The terminal commcen served the whole of RAF Luqa for communications, operational messages, flight plans, 'Confidential Green's' (Soviet shipping/submarine sightings by the Shackletons and later the Nimrods of 203 Squadron), general messages from administration and stores messages for anything from stock replenishment of clothing to aircraft parts etc.
It also had a wireless section which was used as a 'Flight Watch' for aircraft coming and going before they were in contact with the Air Traffic Tower, above the commcen.
I worked there September 1972 to January 1974 when I was sent back to the UK on promotion to Corporal. I was working alongside others, of course. Most memorable for me were Bernard 'Taff' McCarthy and Bruce Robinson.
Bruce and I shared a two bedroom flat at Zonqor Point, Marsacala Bay. Many happy memories of those times, not so great in the winter though!
I am still in touch with both of them, Taff now lives in Malta after marrying a Maltese girl in 1973, picture below. Bruce worked with Thames Valley Constabulary for many years and lives in Carterton, near RAF Brize Norton.
It also had a wireless section which was used as a 'Flight Watch' for aircraft coming and going before they were in contact with the Air Traffic Tower, above the commcen.
I worked there September 1972 to January 1974 when I was sent back to the UK on promotion to Corporal. I was working alongside others, of course. Most memorable for me were Bernard 'Taff' McCarthy and Bruce Robinson.
Bruce and I shared a two bedroom flat at Zonqor Point, Marsacala Bay. Many happy memories of those times, not so great in the winter though!
I am still in touch with both of them, Taff now lives in Malta after marrying a Maltese girl in 1973, picture below. Bruce worked with Thames Valley Constabulary for many years and lives in Carterton, near RAF Brize Norton.
Photograph From Taff McCarthy
Photo shows commcen workers and their wives attending Taff's marriage to Carmen.
A number of the faces are familiar, names totally escape me!
Photo shows commcen workers and their wives attending Taff's marriage to Carmen.
A number of the faces are familiar, names totally escape me!
? / ? / ? / George Hindmarch / ? / ? / Dave Peaples / Tony Kelly / Hugh Jack / ?
Couple of photographs showing the commcen in the old days, and in 2012 when I attended the Malta International Airshow. Note the ATC tower has been removed after the new one was built in a different location.
Photograph of yours truly (me, David Rose). It was taken at RAF Gan, Maldives, in 1975. I know this because I have my Cpl tapes on my shoulders, but the Flight watch equipment is exactly the same as in Luqa Commcen. Note the morse key on the right, this was used when aircraft, and the Marine Craft Unit launches, were out of range of VHF/UHF voice communication.
Sign of the times when we could smoke at work, in pubs and restaurants!
Sign of the times when we could smoke at work, in pubs and restaurants!