy.
No 3 Coy: At Fort Mosta.
No 4 Coy: Raised 6 Nov 1914. Location: Tigné. No longer listed by Dec 1920.
No 5 Coy: Raised 25 May 1918. Location: Fort San Rocco. No longer listed by Dec 1920.

1921 RMA - Coast Artillery

Strength: 486 men.

No 1 Coy: At Forts Lascaris, San Leonardo and Tigné.
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma. HQ RMA attached to No 2 Coy.
No 3 Coy: At Fort Mosta.

1922 RMA - Coast Artillery

No 1 Coy: At Forts Lascaris, San Leonardo and Tigné.
No 2 Coy: At Fort Bingemma. HQ RMA attached to No 2 Coy.
No 3 Coy: At Fort Mosta.

1923 Royal Malta Artillery

Sep 1923 New age limits for retirement were introduced for officers. The other ranks were allowed to serve up to the age of thirty.

No 1 Coy
No 2 Coy: HQ RMA attached to No 2 Coy
No 3 Coy

1924 Royal Malta Artillery

1 July 1924 Strength: 21 officers 383 men.

In 1924, officers on first being commissioned in the RMA attended courses of instructions in gunnery in England.
From May 1924 to December 1939, the RMA consisted of one regiment, 1st Heavy Regt RMA, of three batteries. In addition to Coast Defence the RMA received training in field and anti-aircraft gunnery.

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty

1925 Royal Malta Artillery

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty

1926 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Jan 1926 Strength: 22 officer, 385 rank and file.

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty

1927 Royal Malta Artillery

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty

1928 Royal Malta Artillery

Strength 22 officers and 385 men

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty

1929 Royal Malta Artillery

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3 Heavy Bty

1930 Royal Malta Artillery

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty

1931 Royal Malta Artillery

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty

1932 Royal Malta Artillery

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty

1933 Royal Malta Artillery

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty

1934 Royal Malta Artillery

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty

1935 Royal Malta Artillery

Strength: 22 officers, 417 men.

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty

1936 Royal Malta Artillery

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty

1937 Royal Malta Artillery

A detachment of the RMA attended the coronation on George VI.

11 May 1937 Field Marshal Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd became Colonel Commandant of the RMA.

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty

1938 Royal Malta Artillery

Strength: 22 officers, 472 other ranks.
Up to 1938 the RMA consisted of one regiment of three Coast Batteries. In May 1838, the RMA was expanded from one Coast Regiment to two regiments one of which was to be a Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment.

On 18 October 1938, the establishment increased to 63 officers and 1,442 other ranks. To deal with the increase in numbers a Training Cadre was formed at Fort Ricasoli under Major S. J. Borg with a staff of RMA instructors.

1st Heavy Regt
1. 1st Heavy Bty
2. 2nd Heavy Bty
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty

1939 Royal Malta Artillery

23 Aug 1939 The RMA mobilised to its war stations.

The Anti-Aircraft Defences were manned by 7th AA Regiment RA and 5th AA Battery of the still unformed AA Regiment RMA.

21 Sep 11th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RMA (T) was the first Territorial Artillery Regiment to be raised. It was commanded by Major Eastwick-Field MC RA. The first recruits to pass out of the Training Depôt at Fort Ricasoli joined 5 HAA Bty RMA.

On 2 December 1939, were raised No 6 HAA Bty and No 7 HAA Bty RMA. These formed part of No 2 HAA Regt RMA under the command of Lt Col S. J. Borg RMA. A Search Light Battery was also raised and formed part of No 2 HAA Regt RMA.

The Coast Regiment became the 1st Coast Regiment under the command of Lt Col A. J. Gatt RMA.

The Coast Artillery had three main functions: Counter Bombardment, Close Defence and the Examination Anchorage Service. Counter Bombardment was the responsibility of No 4 Heavy Regt RA which manned the seven 9.2 inch guns. The other two roles were the responsibility of the RMA Regiment with its ten 6 inch and nine 6 pounder twin equipments.

During the Second World War the Royal Malta Artillery expanded to five regiments and two Btys. The strength of the Royal Malta Artillery on 30 June 1939 was 1,389 men.

The Dockyard Defence Battery recruited in 1939 entirely from Dockyard personnel for the defence of the Dockyard. A similar formation had existed from 1853 to 1864 for the defence of the victualling yard and gun factory.

11th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regt (T) – 11th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regt (T)
1. Raised on 21 Sep 1939. It was placed in suspended animation on 31 May 1945. The regiment had gun positions at Delimara and San Pietru. It was assigned the defence of the south-east part of Malta, including Luqa and the harbour region. Its Regimental HQ was at Zejtun.
2. No 20 HAA Bty (T) RMA
3. No 21 HAA Bty (T) RMA
4. No 22 LAA Bty (T). In March 1941, it was transferred to No 3 LAA Regt RMA.
2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt
1. Raised on 2 Dec 1939 with non-commissioned-officers from 1st Coast Regt RA and new recruits. It disbanded in Sep 1945.
2. No 5 HAA Bty. – Raised at Mtarfa on 1 July 1939 under the command of Capt J. V. Abela RMA. It set up at Delimara Camp and occupied Delimara and Tal Qroq anti aircraft positions each with four 3-inch (20cwt) AA guns. This was the first time a RMA Bty deployed in an anti-aircraft role. It joined No 2 AA Regt RMA on its formation on 2 Dec 1939.
3. No 6 HAA Bty. – Raised at Mtarfa on 7 Aug 1939. Joined No 2 AA Regt RMA on its formation on 2 Dec 1939.
4. No 7 Search Light Bty. – Formed 5 Sep 1939, but re-designated No 7 HAA Bty. On 2 Dec 1939, it joined No 2 AA Regt RMA.
HQ Royal Malta Artillery at Upper St. Elmo
1st Heavy Regt. Raised Dec 1939. Disbanded Dec 1940.
1. 1st Heavy Bty. At Fort Rocco
2. 2nd Heavy Bty. At Fort Tigné
3. 3rd Heavy Bty. At Fort St. Elmo

1940 Royal Malta Artillery

HQ Royal Malta Artillery
1 Coast Regt RMA Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty RMA
2. 2 Coast Bty RMA
3. 3 Coast Bty RMA. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty
4. 4 Coast Bty RMA
1st Heavy Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1939. Left Dec 1940. On 3 Sep 1940, 4 Heavy Bty RMA was formed in 1st Heavy Regt RMA.
11th AA Regt RMA – Formed on 21 Sep 1939. Strength (31 Mar 1940) 1793 men.
1. 20 Heavy AA Bty (T).
2. 21 Heavy AA Bty (T).
3. 22 Heavy AA Bty (T). 22 Bty was equipped with Bofors and joined 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) on its formation in March 1941.
4. 23 Heavy AA Bty (T) formed on 25 Nov 1940.
2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt
1. Raised on 2 Dec 1939 with non-commissioned-officers from 1st Coast Regt RA and new recruits. Disbanded Sep 1945.
2. 5th HAA Bty. – Formed at Mtarfa on 1 July 1939.
  On 18 April 1940, the Bty was concentrated at Fort Lower St Elmo prior to proceeding overseas. Sailed for Egypt on 7 May 1940. Returned to Malta in 1943.
  Manned AA defences in Egypt and the Coast defence battery at Port Tewfik.
3. 6th HAA Bty. – Formed in Aug 1939. Joined 2 AA Regt RMA on its formation on 2 Dec 1939.
4. 7th HAA Bty. On 2 Dec 1939 joined 2 AA Regt RMA. Disbanded March 1945.
  On 14 Apr 1940, 7th AA Bty RMA moved away from Fort Lower St Elmo.
5. 8th Search Light Bty. – Formed Jan 1940. In Nov 1940, joined 4 S/L Regt RA/RMA on its formation.
9 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Bty. – Raised Nov 1940.
1. 10 Light Anti-Aircraft Bty.– Raised Dec 1940.
2. 30 Light Anti-Aircraft Bty. – Raised Mar 1940 to May 1941.
3. 4 Heavy Bty. – Raised Sep 1940 to Dec 1940.
4. 7 Searchlight Battery Bty.
4 Searchlight Regt RA/RMA – Formed Dec 1940.
1. 8 Searchlight Bty
2. 484 (Carmarenshire) Searchlight Bty arrived from Egypt. Disbanded 1944.

