Maltese corps in the British Army (1800-1970)

Abstract

The Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the affairs of Malta in 1836 advised the disbandment of the Royal Malta Fencibles and the incorporation of a part in the Police Force and another part in the Coast Guard Service. The Island would thus be relieved of the expense of keeping up the Regiment. This recommendation raised a storm of protest in the Island. It was stressed that there had been a promise by the British Government to provide for those who had served during the blockade of Valletta, and in the campaigns that followed. It was also pointed out that the Corps was provided for in the Treaty of Amiens. Her Majesty's Government finally decided that the Regiment should be retained at the expense of the Imperial Government but only for duties of a purely military nature as part of the garrison responsible for the defence of the Island. This announcement was received with great rejoicings. A special parade was held at Floriana at which new Colours were presented and Colonel the Marquis De Piro, on behalf of the Regiment, thanked His Excellency Sir Henry Bouverie, then Governor of Malta, for the interest that the Commander-in-Chief had shown in the cause of the Regiment. In 1861, Her Majesty Queen Victoria, as a mark of royal favour, was pleased to direct that, as from January 25th of that year, The Royal Malta Fencible Regiment be converted into an artillery corps with the name of the Royal Malta Fencible Artillery. As Artillery carry no Colours, those of the Infantry were deposited in the Palace Armoury at Valletta.