A “formidable bond” was nurtured between the Maltese people and the Royal Air Force, as well as the other British Services, especially during World War II, according to aviation artist and historian Richard Caruana.
He was commenting as the RAF celebrates its 100th anniversary.
It was on April 1, 1918, that the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to create the RAF, the world’s first independent air service.
The RAF “defended our freedom gallantly”, Queen Elizabeth said in a message to mark the occasion.
“Through its enduring focus on professionalism, excellence and innovation, the Royal Air Force stands as a shining example of inspiration around the world today and for the next generation,” the British monarch said.
This bond continued as witnessed by the crowds that used to fill the Valletta bastions each time the Red Arrows performed
When the amalgamation took place a century ago, the newly-born RAF had in Malta two flights of Short Seaplanes (Nos 433 and 434) and four flights of Felixstowe flying boats (Nos 360, 361, 362, 363) that had been built on the island at the Admiralty Dockyard.
Recruitment was opened to Maltese nationals and, by August, 700 men had joined the RAF.
Ħal Far was opened in 1922 to replace the basic facilities previously used at the Marsa polo ground.
This was followed by Ta’ Qali in 1935, Luqa in 1940, Qrendi in 1942 and Safi in 1943.
“A formidable bond between the RAF, together with the other Services, was forged with the Maltese people during the hard days of World War II and continued well after until the last units left Malta in 1978 and the military base closed down on March 31, 1979.
“This bond continued as witnessed by the crowds that used to fill the Valletta bastions and the coastline opposite each time the Red Arrows performed over Marsamxett Harbour or at Luqa airport in more recent years,” Mr Caruana said.
Maltese nationals who served as technicians and engineers with the RAF were the pioneers of the island’s modern aviation servicing industry that today formed such an important niche of the country’s economy, he noted.
Fighter air cover from Malta played a vital role in the invasion of Sicily in July 1943.
Malta’s small Fighter Flight at the beginning of WWII was formed of ageing Gloster Sea Gladiator biplanes that, together with Hurricane arrivals, formed the No.261 Squadron.
An RAF Nimrod taking off from the Malta military base on the morning of April 1, 1979 – the end of an era in the island’s aviation history.
A Felixstowe flying boat at Kalafrana in 1918. Together with two flights of Short Seaplanes, this type formed the nucleus of aircraft present in Malta at the time of the RAF’s formation.