Strength (30 June 1940): 78 officers, 1,624 men.

10 June Italy declared war on Britain. On the morning of 11 June, Italian bombs hit D gun emplacement at Fort St Elmo Valletta, killing seven gunners of 1st Regiment RMA outright.

7 May 1940–Mar 1943 5 Heavy AA Bty from No 2 Regt RA was on service in Egypt between 7 May 1940 and March 1943. The Bty was composed of 216 volunteer officers and gunners. It was the only Maltese unit to serve outside Malta in WWII. It first deployed to Aboukir and then to the Suez Canal area. The Bty was commanded by Maj J. V. Abela MBE RMA.

12 Oct No 4854 Gnr G. Micallef 4 Heavy Bty RMA was treated at MAP Mellieha for a gun shot wound to the abdomen and right hand and was evacuated to Mtarfa Hospital.

Dec Lt Col A. J. Gatt RMA became Commander Fixed Defences with the rank of Brigadier. He was succeeded to the command of 1st Coast Regiment by Lt Col C. E. Casolani RMA.

Dec 1940 The German Airforce took over from the Regia Aeronautica in December and for the next five months tired to bomb the island into submission.

As Op Barbarossa drew nearer (June 1941), the Luftwaffe was withdrawn from Sicily for the Russian Front and left the Italians to subdue Malta.

The Luftwaffe was back in Sicily from Nov 1941 to June 1942 when they bombed the island incessantly so as to enable the unhindered resupply of their Afrika Korps.

1941 Royal Malta Artillery

HQ Royal Malta Artillery
1 Coast Regt RMA Strength (1 July 1941): 31 officers, 1307 men.
Redesignation of 1 Hy Bty in Nov 1940. Formed Dec 1940. Disbanded June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty RMA.
2. 2 Coast Bty RMA
3. 3 Coast Bty RMA. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty
4. 4 Coast Bty RMA. – Formed 3 Sep 1940 in 1 Hy AA Regt RMA.
1st Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1939, Left Dec 1940.
1. 1 Heavy Bty RMA.
2. 2 Heavy Bty RMA.
3. 3 Heavy Bty RMA. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty
4. 4 Heavy Bty RMA. – Formed 3 Sep 1940 in 1 Hy AA Regt RMA.
11th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt RMA (T)
1. Formed on 21 Sep 1939. Strength (1 July 1941): 17 officers, 437 men.
2. 20 Heavy AA Bty (T).
3. 21 Heavy AA Bty (T).
4. 22 Heavy AA Bty (T). 22 Bty was equipped with Bofors and joined 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) on its formation in March 1941.
5. 23 Heavy AA Bty (T) – Formed on 25 Nov 1940.
2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt
1. Raised on 2 Dec 1939 with non-commissioned-officers from 1st Coast Regt RA and new recruits.
  Strength (1 July 1941): 22 officers, 643 men. Disbanded Sep 1945.
2. 5th HAA Bty. – Formed at Mtarfa on 1 July 1939. Sailed for Egypt on 7 May 1940. Returned to Malta in 1943.
  Manned AA defences in Egypt and the Coast defence battery at Port Tewfik.
3. 6 HAA Bty. – Formed in Aug 1939. Joined 2 AA Regt RMA on its formation on 2 Dec 1939.
4. 7 HAA Bty. On 2 Dec 1939 joined 2 AA Regt RMA. Disbanded Mar 1945.
5. 9th Bty RA. Formed in 2 HAA Regt RMA to replace 5 HAA Bty which had gone to Egypt.
6. 8 Search Light Bty. – Formed Jan 1940. In Nov 1940, joined 4 S/L Regt RA/RMA on its formation.
9 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Bty. – Raised Nov 1940.
1. 10 Light Anti-Aircraft Bty. – Raised Dec 1940.
2. 30 Light Anti-Aircraft Bty. – Raised Mar 1940 to May 1941.
4th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt HQ RA. – Formed July 1941. Strength 422 men. Located at Fort Tigné.
Became 4th Coast Regt with 6th and 10th Coast Bty RA.
1. 14 HAA Bty RMA part of 4 Hvy AA Regt RA. – Formed Jan 1942 Left Apr 1943.
2. 5 HAA Bty part of 4 Hvy AA Regt RA. – Formed Apr 1943, Moved to 2 HAA Regt RMA in Jan 1944. Disbanded Mar 1945.
4 Searchlight Regt RA/RMA. Strength (30 Sep 1941): 11 officers, 236 men.
1. 8 Searchlight Bty joined 4 SL Regt RA/RMA on its formation in Nov 1940.
2. 484 (Carmarenshire) Searchlight Bty arrived from Egypt. Disbanded 1944.
3rd Light Anti Aircraft Regt RMA (T)
1. Formed 18 Mar 1941. Took over LAA Btys from 74th Regt.
  Strength (1 July 1941): (four Btys including the Dockyard Defence Bty) - 19 officers, 591 men.
  On 18 Mar 1941, were formed 3 Light AA Regt, 10 Light AA Bty from 2 Heavy AA Regt, and 22 LAA Bty from 11 Regt and the Dockyard Defence Bty. The Dockyard Defence Bty was formed in 1939 from Dockyard workers. Left Sep 1945.
2. 10 LAA Bty RMA – Formed Dec 1940
3. 22 LAA Bty RMA – Moved to 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) in Mar 1941.
4. 30 LAA Bty RMA – Formed in Mar 1941 from 3rd Light AA Regt RMA (T) which was redesignated 30 LAA Bty.

68th Heavy RMA — 68th Heavy Regt RMA (Main Guard Valletta)

7 Mar 1941 No 3932 L/Sgt Buttigieg H/RMA received shrapnel wounds to his hands and abdomen from a German bullet which exploded while he was handling it.

Allison A — 10951 Gnr Alfred Allison 1 Coast Regt RMA died 30 Apr 1941.

18 Mar The RMA was further increased by the formation of 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment under Lt Col E. J. Salomone RMA.

30 Apr Death of 10674 Gnr Joseph Vella RMA. (St Andrew's Cemetery Pembroke).

26 July Italian E-Boat attack on the Grand Harbour foiled by Coastal defences RMA mainly through the gunnery of 1 Coast Regt RA.

In 1941, Brigadier A. J. Gatt OBE MC became Colonel Commandant of the RMA.

