On September 13, 2017, a plaque was unveiled at the Upper Barrakka Gardens, in Valletta to commemorate the bomb disposal units of the Royal Engineers and, later, the Armed Forces of Malta. This is very commendable as it pays tribute to those members of the armed forces who did their bit for the defence of Malta.

In view of this I ask why the Dockyard Defence Battery is still not commemorated by a simple plaque too?

This battery was formed in September 1939 as part of the Royal Artillery and consisted of volunteer employees of HM Dockyard who alternated between manning the guns and their work duties. Its main purpose was to safeguard and defend the men’s place of work.

On April 1940, it was transferred to the Royal Malta Artillery as the 30th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery. It was absorbed into the 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the Royal Malta Artillery on April 28, 1941, when its gunners where given the choice to become regular soldiers.

During the Illustrious blitz, three men were decorated for their bravery, and another was decorated later, again for bravery.

Seven men gave up their life during the short time this battery was active.

I urge the competent authorities to commemorate this valiant battery before it is forgotten forever.