RAF LUQA REMEMBERED
The site for anyone stationed at any of the Air Bases in Malta over the years.
MALTA INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW - 2012
Held annually each September at the Malta International Airport (ex: RAF Luqa) , the Malta International Air Show, one of Malta's largest outdoor events, has gained the well-earned reputation as one of Malta's top outdoor family events.
The Malta International Airshow is the result of strong lobbying from the Malta Aviation Society for many years until approval was given to hold the first display in September of 1993. Held over the magnificent Marsamxetto Harbour with its surrounding bastions, the public was entertained to a spectacular aerial display culminating with the Patrouille de France giving their first display in Maltese skies. Another show stopper was the German Air Force 'Luftwaffe' F-4 Phantom with its various low passes over the water.
Nineteen years have elapsed since the very first proper airshow held in Malta and the event has grown both in numbers as well as quality. Over the years, the Malta International Airshow has attracted many interesting aircraft including Israeli F-15s and F-16s, Czech L-39, Italian F-104s and Do-228, Ex-Israeli A-4 Skyhawks, US Navy F-14, EA-6B, S-3s, F-18s, Tornados, B-52, B-1B, Spitfire and Hurricane plus most of the European national display teams including the Red Arrows, Patrouille de France, Frecce Tricolori, the Spanish team Patruila Aguoila, Swiss PC-7 Team, Breitling Jet Team, and many other types of aircraft from all over the world.
The Malta International Airshow is the result of strong lobbying from the Malta Aviation Society for many years until approval was given to hold the first display in September of 1993. Held over the magnificent Marsamxetto Harbour with its surrounding bastions, the public was entertained to a spectacular aerial display culminating with the Patrouille de France giving their first display in Maltese skies. Another show stopper was the German Air Force 'Luftwaffe' F-4 Phantom with its various low passes over the water.
Nineteen years have elapsed since the very first proper airshow held in Malta and the event has grown both in numbers as well as quality. Over the years, the Malta International Airshow has attracted many interesting aircraft including Israeli F-15s and F-16s, Czech L-39, Italian F-104s and Do-228, Ex-Israeli A-4 Skyhawks, US Navy F-14, EA-6B, S-3s, F-18s, Tornados, B-52, B-1B, Spitfire and Hurricane plus most of the European national display teams including the Red Arrows, Patrouille de France, Frecce Tricolori, the Spanish team Patruila Aguoila, Swiss PC-7 Team, Breitling Jet Team, and many other types of aircraft from all over the world.
Hows this for stirring memories
Spitfire and Hurricane over Grand Harbour
Thanks to Bob Croton for bringing this to our attention.
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Closest translation of the Maltese motto on the station badge I can come up with is 'Never caputured by it's enemies'. My friend, Grace Aquilina, gave a literal translation of 'the airport has never been won by the enemies'.
I was stationed at RAF Luqa September 1972 to February 1974, short toured due to promotion to Corporal and shipped back to the UK.
RAF Luqa has a long and meritorious history, particularly during World War II. From 1941 to 1943 the RAF base was very important for British forces fighting Italian and German navies in the Mediterranean. Support of troops fighting in North African also played a big part in the bases' history and proved it's strategic worth time and again.
The air battles over Malta are well documented as is the staunch support of the Maltese people which earned them the George Cross.
Other airfields were built on Malta apart from Luqa. TaQali and HalFar, Safi, Qrendi and even on the island of Gozo.
Since the war Luqa has taken part in the Suez crisis of 1956 as well as serving as the civilian airport for Malta, sometimes being referred to a Valletta Airport.
When I was posted to Malta in 1972 we were just returning after being requested to leave by the, then, Prime Minister Dom Mintoff. On our return there was much refurbishment to be undertaken and the communications relay station at Siggiewi had to be re-equipped. This meant the terminal communication centre at Luqa airport had to act as relay centre until control could be handed back to Siggiewi. It was a happy day for the terminal commcen staff when that happened!
While there we had a squadron of Photo Recon Canberra's and Maritime Nimrods stationed permanently at Luqa but often had visiting aircraft, not least of all the compliment of HMS Ark Royal (Phantoms etc.) as they were unable to take off from the ship while in harbour.
We left again in 1979 after a dispute between the British and Maltese governments about continuing the lease. There was also a disastrous crash over the village of Zabbar involving a Vulcan bomber which affected feeling towards the RAF presence.
Depite political conflicts, causing us to leave, the relationship between Malta and the United Kingdom is excellent, as is the relationship between the respective populations. It's a wonderful place to visit for the history and friendly welcome that is always extended to visitors.
I was stationed at RAF Luqa September 1972 to February 1974, short toured due to promotion to Corporal and shipped back to the UK.