1942 Royal Malta Artillery

HQ Royal Malta Artillery
1st Coast Regt RMA (CO Lt Col A. J. Dunkerley).
1. Strength: 30 officers, 964 OR (1 Aug 1942), including 96 attached to 4th Coast Regt RA.
  Raised Dec. 1940. Disbanded June 1956.
2. 1 Coast Bty RMA. – (Redesignation of 1 Hvy Bty in Nov 1940). Location: At Fort Rocco.
3. 2 Coast Bty RMA. Location: At Tigné
4. 3 Coast Bty RMA. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Hvy Bty
5. 4 Coast Bty RMA. – Formed 3 Sep 1940 in 1 Hvy AA Regt RMA. Location: At St Elmo and Fort Ricasoli
2nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt (Lt Col J. A. Sammut). Raised 2 Dec. 1939 with non-commissioned-officers from 1st Coast Regt RA and new recruits. It was mainly concentrated in the NW of the island in defence of Ta' Qali airfield and the northern and western approaches.
1. 6 HAA Bty. – Formed in Aug 1939. Joined 2 AA Regt RMA on its formation on 2 Dec 1939.
2. 7 HAA Bty. On 2 Dec 1939 joined 2 AA Regt RMA. Disbanded Mar 1945.
3. 9 HAA Bty. – Formed in 2 HAA Regt RMA to replace 5 HAA Bty which had gone to Egypt.
3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regt (T) (Lt Col E. J. Salomone).
1. On 18 Mar 1941, were formed 3 Light AA Regt, 10 Light AA Bty from 2 Heavy AA Regt, and 22 LAA Bty from 11 Regt and the Dockyard Defence Bty.
  3 Lt AA Regt RMA took over LAA Btys from 74th Regt.
  Strength (four Btys including the Dockyard Defence Bty) - 591 men.
  Left Sep 1945.
2. 10 LAA Bty RMA – Formed Dec 1940
3. 22 LAA Bty RMA – On 4 Sep 1942 Bty HQ moved from Zabbar to Birzebbugia.
4. 30 LAA Bty RMA – Formed in Mar 1941 from 3rd Light AA Regt RMA (T) which was redesignated 30 LAA Bty.
5. 15 LAA Bty RMA – Formed from conscripts in Jan 1942 and equipped with Bofors. Transferred to 3 LAA Regt on 1 Jan 1943.
4th Searchlight Regt RA/RMA (Maj H. R. Micallef)
1. 8 Search Light Bty. – Formed Jan 1940. In Nov 1940, joined 4 S/L Regt RA/RMA on its formation.
2. 484 (Carmarenshire) Searchlight Bty arrived from Egypt. Disbanded 1944.
5th Coast Regt (Lt Col H. A. Ferro). – Formed 1 June 1942. Disbanded Sep 1944.
1. 11 Coast Bty RMA
2. 12 Coast Bty RMA
3. 13 Defence Bty RMA. – Formed 22 Aug 1941 as part of 26 Defence Regt RA. Joined 5 Coast Regt RMA on 1 July 1942. It disbanded in Sep 1944.
11th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regt (T) (Lt Col J Terreni). – Formed on 21 Sep 1939. Strength (31 Mar 1940) 1793 men.
1. 20 Heavy AA Bty (T).
2. 21 Heavy AA Bty (T).
3. 22 Heavy AA Bty (T). 22 Bty was equipped with Bofors and joined 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) on its formation in March 1941.
4. 23 Heavy AA Bty (T) – Formed on 25 Nov 1940.
4th Heavy Anti Aircraft Regt RA – Formed July 1941. Strength 422 men. Located at Fort Tigné.
Became 4th Coast Regt with 6th and 10th Coast Bty RA.
1. 14 HAA Bty RMA. – Formed Jan 1942 Left Apr 1943.
2. 5 HAA Bty RMA. – Formed Apr 1943. Moved to 2 HAA Regt RMA in Jan 1944. Disbanded Mar 1945.

40mm Bofors — Former 42359 L/Bdr A Bonnici No 3 gunner 15th Bty 3rd LAA Regt RMA on a 70 Bofors light anti-aircraft automatic gun. He served from 17 Oct 1942 to 11 Mar 1946. (Lascaris War Rooms Valletta)

April 1942 saw the height of the blitz by the Luftwaffe when an average of 175 bombers raided the island daily. There were 283 air raids during that month each lasting on average 63 minutes. By May, Malta had endured 2,470 raids.

1 June Formation of 5th Coast Regt RMA under Lt Col H. A. Ferro. 5th Coast Bty took command of 4 Coast Bty and 17 Coast Bty. On 20 July 13 Defence Bty RMA ceased to be attached to 26th Defence Regt RA and became part of 5th Coast Regt RMA, comprising 11 and 12 Coast Btys. 13 Defence Bty was formed on 1 June 1942 to repel a threat of a German invasion of Malta (Op Herkules). It was disbanded in Oct 1944.

C Tabone — 40139 Gnr Carmel Tabone 11 HAA Regt RMA died 7 Apr 1942.
No 10649 Gnr George Falzon 1 Coast Regt RMA died 8 Apr 1942 aged 43 yrs. (St Andrew's Cemetery Pembroke)

13 Jul 1942 Anti personnel bombs dropped in the Marsaxlokk and Birzebbugia area.
No 8096 Gnr C Sciberras 30th Lt AA Bty was killed by enemy action. (Note the graves registration report gives his name as Carmel Schembri whereas the regimental war dairy lists him as C Sciberras).
No 8379 Gnr J Zahra 30th Lt AA Bty was wounded by enemy action.

20 Jul 1942 An enemy bomber dived very low over Kalafrana releasing a stick of bombs two of which landed on XLA 31 and A and B Troop HQ of 3 Lt AA Regt RMA. The whole detachment manning the gun was killed, while the the telephonist on duty at B Troop HQ was severely wounded. The gun was badly damaged and rendered out of action. B Troop billets were demolished while A Troop accommodation was substantially damage so as to render it uninhabitable.

Those killed were: No 4371 Sgt Fidele Zarb MM aged 30 years, No 10677 Gnr Saviour Sillato aged 19 years, No 10774 Gnr Francis Baldacchino aged 21 years, No 10789 Gnr Albert Zammit aged 20 years, No 10809 Gnr Joseph Ellul, No 41440 Gnr Franky Agius aged 20 years.

No 11019 Gnr Gauci who received medical aid on the spot was immediately taken to hospital.

20 Nov 16th Coast Battery RMA was redesignated 4th coast Battery RMA.

1943 Royal Malta Artillery

A Falzon — Anthony Falzon 3 Lt A A Regt RMA died 9 July 1944 aged 22 years.
42080 Gnr George Mercieca 3 Lt A A Regt RMA died 9 July 1944.
10467 Gnr Paul Azzopardi 1 Coast Regt RMA died 15 August 1944 aged 38 yrs (Mtarfa Military Cemetery).

Jan 1943 Fall of Tripoli.

25 Jan 1943 No 42019 Gnr Emmanuel Spiteri 3 Lt AA Regt RMA, aged 19 years, was wounded at X.L.A. 21 from a 40mm round fired accidentally by the gun team while on training. He was admitted to No 45 General Hospital, St Andrews but died on the day of admission. He was interred at Pembroke Military Cemetery.

10 May No 40719 Gnr Paul Axiak 1st Coast Regt RMA, aged 29 years, died at No 90 General Hospital, Mtarfa and was buried at Mtarfa Military Cemetery.

2 Jun Men from 1st Coast Regt RMA moved to Benghaisa Point and Fort Benghaisa on the closure of Fort St Angelo and Lower Barracca.

10 Jun 4th Coast Bty HQ RMA moved from Fort St Elmo to Birzebbugia.

14 Nov 1943 Gnr 41291 Rosario Seychell 1st Coast Regt RMA died at No 45 (UK) General Hospital, St Andrews. He was interred at Pembroke Military Cemetery.

