Talbot Posted 7 November Posted 7 November My Royal Fusilier grandfather (2nd Bn City of London Reg/29th Div, 86th Brigade/X Beach) was wounded and on board HMT Aragon when she berthed in Malta. Was that at Marsamxett Harbour, Sliema please? Also, am I right in thinking that on arrival the previous night she anchored in Marsasirocco (now Marsaxlokk) harbour for inspection by the naval authorities? Advice would be much appreciated.
EastSurrey Posted 7 November Posted 7 November The diary of George Pirie an RAMC medic on the Aragon, published by Helion as 'Frontline Medic', edited by Michael Lucas, mentions under 5 May that the ship had arrived at 6p.m. at Marsasirocco, for inspection by the naval authorities. She was ordered to anchor there for the night, before proceeding to Valetta. She arrived at Valetta at 9.30 the next morning and started to unload at 1pm. The RAMC personnel were kept busy until 7pm., offloading 641 officers and men. (Pirie later served as RMO for 2/Royal Fusiliers on Gallipoli, before being evacuated, wounded, in September.) Michael.
seaJane Posted 8 November Posted 8 November Just for information, Marsasirocco is now Marsaxlokk, pronounced Marsashlok. Apologies for modern intrusions on Google maps...
Talbot Posted 8 November Author Posted 8 November Thank you, Sea Jane. We were in Malta some years ago, visiting the places related to my military bandsman grandfather's time. We even stood on the foundations of his no.4 barracks room at Fort Tigne after obtaining a barracks map from the helpful archives staff in Rabat. The swathes of land that were once covered by Ghajn Tuffeiha camp and the desolation that is Australia Hall in Pembroke remain clear. Walking in one's ancestors' military footsteps; also India (where my WWII-serving RAF father was too) is an unforgettable experience. Thanks again.
seaJane Posted 8 November Posted 8 November Hi Talbot, I was in Malta April last year - not for family links but general interest. For me it was particularly good to visit the former RNH Bighi in Birgu. Glad to hear you had a good time there.
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