Malta Veterans Reunion 2005 on stream

The Battle for Malta Veterans Reunion 2005 being held between September 22 and 29 will reunite Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, British Army, Commonwealth and Allied veterans, whose average age is 85, Veterans Reunion project director Brian Essex said yesterday.

The non-profit-making project is aimed at allowing military war veterans who directly fought for Malta from the outbreak of the war until 1945 to return to their place of battle on the 60th anniversary of victory in Europe and to commemorate the end of World War II.

The veterans showed immediate and immense enthusiasm to attend the reunion project, which was launched in January 2004, and should see around £250,000 being poured directly into the economy, not including what the group would be spending during their stay.

About 320 UK, Commonwealth, Allied and Maltese wartime heroes - in total 617 with accompanying families and carers - are attending the reunion.

Wing Commander Essex presented a detailed programme of events, highlights of which include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Malta War Memorial in Floriana, during which a two-minute silence is to be observed throughout Malta, immediately followed by a Spitfire and Hurricane flypast.

Another important event is a high-profile football match between Malta and the England Ambassadors XI team, consisting of present and past England players, including four from Manchester United and the England goalkeeper. The contract for the important match should be finalised next week and the exact line-up decided on.

The veterans will be treated to a host of other activities, including nostalgic tours, re-enactments from the UK, and a reception at the President's Palace in Verdala, hosted in conjunction with the British High Commissioner and the Commander of the AFM.

They will also attend the Malta International Airshow which promises to be bigger than ever, with the participation of the Red Arrows and a most varied representation from the Royal Air Force.

The presence of the Merlins over Malta is expected to be one of the main attractions, said Malta Aviation Society president Joe Ciliberti. Preparations for the arrival of the two historic wartime fighters, the Spitfire and Hurricane from the UK are well under way.

The Malta Aviation Society is investing heavily in attracting as many Allied forces as possible. It is in discussions for the participation of the Russian Knights, Russia's main aerobatic team, while the participation of the US Air Force is also possible.

The US Air Force has never taken part in the flying display programme despite its strong support of the airshow over the years.

Ireland and Switzerland may also be participating for the first time, while a re-enactment group should take spectators back in time during the event.

Mr Ciliberti expressed his pleasure at the materialisation of discussions two years ago to bring over the Battle for Malta veterans for an event that would coincide with the airshow, which is scheduled for the last weekend of September.

The official opening of the new Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar at the Malta Aviation Museum in Ta' Qali is meant to coincide with the veteran's reunion.

Malta Aviation Museum Foundation director general Ray Polidano said works were well in hand on the building of the hangar - an extension of the museum premises, which costs about Lm65,000.

The hangar will house aircraft and memorabilia directly connected to Malta's involvement in WWII, he said.

A nationwide schools project has been organised in connection with the event, while a commemorative stamp issue is marking the 60th anniversary of victory in Europe and World War II, and interviews with the veterans are being carried out for a national archives project.