HQ Royal Malta Artillery
1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 35 officers 965 ORs including 96 men attached to 4th Coast Regt RA (1 Jan 1943). – Co Lt Col A J Dunkerly RMA.
1. 1 Coast Bty RMA. – (Redesignation of 1 Hy Bty in Nov 1940). At Fort Rocco
2. 2 Coast Bty RMA. At Tigné
3. 3 Coast Bty RMA. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty
4. 4 Coast Bty RMA. Formed 3 Sep 1940 in 1 Hy AA Regt RMA. At St Elmo and Fort Ricasoli
5 Coast Regt RMA. – Formed June 1942. Disbanded Sep 1944.
1. 11 Coast Bty RMA
2. 12 Coast Bty RMA
3. 13 Defence Bty RMA. – Formed 22 Aug 1941 as part of 26 Defence Regt RA. Joined 5 Coast Regt RMA on 1 July 1942. It disbanded in Sep 1944.
11th Heavy AA Regt RMA – Formed on 21 Sep 1939. Strength (31 Mar 1940) 1793 men.
1. 20 Heavy AA Bty (T).
2. 21 Heavy AA Bty (T).
3. 22 Heavy AA Bty (T). 22 Bty was equipped with Bofors and joined 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) on its formation in March 1941.
4. 23 Heavy AA Bty (T) – Formed on 25 Nov 1940.
2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt
1. Raised on 2 Dec 1939 with non-commissioned-officers from 1st Coast Regt RA and new recruits. Disbanded Sep 1945.
2. 5th HAA Bty. Formed at Mtarfa on 1 July 1939. Sailed for Egypt on 7 May 1940.
  Manned AA defences in Egypt and the Coast defence battery at Port Tewfik.
  Returned from Egypt in Feb 1943 and was converted into a Heavy Anti-Aircraft relief battery.
3. 6 HAA Bty. – Formed in Aug 1939. Joined 2 AA Regt RMA on its formation on 2 Dec 1939.
4. 7 HAA Btys. – On 2 Dec 1939 joined 2 AA Regt RMA. Disbanded Mar 1945.
5. 9th Bty RA. – Formed in 2 HAA Regt RMA to replace 5 HAA Bty which had gone to Egypt.
6. 8 Search Light Bty. – Formed Jan 1940. In Nov 1940, joined 4 S/L Regt RA/RMA on its formation.
9 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Bty. Raised Nov 1940.
1. 10 Light Anti-Aircraft Bty. Raised Dec 1940.
4th Heavy Regt HQ RA.
1. Formed July 1941. Strength 422 men. Located at Fort Tigné.
  Became 4th Coast Regt with 6th and 10th Coast Bty RA.
2. 14 HAA Bty RMA part of 4 Hvy AA Regt RA. – Formed Jan 1942. On 14 Apr 1943, 14 HAA Bty RMA on duty with 4th HAA Regt RA was disbanded. It was relieved by 5 HAA Bty RMA.
3. 5 HAA Bty part of 4 Hvy AA Regt RA. – Formed Apr 1943, Moved to 2 HAA Regt RMA in Jan 1944. By 29 Mar 1943, all of 5 HAA Bty RMA had returned from Egypt. Disbanded Mar 1945.
4 Searchlight Regt RA/RMA
1. 8 Searchlight Bty joined 4 SL Regt RA/RMA on its formation in Nov 1940.
2. 484 (Carmarenshire) Searchlight Bty arrived from Egypt. Disbanded 1944.
3rd LAA Regt RMA (T).
1. Formed 18 Mar 1941. Took over LAA Btys from 74th Regt.
  Strength (four Btys including the Dockyard Defence Bty) - 591 men. On 18 March 1941, were formed 3 Light AA Regt, 10 Light AA Bty from 2 Heavy AA Regt, and 22 LAA Bty from 11 Regt and the Dockyard Defence Bty. The Dockyard Defence Bty was formed in 1939 from Dockyard workers. Left Sep 1945.
2. 10 LAA Bty RMA 226 men – On 4 Mar 1943, Bty HQ moved from Birzebbugia to Siggiewi.
3. 22 LAA Bty RMA 228 men – Moved to 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) in Mar 1941.
4. 30 LAA Bty RMA 226 men – Formed in Mar 1941 from 3rd Light AA Regt RMA (T) which was redesignated 30 LAA Bty.
5. 15 LAA Bty RMA 227 men – Formed Jan 1942. Transferred to 3 LAA Regt on 1 Jan 1943.
  On 29 Jan 1943, J Troop 15th LAA Bty took over guns and ammunition from F Troop 30th Bty, and became the first troop to become operational.

Sep Surrender of Italian Fleet at Malta.

Dr Joseph Achilles Verzin PhC MD FRCOG FICS, was a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Mater Infirmorum Hospital Belfast. He was born at Malta and after war service with the Royal Malta Artillery qualified in medicine at the Royal University of Malta in 1950. He was a senior lecturer in the University of Khartoum 1959-67 and received a papal knighthood for his work in the Sudan. After returning to the United Kingdom he was appointed to the Mater Infirmorum Hospital. He was a painstaking and hard working clinician and a formidable committee member and was instrumental in developing the plans for, and then commissioning, the new block at the hospital. Joe always had a pleasant manner and a gentle humour. Precise in all that he did, he expected a similar high standard from others. His command and precision of language were legendary. He was a devout Catholic and from 1986 served on the Catholic bishops' bioethical committee. Joe died from a cerebrovascular accident in 1993.

1944 Royal Malta Artillery

HQ Royal Malta Artillery
1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 38 officers and 1269 ORs including 44 men attached to 4th Coast Details RA (1 Dec 1943).
1. 1 Coast Bty RMA. – (Redesignation of 1 Hy Bty in Nov 1940). At Fort Rocco
2. 2 Coast Bty RMA. At Tigné
3. 3 Coast Bty RMA. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty
5 Coast Regt RMA. Formed June 1942. Disbanded Oct 1944.
1. 11 Coast Bty RMA
2. 12 Coast Bty RMA
3. 13 Defence Bty RMA. Formed 22 Aug 1941 as part of 26 Defence Regt RA. Joined 5 Coast Regt RMA on 1 July 1942. It disbanded in Sep 1944.
11th Heavy AA Regt RMA – Formed on 21 Sep 1939. Strength (31 Mar 1940) 1793 men.
1. 20 Heavy AA Bty (T).
2. 21 Heavy AA Bty (T).
3. 22 Heavy AA Bty (T). 22 Bty was equipped with Bofors and joined 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) on its formation in March 1941.
4. 23 Heavy AA Bty (T) – Formed on 25 Nov 1940.
2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt – Raised on 2 Dec 1939 with non-commissioned-officers from 1st Coast Regt RA and new recruits. Disbanded Sep 1945.
1. 5 AA Bty. – Formed at Mtarfa on 1 July 1939.
2. 6 AA Bty. – Formed in Aug 1939. Joined 2 AA Regt RMA on its formation on 2 Dec 1939.
3. 7 Search Light Bty. – Formed 5 Sep 1939, but re-designated 7 AA Bty shortly afterwards. On 2 Dec 1939 joined 2 AA Regt RMA. Disbanded Mar 1945.
4. 9th Bty RA. – Formed in 2 HAA Regt RMA to replace 5 HAA Bty which had gone to Egypt.
5. 8 Search Light Bty. – Formed Jan 1940. In Nov 1940, it joined 4 S/L Regt RA/RMA on its formation.
9 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Bty. – Raised Nov 1940.
1. 10 Light Anti-Aircraft Bty. – Raised Dec 1940.
4th Heavy Regt HQ RA. – Formed July 1941. Strength 422 men. Located at Fort Tigné.
Became 4th Coast Regt with 6th and 10th Coast Bty RA.
1. 5 HAA Bty part of 4 Hvy AA Regt RA. – Formed Apr 1943, Moved to 2 HAA Regt RMA in Jan 1944. By 29 Mar 1943, all of 5 HAA Bty RMA had returned from Egypt. Disbanded Mar 1945.
4 Searchlight Regt RA/RMA
1. 8 Searchlight Bty joined 4 SL Regt RA/RMA on its formation in Nov 1940.
2. 484 (Carmarenshire) Searchlight Bty arrived from Egypt. Disbanded 1944.
3rd LAA Regt RMA (T). Formed 18 Mar 1941. Took over LAA Btys from 74th Regt. Strength (four Btys including the Dockyard Defence Bty) - 591 men. On 18 Mar 1941, were formed 3 Light AA Regt, 10 Light AA Bty from 2 Heavy AA Regt, and 22 LAA Bty from 11 Regt and the Dockyard Defence Bty. The Dockyard Defence Bty was formed in 1939 from Dockyard workers. Left Sep 1945.
1. 10 LAA Bty RMA – Formed Dec 1940
2. 22 LAA Bty RMA – Moved to 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) in Mar 1941.
3. 30 LAA Bty RMA – Formed in Mar 1941 from 3rd Light AA Regt RMA (T) which was redesignated 30 LAA Bty.
Composite Bty CA RA/RMA – Formed June 1944 on the departure of 4 Coast Regt RA. Left Apr 1947.

