R.A.A.F. Vampires over Malta : a short term Australian colony 1952-1955

Abstract

In 1952, the Australian government sent No. 78 Fighter Wing of the Royal Australian Air Force, to the island of Malta for a two year tour of duty. This decision had been taken in response to a request made by the British government, for a contribution from the Commonwealth to assist in the defence of the Middle East. After a year at the Royal Naval Air Station H.M.S. Falcon, the Wing moved to the Royal Air Force Station Takali, which was placed under Australian command. Its members played an active part in numerous military exercises, ceremonials and sporting events throughout their deployment. Due to the duration of the posting, the Australian government granted permission for the wives and families to join the men on Malta. Most of these families lived in flats that were rented from the local population. A number of the men also married and started a family on the island. The only physical evidence of the Wing having been on Malta is in the form of the graves of one airman and five babies. It is the aim of this dissertation to attempt a study of : 1) The international events of the post-Second World War period which led to the British request for Australian Assistance; 2) Why the Wing was based on Malta and what conditions prevailed on the island prior to its arrival; 3) What military and ceremonial duties were performed by the Wing throughout the tour of duty; 4) The social aspects related to the men and dependents forming part of the Wing and its short-term colony. In order to achieve this aim, it has been divided into the following : 1) Introduction. An overview of Australian Military contacts with Malta prior to 1952; 2) Chapter One. Background of international events that resulted in the Wing being sent to Malta; 3) Chapter Two. Military and ceremonial aspects of the tour of duty as Malta Garrison and life on base. 4) Chapter Three. Social aspects of the tour. Arrival of the wives and families and life off base.