Operation Pedestal survivor to unveil plaque

Kyt · Aug 7, 2008

timesofmalta.com - Operation Pedestal survivor to unveil plaque on August 15

On August 15 British seaman Allan Shaw, one of the few survivors of Operation Pedestal will be unveiling a plaque at the Bay Street Complex to honour all those who formed part of the Santa Marija Convoy in 1942. Acting British High Commissioner Janet Hanock will be attending the ceremony.

The feast of Santa Marija - the Feast of the Assumption - is one which Malta has always held dearly, more so since 1942 when a British convoy, with only five of the original 14 merchant navy ships carrying much needed supplies, finally broke through the months-long blockade and entered Malta's Grand Harbour amid much jubilation on this special day dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady.

This year the Bay Street Complex will be celebrating this special occasion in grand style with a number of activities spread over the week leading to the national feast of the Assumption itself, August 15, and beyond, coming to a close on Sunday August 17. For this occasion the complex will be decked out in original village feast festoons and decorations provided by the Parish of Sacro Cuor, Sliema. Traditional food and sweet stalls will also be present.

The festivities start daily at 7.30 p.m. beginning on Monday. A number of traditional Maltese entertainment activities for adults and children will be organised, while an exhibition of military cars and motorcycles will be open throughout the week. All this will be held as the old-fashioned sounds of the street organ plays in the background throughout the week of events.

Bay Street's festivities open on Monday at 7.30 p.m. with a drill by the Sea Cadets. These will be followed by a World War II re-enactment in full costume, music by the Banda Ċittadina Sliema, as well as traditional games for children like hopscotch, and a number of other activities will be spread around the Complex.

On Tuesday the evening starts with a number of traditional Maltese games for children. The Paul Curmi Folklore Dancers will bring the evening's events to a close with a show starting at 9 p.m.

Wednesday kicks off with a number of traditional folk singers and Maltese guitar playing. The evening will also feature more traditional games for children and singing. Singer Vittorio Gauci will close the events at 10 p.m.

The evening of August 14 will feature a Maltese wedding of yore. This will be an all evening-long performance in costume with traditional Maltese food. This production is put up by Leon Promotions and the Malta Academy for Performing Arts and will be spread around the Complex.

August 15 is festa day. On this particular day, Malta also commemorates Operation Pedestal and the arrival of what is also referred to as the Santa Marija Convoy. One of the most crucial supplies to enter the Grand Harbour that day was fuel which was carried in the battered holds of the tanker Ohio.

To mark this occasion the Bay Street festivities opens with the Malta Sea Cadets and will also include World War II re-enactments. But the highlight of the evening will be the presence of Allan Shaw at the unveiling ceremony marking the 66th anniversary of Operation Pedestal in the presence of a number of VIP guests.

The festivities celebrating Santa Marija continue on August 16 and 17 and include pony rides, an owl show, music and many other performances.
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Operation Pedestal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Antipodean Andy · Aug 12, 2008

Must get to Malta one of these days.

Kyt · Aug 19, 2008

timesofmalta.com - WWII Operation Pedestal marked on Tower Hill, London

The George Cross Island Association (GCIA) held a remembrance service at the Church of All Hallows at Tower Hill by the Tower of London, to commemorate Operation Pedestal.

The ceremony, attended by members of the three services and of the Merchant Navy who served in Malta during World War II, as well as by a good number of Maltese residents in the UK, was organised on behalf of GCIA by the association's South East Region chaired by Julia Gaw.

The Malta High Commission was represented by High Commissioner Michael Refalo and Deputy High Commissioner Bernard Hamilton.

Mrs Gaw praised the High Commissioner for his outstanding contribution to Anglo-British relations, to the GCIA as well as for his and Mrs Blanche Refalo's constant support for the association.

In his reply the High Commissioner stressed that the ceremony was not intended to glorify victory and force of arms but to thank Almighty God and underline the commitment of the people of Malta and the United Kingdom to the cause of peace.

The service continued with the laying of wreaths at the foot of the Second Great Siege of Malta monument unveiled by President Eddie Fenech Adami and the Duke of Edinburgh in 2005.
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Operation Pedestal survivor to unveil plaque

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