1945 Royal Malta Artillery

HQ Royal Malta Artillery
1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 27 officers, 918 ORs (Jan 1945). (Lt Col Maj J V Abela MBE RMA).
1. 1 Coast Bty RMA. – (Redesignation of 1 Hy Bty in Nov 1940). At Fort Rocco
2. 2 Coast Bty RMA. Disbanded 15 May 1945.
3. 3 Coast Bty RMA.
11 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt RMA
1. Formed on 21 Sep 1939. In May 1945, No 11 Heavy AA Regt RMA (T) was placed in suspended animation.
  It was reconstituted in Sep 1951 as a Territorial force units together with the 1st/King's Own Malta Regt.
2. 20 Heavy AA Bty (T)
3. 21 Heavy AA Bty (T). – Disbanded 15 Mar 1945
4. 22 Heavy AA Bty (T). 22 Bty was equipped with Bofors and joined 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) on its formation in March 1941.
5. 23 Heavy AA Bty (T) – Formed on 25 Nov 1940. Disbanded 25 Mar 1945.
2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regt
1. Raised on 2 Dec 1939 with non-commissioned-officers from 1st Coast Regt RA and new recruits.
  In Sep 1945, No 2 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regt became No 2 Composite AA Regt with two HAA and one LAA Bty. Left in Nov 1949.
2. 5 AA Bty. – Formed at Mtarfa on 1 July 1939.
3. 6 AA Bty. – Formed in Aug 1939. Joined 2 AA Regt RMA on its formation on 2 Dec 1939.
4. 7 Search Light Bty. – Formed 5 Sep 1939, but re-designated 7 AA Bty shortly afterwards. On 2 Dec 1939 joined 2 AA Regt RMA. Disbanded Mar 1945.
5. 9th Bty RA. – Formed in 2 HAA Regt RMA to replace 5 HAA Bty which had gone to Egypt.
6. 8 Search Light Bty. – Formed Jan 1940. In Nov 1940, it joined 4 S/L Regt RA/RMA on its formation.
2 Composite AA Regt
1. 6 HAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
2. 8 SL Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
3. 10 LAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
9 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Bty. – Raised Nov 1940.
1. 10 Light Anti-Aircraft Bty. – Raised Dec 1940.
4th Heavy Regt HQ RA.
1. Formed July 1941. Strength 422 men. Located at Fort Tigné.
  Became 4th Coast Regt with 6th and 10th Coast Bty RA.
2. 5 HAA Bty part of 4 Hvy AA Regt RA. – Formed Apr 1943, Moved to 2 HAA Regt RMA in Jan 1944. By 29 Mar 1943, all of 5 HAA Bty RMA had returned from Egypt. Disbanded 17 Mar 1945.
4 Searchlight Regt RA/RMA. – Formed Nov 1940. Disbanded Mar 1945.
1. 8 Searchlight Bty joined 4 SL Regt RA/RMA on its formation in Nov 1940.
3rd LAA Regt RMA (T)
1. Disbanded 17 Mar 1945. No 10 Bty returned to 2 HAA Regt from where it was originally derived.
  In Sep 1951, No 3 Light AA Regt RMA (T) was reconstituted as a Territorial force units together with the 1st/King's Own Malta Regt.
2. 10 LAA Bty RMA – OC Maj J M Cremona RMA/ Maj A Samut Tagliaferro RMA.
3. 15 LAA Bty RMA – Disbanded 26 Mar 1945. Personnel moved to 30 LAA Bty RMA.
4. 22 LAA Bty RMA – Disbanded 17 Mar 1945.
5. 30 LAA Bty RMA. – OC Maj G Bonello RMA. Disbanded 10 May 1945.
Composite Bty CA RA/RMA – Formed June 1944 on the departure of 4 Coast Regt RA. Left Apr 1947.

10 Jan 1945 1st Coast Regt RMA was reduced from three to two Batteries.

15 Jan 1945 Fort Campbell and Fort St Elmo reverted to a care and maintenance basis with equipment made non operational but retained for training use.

Part of Harbour Fire Command, St Pauls Fire Command, 1 Coast Bty RMA and 3 Coast Bty RMAs ceased to be operational and were placed in care and maintenance.

Coast Artillery Search Lights (C.A.S.Ls.) at Sliema Point, Tigne, Ricasoli and Rocco also became non operational.

26 Feb 1945 Maj J V Abela MBE RMA assumed command of 1st coast Regt RMA from Lt Col H A Ferro RMA.

15 Aug 1945 End of war with Japan announced, bringing World War II to an end.

31 Aug 1945 1st Coast Regt RMA strength: 23 officers and 973 ORs.

1946 Royal Malta Artillery

HQ Royal Malta Artillery
1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 30 officers 890 men.
1. 1 Coast Bty RMA. – (Redesignation of 1 Hy Bty in Nov 1940). At Fort Rocco
2. 2 Coast Bty RMA. At Tigné
2 Composite AA Regt
1. 6 HAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
2. 8 SL Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
3. 10 LAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
Composite Bty CA RA/RMA – Formed June 1944 on the departure of 4 Coast Regt RA. Left Apr 1947.

Dec 1946 Owing to the number of reservists of the Royal Malta Artillery leaving the island without permission, the Royal Navy and the Malta Government were advised that reservists were not allowed to leave Malta without the permission of the officer in charge Maltese Records Office.

1947 Royal Malta Artillery

HQ Royal Malta Artillery
1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 1307 men. From Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty RMA. – (Redesignation of 1 Hy Bty in Nov 1940). At Fort Rocco
2. 2 Coast Bty RMA. At Tigné
3. 3 Coast Bty RMA. HQ Bty attached to No 3 Heavy Bty
4. 4 Coast Bty RMA. – Formed 3 Sep 1940 in 1 Hy AA Regt RMA. At St Elmo and Fort Ricasoli
2 Composite AA Regt
1. 6 HAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
2. 8 SL Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
3. 10 LAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
Composite Bty CA RA/RMA – Formed June 1944 on the departure of 4 Coast Regt RA. Left Apr 1947.

1948 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Oct 1948 The Coast and LAA roles were handed over to the RMA. The regiments were re-designated HAA. 60 Bty and 168 Bty converted to the HAA role.

Nov 1948 36th CA/AA Regt became 36th HAA Regt RA and gave up both the Coast and the LAA roles to the RMA.

1st Coast Regt RMA became responsible for all Coast Artillery. It had two Btys, 1 Coast Bty and 3 Coast Btys.

In July 1949, 2 Coast Bty was reformed at Spinola out of the Boys Training Bty.

HQ Royal Malta Artillery
1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 1307 men. From Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty RMA.
2. 3 Coast Bty RMA.
2 Composite AA Regt – Formed Sep 1945. Left Nov 1949
1. 6 HAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
2. 8 SL Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
3. 10 LAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.

1949 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 1307 men. From Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty RMA.
2. 3 Coast Bty RMA.
2 Composite AA Regt – Formed Sep 1945. Left Nov 1949
1. 6 HAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
2. 8 SL Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
3. 10 LAA Bty part of 2 AA Composite Regt RMA.
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. Left Sep 1958.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 8 SL Bty became 8 HAA Bty
5. 10 LAA/SL Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958

Ghajn Tuffieha Camp — The Royal Malta Artillery Camp at Ghajn Tuffieha tablet on building with tower.

