George Cross 70th Anniversary Celebrations 2012
Saturday 14 April
- (Photo-DOI-Clifton Fenech)
0930-1200 hrs Exhibition of the George Cross medal, Auberge de Castille, Valletta
- A minute’s silence (Photo-DOI-Jeremy Wonnacott)
1100 hrs George Cross Island Association service and wreath laying ceremony attended by the President of Malta HE Dr George Abela, the Prime Minister the Hon Lawrence Gonzi and His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, Siege Bell, Valletta.
1215 hrs Tree planting ceremony to mark the Diamond Jubiliee of HM Queen Elizabeth II and 70th anniversary of the George Cross Award to the people of Malta attended by the President of Malta HE Dr George Abela, the Prime Minister the Hon Lawrence Gonzi and His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester. Lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta.
1930 hrs Inauguration ceremony of the Restoration of the War Memorial by the Prime Minister, The Hon Lawrence Gonzi, War Memorial, Floriana
Sunday 15 April
Veterans march from St Johns Co Cathedral to St George's Square(Photo-DOI-Clodagh Farrugia O'Neill)
1800 hrs Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Archbishop H G Mgr Pawlu Cremon, St John’s Co Cathedral, Valletta
- (Photo-DOI-Pierre Sammut)
1930 hrs Official ceremony commemorating the Award of the George Cross to the People of Malta, St George’s Square, Valletta
(Photo-DOI-Pierre Sammut)
(Photo-DOI-Pierre Sammut)
(Photo-DOI-Pierre Sammut)
Malta: War Diary 
Joseph Galea Debono
April 18, 2012 at 7:33 am
This is excellent up-to-date coverage from the compiler of this diary who was on the spot . The colour photos are well chosen and give an accurate picture of some of the most poignant moments in these 70th. Anniversary celebrations. Well done.
Michael Montebello
November 22, 2014 at 5:10 am
I, Michael Montebello from down under a member of GCIA,I was in Malta for the 70 th anniversary of the G.C.I.A. ,also for the 60th anniversary when I met H.R.H.princess Anne on board H.M.S.NORFOLK ,as a member of the merchant navy I also lay a wreath both at the cemetery at pieta and at st.paul in valletta today I am at the age of 85 years old and I regred to say that 2012 was my last trip to my beloved malta G.C.I.A.i , today all my mates they crossed the bar the only one left alive today flying officer Dennis Cooke who sent the massage to vice Air Marshal sir Keith park a New Zealander and he reply on plain language used false information to send a message to the Italian fleet that Mussolini simply could’ ignore,thus saving a vital convoy.m
Ian G.M.Martin
November 29, 2014 at 9:30 pm
I was station on Malta, in the Royal Navy during the mid 50s. Fell in love with the island then and her people. Have been fortunate to have returned on a number occasions. Have just finished reading two books, both good reads. For those who, like me love these islands. THE KAPPILLAN OF MALTA by Nicholas MONSARRAT & FORTRESS MALTA by James HOLLAND. But the Island of Malta I regret has been ‘raped’ So moved on to Gozo. But what is worrying is that the name Malta no longer carries or wears the GC after her name. Is there a reason for this, or an over sit?
Michael montebello
February 14, 2016 at 5:46 am
I Michael Montebello
I would like to add since I retired from the mechant navy of 40 years I started doing commemorating service of (OPERATION PEDESSTAL) where I live in Mornington peninsula In AUSTRALIA for the last 25 years to the Maltese community at the R.S.L club in .dramana.
To day at age of 86 I will continue do the service for those hero’s. That save my belove. Malta from starvation and surrender as long I am still alive next year I an looking forward for the 75 th anniversary