RAF Luqa has a long and meritorious history, particularly during World War II. From 1941 to 1943 the RAF base was very important for British forces fighting Italian and German navies in the Mediterranean. Support of troops fighting in North African also played a big part in the bases' history and proved it's strategic worth time and again.
The air battles over Malta are well documented as is the staunch support of the Maltese people which earned them the George Cross.
Other airfields were built on Malta apart from Luqa. TaQali and HalFar, Safi, Qrendi and even on the island of Gozo.
Since the war Luqa has taken part in the Suez crisis of 1956 as well as serving as the civilian airport for Malta, sometimes being referred to a Valletta Airport.
When I was posted to Malta in 1972 we were just returning after being requested to leave by the, then, Prime Minister Dom Mintoff. On our return there was much refurbishment to be undertaken and the communications relay station at Siggiewi had to be re-equipped. This meant the terminal communication centre at Luqa airport had to act as relay centre until control could be handed back to Siggiewi. It was a happy day for the terminal commcen staff when that happened!
While there we had a squadron of Photo Recon Canberra's and Maritime Nimrods stationed permanently at Luqa but often had visiting aircraft, not least of all the compliment of HMS Ark Royal (Phantoms etc.) as they were unable to take off from the ship while in harbour.
We left again in 1979 after a dispute between the British and Maltese governments about continuing the lease. There was also a disastrous crash over the village of Zabbar involving a Vulcan bomber which affected feeling towards the RAF presence.
Depite political conflicts, causing us to leave, the relationship between Malta and the United Kingdom is excellent, as is the relationship between the respective populations. It's a wonderful place to visit for the history and friendly welcome that is always extended to visitors.
MALTESE HERITAGE GROUP (UK)
An event is to be held, in Bridgewater, Somerset, on the 17 March 2012.
Details from Stephen Gill:
Lejla Maltija to be held at The Castle Club, 15 Castle street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3DD. On Saturday 17th March 2012 from 7.30 pm onward.
Maltese buffet, Maltese music and Maltese friends.Tickets £12 (Entry by ticket only) Call or email for details.
Website is http://malteseheritagegroup8.vpweb.co.uk/About-Us.html and I will add this to the useful links page.
Last Man Out Switch off the Lights!
Photograph of the last VC10 to leave RAF Luqa.
See on the photo gallery where it can be enlarged.
Photograph kindly sent in by Paul Higgins.
Nimrod Heritage Centre Plan
There is a plan being formulated for a heritage centre with an MR2 as it's centrepiece.
Details can be seen at THIS LINK which was provided by Capt Bryn Wayt.
Details can be seen at THIS LINK which was provided by Capt Bryn Wayt.
RAF Air/Sea Rescue Services Honoured
Emanuel has sent me this from the Times of Malta, see link below. Thought it appropriate to have the RTTL's back on the home page considering this honour bestowed on them.
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110624/world/Remembering-the-RAF-members-of-the-Air-Sea-Rescue-services-in-Malta.372164
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110624/world/Remembering-the-RAF-members-of-the-Air-Sea-Rescue-services-in-Malta.372164
Malta's old buses to be replaced
BBC Radio 4, had an item in 'from our own correspondent' about this but iPlayer items are only valid for 7 days.
Many people will find this sad news for all of those that used to travel the island in these old Maltese icons.
I did find it covered on another website:
http://www.maltainsideout.com/9741/and-what-if-the-malta-bus-were-to-disappear/
Many people will find this sad news for all of those that used to travel the island in these old Maltese icons.
I did find it covered on another website:
http://www.maltainsideout.com/9741/and-what-if-the-malta-bus-were-to-disappear/
"No 203 Squadron.The Malta Years" - Colin Pomeroy
Colin has written a book about the time that 203 Squadron (Shackelton and Nimrod maritime reconnaisance) and tells the story of Shackletons and Nimrods in the Mediterranean during the Cold War.
Another book by Colin is " With All Modesty. 'The Veterans' Tales of the Battle for Malta " is 100 personal stories of folk who served in Malta, or on the Malta convoys, during WWII. .
The 'No. 203 Squadron The Malta Years' book is currently out of stock and, unfortunately, will not be reprinted.
There are some copies around so post on the forum if would like to borrow someone's copy.
Another book by Colin is " With All Modesty. 'The Veterans' Tales of the Battle for Malta " is 100 personal stories of folk who served in Malta, or on the Malta convoys, during WWII. .
The 'No. 203 Squadron The Malta Years' book is currently out of stock and, unfortunately, will not be reprinted.
There are some copies around so post on the forum if would like to borrow someone's copy.
Vulcan XH558 has a finite life and the association is constantly trying to raise funds to keep it in the air. Please click below to donate, join the association and to read the history of the restoration.
Click Here to keep Vulcan XH558 Flying
Yours Truly, Dave Rose during a hangar tour at RAF Lyneham when XH558 was undergoing it's 2009/2010 winter service.