As much as 88% of the gunners of the RMA were married and lived out of Fort St Elmo with their families. The large tiled barrack room of the fort was usually empty at night, save for the few single men who lived in. The 25 pounders of the fort were used for Royal Salutes.

1st Coast Regiment RMA manned Fort St Elmo and the coastal forts. 2nd HAA Regt was formed before the war. Between 1938 and 1942 the RMA increased to five regiments and a search light battery.

Royal Artillery Malta — The Royal Malta Artillery Camp at Ghajn Tuffieha.

Maltese soldiers received a lower pay with no allowances. Their British counterparts in Fort Tigné received a local allowance of 10d a day for single soldier and 9s 6d a day for married men. A number sought transfer to the RA with the aim of getting posted back to Malta. Some succeeded but the tenure of the posting was never guaranteed as the men were liable to be posted where ever their services was required.

Sgt J. R. Cini RA, serving with 28 Coast Bty in Gibraltar was denied child benefit of 5 shillings a week for the first child and 6 shillings for a subsequent child thereafter, because he was married to a Maltese who had never lived in England. The family allowance was only paid to British subjects living overseas if they or their wives had been entitled to it had they remained in England.

1950 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 1307 men. From Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 HAA Bty at Benghisa
2. 2 HAA Bty at Delimara
3. 3 HAA Bty at Leonardo
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. Left Sep 1958.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 10 LAA/SL Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958

1951 Royal Malta Artillery

Sep 1951 3 LAA Regt was reformed as a territorial unit together with 11 HAA Regt RMA (MTF) and 1st/KOMR.

Regimental HQ 3rd LAA Regt (T) was at Lower St Elmo Barracks.

RHQ 11th HAA Regt(t) was formed at Hompesch but moved to Fleur de Lys.

20 HAA Bty was at Hompesch. 21 HAA Bty was at Fleur de Lys and 23 HAA Bty was at Spinola.

10 LAAA/SL Battery became 10 Depôt Bty RMA.

1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 1307 men. From Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty. On 14 June 1951, 1 Coast Bty RMA moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Benghisa.
2. 2 Coast Bty. On 18 June 1951, 2 Coast Bty RMA moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Rocco.
3. 3 Coast Bty at Leonardo
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. Left Sep 1958.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 10 LAA/SL Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3 LAA Regt RMA. – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
11 HAA Regt RMA. – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded June 1957.
1. 20 HAA Bty
2. 21 HAA Bty
3. 23 HAA Bty

1952 Royal Malta Artillery

On 16 April 1952, Malta Territorial Force was redesignated as Territorial (T).

1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 1307 men. From Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty. On 14 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Benghisa
2. 2 Coast Bty. On 18 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Rocco
3. 3 Coast Bty at Leonardo
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. Left Sep 1958.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 10 LAA/SL Bty. In 1953, 10 LAA Bty became an independent battery. The unit was disbanded in 1960, to form the RMA Depôt and Training Establishment.
3 LAA Regt RMA. Formed Sep 1951 as a Territorial unit. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961
11 HAA Regt RMA. – Formed Sep 1951 as a Territorial unit. Disbanded June 1957.
1. 20 HAA Bty
2. 21 HAA Bty
3. 23 HAA Bty

1953 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 1307 men. From Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty. On 14 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Benghisa
2. 2 Coast Bty. On 18 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Rocco
3. 3 Coast Bty at Leonardo.
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. Left Sep 1958.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 10 LAA/SL Bty. Dec 1949 to 1 Jan 1953. – Formed 10 Depôt Bty. Disbanded Jan 1960.
3 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
11 HAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded June 1957.
1. 20 HAA Bty
2. 21 HAA Bty
3. 23 HAA Bty

1954 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 1307 men. From Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty. On 14 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Benghisa
2. 2 Coast Bty. On 18 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Rocco
3. 3 Coast Bty at Leonardo
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. Left Sep 1958.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 10 Depôt Bty. – Arrived Jan 1953. Disbanded Jan 1960. Formed from 10 LAA/SL Bty RMA.
3 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
11 HAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded June 1957.
1. 20 HAA Bty
2. 21 HAA Bty
3. 23 HAA Bty

1955 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Coast Regt RMA Strength: 1307 men. From Dec 1940 to June 1956.
1. 1 Coast Bty. On 14 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Benghisa
2. 2 Coast Bty. On 18 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Rocco
3. 3 Coast Bty at Leonardo
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. Left Sep 1958.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 10 Depôt Bty. – Arrived Jan 1953. Disbanded Jan 1960. Formed from 10 LAA/SL Bty RMA.
3 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
11 HAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded June 1957.
1. 20 HAA Bty
2. 21 HAA Bty
3. 23 HAA Bty

1956 Royal Malta Artillery

1 Coast Regt RMA
1. On 1 June 1956, 1 Coast Regt RMA became 1st HAA Regt RMA.
  Left Fort St Elmo on 30 Oct 1956.
2. 1 Coast Bty. On 14 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Benghisa.
3. 2 Coast Bty. On 18 June 1951, moved from Fort St Elmo to Fort Rocco.
4. 3 Coast Bty at Leonardo.
1 HAA Regt RMA – Formed June 1956, Disbanded Mar 1959.
1. 1 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
2. 2 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
3. 2 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. Left Sep 1958.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 10 Depôt Bty. – Arrived Jan 1953. Disbanded Jan 1960. Formed from 10 LAA/SL Bty RMA.
3 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
11 HAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded June 1957.
1. 20 HAA Bty
2. 21 HAA Bty
3. 23 HAA Bty

Feb 1956 The Coast Artillery was abolished. By Dec 1956 all coast artillery equipment was dismantled for disposal. On 5 May 1978, in the foreword to the War Museum Souvenir Handbook, Brig Alfred Samut-Tagliaferro CBE regretted that not a single gun or emplacement had survived from the vast armoury installed in Malta. Following the decision to discontinue Coast and Heavy Anti Aircraft Artillery in the British Army the defences in Malta were dismantled in the early 1960s and their guns and associated armament were cut up and sold as scrap iron.

1957 Royal Malta Artillery

1 HAA Regt RMA – Formed June 1956, Disbanded Mar 1959.
1. 1 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
2. 2 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
3. 2 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. Left Sep 1958.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 10 Depôt Bty. – Arrived Jan 1953. Disbanded Jan 1960. Formed from 10 LAA/SL Bty RMA.
3 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
11 HAA Regt RMA (T). In June 1957, 11th HAA Regt RMA (T) changed to a LAA Regt.
1. 20 HAA Bty
2. 21 HAA Bty
3. 23 HAA Bty
11 LAA Regt RMA (T). In June 1957, 11th HAA Regt RMA (T) changed to a LAA Regt. Disbanded June 1966.
1. 20 LAA Bty
2. 21 LAA Bty
3. 23 LAA Bty

1958 Royal Malta Artillery

1 HAA Regt RMA – Formed June 1956, Disbanded Mar 1959.
1. 1 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
2. 2 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
3. 2 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
2 HAA Regt RMA – Formed Dec 1949. In Sep 1958 became a LAA.
1. 7 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
2. 6 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
3. 8 HAA Bty. Dec 1949 to Sep 1958
4. 10 Depôt Bty. – Arrived Jan 1953. Disbanded Jan 1960. Formed from 10 LAA/SL Bty RMA.
2 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1958. At Ghajn Tuffieha Camp. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 6 LAA Bty.
2. 7 LAA Bty.
3. 8 LAA Bty.
3 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
11 LAA Regt RMA (T). In June 1957, 11th HAA Regt RMA (T) changed to a LAA Regt. Disbanded June 1966.
1. 20 LAA Bty
2. 21 LAA Bty
3. 23 LAA Bty

April 1958 2nd LAA Regt RMA deployed in support of the civil power to provide guards and working parties during the political disturbances following the resignation of the Labour Government under Dom Mintoff.

