British reservists mark award of GC to Malta

A group of 31 reservists and several officers from HMS President yesterday proudly donned their uniforms and took part in a number of activities marking the award of the George Cross to the people of Malta 65 years ago.

Chief Petty Officer Jan Evers, one of the group who has seen active service in Bosnia, both Gulf Wars and Afghanistan, said he was very proud to be in Malta "on such a special day".

"I've been to Malta before and will return, but being here, together with a group of colleagues on the anniversary of the highest decoration that can ever be given, makes me proud indeed," he said.

Tony Scott, a reservist who is an IT consultant, said reservists formed an essential part of the British forces.

"There are lawyers, teachers, people involved in finance and a host of other professions and trades among us," he said. British reservists spend a weekend a month and at least two weeks continuous training a year," he explained.

The Royal Navy has 14 centres like HMS President, but this is the only one in London, being located just downstream of Tower Bridge and overlooking the entrance to St Katharine's Dock. The London Division has over 370 officers and ratings and is one of the biggest in the UK.

Reservists embark on "annual battlefield tours" every year. Being the anniversary of the George Cross award, the reservists from HMS President felt it would be ideal to visit Malta.

"On Saturday, we visited the Lascaris War Rooms, the National War Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Kalkara Naval cemetery, where we laid a wreath," Mr Scott said.

The reservists yesterday visited the Liberty Bell, near the Lower Barrakka Gardens, and the RN memorial, where wreaths were laid. They are scheduled to visit Fort Rinella in Kalkara, the Aviation Museum at Ta' Qali and Mdina today.