The Army Medical Department
And the Malta Garrison
1834

• Town Major – Lt Col Balneavis
• Town Adjutant – Lt Col Robert Terry
• Garrison Quartermaster – Lt John Colcroft
• Garrison QM Sgt – John Mason
• Turnkey Military Prison – John Mason
• Assistant Secretary to the Lt Governor – Maj Holmes
• Aide de Camp – Capt John Cramer Roberts
• Barrack Master – A Mackay
• Barrack Master – James C Barton

In 1834, Publius writing in the United Service Journal remarked on the dullness of the garrison.

In one respect Malta has changed, a change regretted by all, and yet none of us attempted to remedy it; I allude to the dullness of its society, as far at least as regards amusements. It is true that in winter we still have a few balls and soirees, but yet they are but very few, when compared to the number which were given a few years back. The spirit of gaiety, has in short, abandoned this little military hot house. We have an Italian opera, but nobody attends it, and the poor impresario is all but ruined in consequence. The soldiers of the 7th Fusiliers, however, got up a play some nights back, and their example has been followed in two instances, one by the privates of the Artillery, 73rd and 94th, and at another time by the men of HMS Barham. The officers of the garrison are also going to act and are busy in rehearsing the Heir at Law, Tom Thumb etc. A ball was given a fortnight ago by the United Service at the Club.

The strength of the garrison on 31 Dec 1834 was 101 officers and 2,536 men.

The Select Committee on Colonial Military Expenditure concluded that it was not expedient to make any reduction in the numbers of the garrison. They recommended that any reduction which may be made in the numerical force of the British Regiments stationed in Malta be accompanied by a corresponding increase in the Corps of Maltese Fencibles.

• 6 Feb Baptism of Josephina Melita Richardson born on 16 Jan 1834, daughter of Benjamin Richardson, clerk in the Army Medical Department and Sarah by Archdeacon John Thomas Howe Le Mesurier Chaplain to the Forces.
• 6 Apr Baptism of Francis George Holmes born on 8 Feb 1834, son of Amelia and Maj Holmes Military Secretary to the Lieut Governor of Malta, by the Rev John Cleugh Chaplain to Government.
• 3 July Baptism of James Melven born on 13 May 1834, son of Jane and Barrack Sgt Thomas Melven.
• 6 July Baptism of Henrietta Marian Mary Roberts born on 6 June 1834, daughter of Marian and Capt John Cramer Roberts ADC to the Lieut Governor of Malta.
• 18 Oct Burial of Caroline Rayside 41 years, wife of Barrack Sgt James Rayside.