1959 Royal Malta Artillery

1 HAA Regt RMA – Formed June 1956, Disbanded Mar 1959.
1. 1 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
2. 2 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
3. 2 Bty 1 HAA Regt RMA.
2 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1958. In Nov 1959 2nd LAA Regt moved to Libya for field training. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 6 LAA Bty.
2. 7 LAA Bty.
3. 8 LAA Bty.
1 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Mar 1959. Took over Tigné Bks from 37 HAA Regt on 22 Aug 1959. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 1 Bty 1 LAA Regt. At Benghisa.
2. 2 Bty 1 LAA Regt. At Fort San Rocco.
3. 3 Bty 1 LAA Regt. At Fort St Leonardo.
3 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
11 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Disbanded June 1966.
1. 20 LAA Bty
2. 21 LAA Bty
3. 23 LAA Bty

On 17 Mar 1959 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regts ceased to exist and were replaced by guided missiles.

All the HAA equipment was returned to stores.

The Heavy Anti Aircraft Regts rerolled as LAA Regts.

1960 Royal Malta Artillery

2 LAA Regt RMA (T).
1. Formed Sep 1958. Disbanded Oct 1961. In May 1960, 2nd LAA Regt moved to Libya for field training. Returned to Malta 7 July 1960. In April 1960, 2nd LAA Regt RMA moved from Ghajn Tuffieha Camp to St David's Barracks Mtarfa. Ghajn Tuffieha Camp was handed over as a Training Camp to 3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) which was based at Lower St Elmo.
2. 6 LAA Bty.
3. 7 LAA Bty.
4. 8 LAA Bty.
1 LAA Regt RMA (T).
1. Formed Mar 1959. Took over Tigné Bks from 37 HAA Regt on 22 Aug 1959.
  Disbanded Oct 1961.
2. 1 Bty 1 LAA Regt. At Benghisa.
3. 2 Bty 1 LAA Regt. At Fort San Rocco.
4. 3 Bty 1 LAA Regt. At Fort St Leonardo.
3 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Sep 1951. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
2. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
3. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
11 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Disbanded June 1966.
1. 20 LAA Bty
2. 21 LAA Bty
3. 23 LAA Bty
RMA Depôt and Trg Establishment Formed in 1960 from the former 10 LAA Bty. Disbanded 1965.

1961 Royal Malta Artillery

Regulars
1 LAA Regt RMA (Tigné Barracks).
Formed Oct 1961. Served in Germany (BAOR) from 1962 to 1970. Disbanded Apr 1976.
1. 1 Bty
2. 2 Bty
3. 3 Bty
2 LAA Regt RMA (Mtarfa Barracks).
1. Formed Sep 1958. In Oct 1961 became 2nd Regt RMA.
2. 6 LAA Bty
3. 7 LAA Bty
4. 8 LAA Bty
RMA Depôt and Training Establishment (Upper St Elmo Barracks)
Territorials
1 LAA Regt RMA (T). – Formed Mar 1959. Took over Tigné Bks from 37 HAA Regt on 22 Aug 1959. Disbanded Oct 1961.
1. 1 Bty 1 LAA Regt. At Benghisa.
2. 2 Bty 1 LAA Regt. At Fort San Rocco.
3. 3 Bty 1 LAA Regt. At Fort St Leonardo.
3 LAA Regt RMA (T) (Lower St Elmo Barracks). Formed Sep 1951. In Oct 1961, it was redesignated 3rd Regt RMA (T).
1. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
2. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
3. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
11 LAA Regt RMA (T) (Fleur-de-lys Camp). In Oct 1961 was redesignated 11th Regt RMA (T). Disbanded Mar 1964.
1. 20 LAA Bty
2. 21 LAA Bty
3. 23 LAA Bty

25 Jan 1961 The RMA celebrated its centenary.

10 Nov The RMA was reorganised. 1 LAA Regt RMA was to serve in Dortmund Germany on transportation duties in support of 7th Artillery Brigade. 2 LAA Regt RMA was to be based in Malta in the Light Anti-Aircraft role with liabilities to serve in Cyprus and the Near East.

1962 Royal Malta Artillery

Regulars
1st Regt RMA (Tigné Barracks).
1. Formed Oct 1961. Served in Germany (BAOR) from 1962 to 1970. Disbanded Apr 1976.
2. 1 Bty
3. 2 Bty
4. 3 Bty
2nd LAA Regt RMA (Mtarfa Barracks). In Oct 1961 became 2nd Regt RMA.
1. 6 LAA Bty
2. 7 LAA Bty
3. 8 LAA Bty
RMA Depôt and Training Establishment (Upper St Elmo Barracks)
Territorials
3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) (Lower St Elmo Barracks). – Formed Sep 1951. In Oct 1961, it was redesignated 3rd Regt RMA (T).
1. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
2. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
3. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
11 LAA Regt RMA (T) (Fleur-de-lys Camp). In Oct 1961 was redesignated 11th Regt RMA (T). Disbanded Mar 1964.
1. 20 LAA Bty
2. 21 LAA Bty
3. 23 LAA Bty

5 April 1962 The advance party of 1st Regt arrived at Dortmund. It took over the accommodation in Moore Barracks, which it shared with 32nd Regt RA. It served in a transport role with 1 Br Corps

1963 Royal Malta Artillery

Regulars
1 LAA Regt RMA (Tigné Barracks).
1. Served in Germany (BAOR) from 1962 to 1970. Disbanded Apr 1976.
2. 1 Bty
3. 2 Bty
4. 3 Bty
2nd LAA Regt RMA (Mtarfa Barracks). In Oct 1961 became 2nd Regt RMA.
1. 6 LAA Bty
2. 7 LAA Bty
3. 8 LAA Bty
RMA Depôt and Training Establishment (Upper St Elmo Barracks)
Territorials
3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) (Lower St Elmo Barracks).
1. Formed Sep 1951. In Oct 1961, it was redesignated 3rd Regt RMA (T).
2. 15 LAA Bty. At Lower St Elmo Barracks. Disbanded Oct 1961.
3. 22 LAA Bty. At Fort Mellieha.
4. 30 LAA Bty. At Bir-id-Deheb Depôt
11th LAA Regt RMA (T) (Fleur-de-lys Camp). In Oct 1961 was redesignated 11th Regt RMA (T). Disbanded Mar 1964.
1. 20 LAA Bty
2. 21 LAA Bty
3. 23 LAA Bty

Jan 1963 Lt Col G. Z. Tabona RMA, transferred command of 1st Regiment RMA to Lt Col G. V. Micallef RMA, on taking up his new appointment as Commander Royal Malta Artillery.

1964 Royal Malta Artillery

Regulars
1 LAA Regt RMA (Tigné Barracks).
1. Formed Oct 1961. Served in Germany (BAOR) from 1962 to 1970. Disbanded Apr 1976.
2. 1 Bty
3. 2 Bty
4. 3 Bty
2nd Light Air Defence Regt RMA. – Formed Mar 1964. Disbanded 12 Apr 1970.
1. 6 Bty 2 LAD
2. 7 Bty 2 LAD
3. 8 Bty 2 LAD
RMA Depôt and Training Establishment (Upper St Elmo Barracks)
Territorials
3rd LAA Regt RMA (T) (Lower St Elmo Barracks).
1. In Oct 1961, it was redesignated 3rd Regt RMA (T). In Mar 1964 became 3rd Light Air Defence Regt RMA (T).
2. 15 Bty 3 LAD
3. 22 Bty 3 LAD
4. 30 Bty 3 LAD
11th LAA Regt RMA (T) (Fleur-de-lys Camp).
1. In Oct 1961 was redesignated 11th Regt RMA (T). Disbanded Mar 1964.
2. 20 LAA Bty
3. 21 LAA Bty
4. 23 LAA Bty
3rd Light Air Defence Regt RMA (T)
1. Formed Mar 1964. Following Maltese Independence on 21 Sep 1964, 3rd LAD Regt RMA (T), 1st/KOMR and 11th LAD Regt RMA (T) became the responsibility of the Malta Government as of 1 Apr 1965. Amalgamated with 11 LAA Regt RMA on 12 June 1966 to form 3/11 LAD Regiment.
11 Regt RMA (T) – Formed Oct 1961. In Mar 1964 became 11th Light Air Defence Regt RMA (T).
1. 20 Bty 11 Regt RMA.
2. 21 Bty 11 Regt RMA.
3. 23 Bty 11 Regt RMA.
11th Light Air Defence Regt RMA (T) – Formed Mar 1964. Amalgamated with 3 LAA Regt RMA on 12 June 1966 to form 3/11 Lt AD Regiment.
1. 20 LAD Bty
2. 21 LAD Bty
3. 23 LAD Bty
RMA Depôt and Trg Establishment. – Formed 1960, Disbanded 1965.

