During World War I, HMS Russell, a Duncan class pre-dreadnought battleship, was involved in the protection of Malta after a long campaign in the Dardanelles.

On April 26, 1916, while waiting for clearance to enter Grand Harbour, HMS Russell came into contact with a mine which had been laid by U73 the previous evening.

The battleship sank with the loss of over 120 lives.

The Royal Naval Association Malta GC Branch will be holding a service of remembrance on Saturday, at the request of a couple who are travelling to Malta from the UK on behalf of their grandfather who went down with the ship.

Any relatives of the Maltese crew members who were lost are most welcome to join in the commemoration.

The association is meeting near the Siege Bell at 11.15am sharp.

• More details may be obtained from Elaine Zerafa, secretary of the Royal Naval Association, by phone on 2138 8302 or 7955 2987.

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