In 1964, 1st Regt RMA moved from Dortmund to Mulheim to provide third line support. It took over Wrexham Barracks from 8 Transport Column RASC. It came under command HQ Rhine Area.

1965 Royal Malta Artillery

Lt Col A. Samut Tagliaferro RMA took command of 1st Regt RMA.

1st Regt RMA. Formed Oct 1961. Served in Germany (BAOR) from 1962 to 1970. Disbanded Apr 1976.
1. 1 Bty
2. 2 Bty
3. 3 Bty
2nd Light Air Defence Regt RMA. On 14 July 1965, it became 2 Regt RMA. At Tigné Barracks. Disbanded 12 Apr 1970.
1. 6 Bty 2 LAD
2. 7 Bty 2 LAD
3. 8 Bty 2 LAD
3rd Light Air Defence Regt RMA (T) – Formed Mar 1964. At Lower St Elmo. Amalgamated with 11 LAA Regt RMA on 12 June 1966 to form 3/11 LAD Regiment.
1. 15 Bty 3 LAD
2. 22 Bty 3 LAD
3. 30 Bty 3 LAD
11th Light Air Defence Regt RMA (T) – Formed Mar 1964. At Fleur de Lys. Amalgamated with 3 LAA Regt RMA on 12 June 1966 to form 3/11 Lt AD Regiment.
1. 20 LAD Bty
2. 21 LAD Bty
3. 23 LAD Bty
RMA Depôt and Trg Establishment – Formed 1960, Disbanded 1965.

1 Apr 1965 3rd LAD Regt RMA (T) 1st/KOMR and 11th AD Regt RMA (T) became the newly constituted Malta Land Force.

10 July Fort St Elmo was handed over to the Malta Government.

1966 Royal Malta Artillery

3/11 LAD Regt RMA (T)
Formed 14 June 1966 from the amalgamation of 3 LAA Regt RMA (T) and 11 HAA Regts RMA (T). Disbanded Apr 1972.
1 Regt RMA
Formed Oct 1961. Served in Germany (BAOR) from 1962 to 1970. Disbanded Apr 1976.
1. 1 Bty
2. 2 Bty
3. 3 Bty
2nd Regt RMA
Formed 14 July 1965. At Tigné Barracks. Disbanded 12 Apr 1970.
1. 6 Bty
2. 7 Bty
3. 8 Bty
3rd Light Air Defence Regt RMA (T)
Formed Mar 1964. At Lower St Elmo. Amalgamated with 11 LAA Regt RMA on 12 June 1966 to form 3/11 LAD Regiment.
1. 15 Bty
2. 22 Bty
3. 30 Bty
11th Light Air Defence Regt RMA (T)
Formed Mar 1964. At Fleur de Lys. Amalgamated with 3 LAA Regt RMA on 12 June 1966 to form 3/11 LAD Regiment.
1. 20 LAD Bty
2. 21 LAD Bty
3. 23 LAD Bty

1967 Royal Malta Artillery

3/11 LAD Regt RMA (T)
Formed June 1966 from the amalgamation of 3 LAA Regt RMA(T) and 11 HAA Regts RMA (T). Disbanded Apr 1972.
1 Regt RMA
Formed Oct 1961. Served in Germany (BAOR) from 1962 to 1970. Disbanded Apr 1976.
1. 1 Bty
2. 2 Bty
3. 3 Bty
2nd Regt RMA – Formed 14 July 1965. Disbanded 12 Apr 1970.
1. 6 Bty
2. 7 Bty
3. 8 Bty

13 Jan 1967 As a result of the defence review, the British Government decided to disband the Royal Malta Artillery on 1 October 1968, but the date was deferred to 1 October 1970, following representations by the Malta Government.

1968 Royal Malta Artillery

3/11 LAD Regt RMA (T)
Formed June 1966 from the amalgamation of 3 LAA Regt RMA and 11 HAA Regts RMA (T). Disbanded Apr 1972.
1 Regt RMA. – Formed Oct 1961. Served in Germany (BAOR) from 1962 to 1970. Disbanded Apr 1976.
1. 1 Bty
2. 2 Bty
3. 3 Bty
2nd Regt RMA.
1. Early in 1968, 2nd Regt handed over its Light Anti Aircraft operational role in Cyprus. Disbanded 12 Apr 1970.
2. 6 Bty
3. 7 Bty
4. 8 Bty

1969 Royal Malta Artillery

3/11 LAD Regt RMA (T)
Formed June 1966 from the amalgamation of 3 LAA Regt RMA and 11 HAA Regts RMA (T). Disbanded Apr 1972.
1 Regt RMA.
1. Served in Germany (BAOR) from 1962 to 1970. Disbanded Apr 1976.
2. 1 Bty
3. 2 Bty
4. 3 Bty
2nd Regt RMA.
On 1 February 1969, it ceased to be responsible for the training and posting of reinforcements to 1st Regt. It disbanded on 12 Apr 1970.
1. 6 Bty
2. 7 Bty
3. 8 Bty

1970 Malta Land Force

10 Feb 1970 1st Regt RMA ceased its operational role in Germany. 2nd Regt RMA disbanded on 12 Apr 1970. The men became part of 1st Regt RMA.

26 Sep The regiment held a Farewell Parade at the Independence Arena Floriana. The parade was under the command of Lt Col W J Attard RMA. Master Gunner St James's Park General Sir Robert Mansergh took the salute.

1 Oct The Royal Malta Artillery ceased to appear in the Army List after 1 October 1970. In August 1970, the Parliament of Malta enacted Act No. XXVII which provided for the Raising and maintenance of Armed Forces in Malta and to provide for matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto. Through this Act of Parliament Malta established its own Armed Forces and from Thursday 1st October 1970, 500 officers and men of the Royal Malta Artillery ceased to form part of the British Army. The RMA became integrated with the Malta Land Force.

The new Malta Land Force consisted of 1st Regt RMA with HQ Bty, 1 Bty LAD, 3 Bty (Infantry), 3/11 LAD Regt RMA (T) and 1st KOMR (T). 1st Regt RMA moved from Tigné Barracks to St Patrick's Barracks Pembroke.

1971 Malta Land Force

In 1971, the Labour Administration of Dom Mintoff, disbanded the Malta Territorial Force with effect from 1 Apr 1972. 1st KOMR (T) and the 3/11 LAD Regt RMA (T) were disbanded.

1972 Malta Land Force

The Malta Territorial Force was disbanded on 1 Apr 1972. A disbandment parade was held at Fort Upper St Elmo on 26 Mar 1972 and the Guns handed over to the Armed Forces of Malta. A final Regimental Guest Night was held in the officer's mess of 3/11 LAD Regt RMA (T) at their mess at Sliema Point Bty on 11 Mar 1972.

Bibliography

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