King's Own Malta Regiment

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Badge of the King's Own Malta Regiment

The King's Own Malta Regiment was a territorial infantry regiment of the British Army in Malta . Already established at the beginning of British rule, it existed with interruptions until the independence of Malta.

history

Regiment of Maltese Militia

The regiment was set up in 1801 as the "Regiment of Maltese Militia" by Major-General Henry Pigot on the instructions of the British commander in the Egypt campaign, Sir Ralph Abercromby , but was disbanded a year later after British rule over the islands was consolidated. It was made up of inhabitants of the islands who had already fought against the French during the blockade. They were armed with muskets and bayonets . The uniform consisted of a cotton skirt , a leather shako and a red sash. The regiment was divided into three departments. Each division consisted of three companies of 100 men each.

Maltese Provincial Battalion

In the Peace of Amiens in 1802 it was determined that half of the 4,000-strong garrison on Malta should consist of Maltese men under the command of Maltese officers. The "Regiment of Maltese Militia" and the "Maltese Militia Coast Artillery" were combined to form the 1st and 2nd "Maltese Provincial Battalion", respectively. The 1st battalion was under the command of Marquis Parisi , the 2nd battalion under that of Count de Gatto . The strength was set in 1803 by Sir Alexander Ball , the first British governor of the islands, at 700 men each. The uniform consisted of a red skirt and white trousers. In the 1st Battalion the advances were sky blue and the braids were silver, in the 2nd Battalion green and gold. In 1815 the battalions were disbanded.

Maltese Militia

In 1852 it was re-established as a militia regiment ("Maltese Militia") by Sir Adrian Dingli , Maltese member of the Council of Government , but it was dissolved again in 1857. Men and some of the officers were residents of the island, the rest of the officers from Great Britain. The militia officers were obliged to serve five years, but in peacetime they were only called to a training camp for 12 or 18 days a year. All men of military age between the ages of 16 and 60 were required to serve, except for members of the Council of Government , judges, justice of the peace, the chief of police, doctors and the clergy. At that time the regiment was divided into six companies. The uniform was blue, with red trims and white braids. Due to the harsh living conditions at that time and the loss of income during the contraction, willingness to participate steadily decreased. As a result of these circumstances, the regiment was disbanded in 1857.

Royal Malta Regiment of Militia

A new list took place in 1889, this time under the name "Royal Malta Regiment of Militia". The list was ordered by the governor of the island, Sir John Lintorn Arabin Simmons , in 1888. The nominal strength was three companies, but for practical reasons these were divided between a staff and seven companies. The cadet company was set up first. The uniform was no different from that of the British regiments. The regiment was considered the successor to the Maltese hunters ("Maltese Chasseurs") of the early 19th century. From October 1889, the regiment therefore dated "MDCCC" to commemorate the services of the Maltese Light Infantry during the blockade of Valletta in its correspondence. The British King Edward VII was so impressed by the regiment during a visit to the island in 1903 that he became the regiment owner or honorary colonel of the regiment. Since then the regiment has had the designation "King's Own" in its name. In the same year a second battalion was set up. In 1921 it was dissolved again, only one cadre company remained. During the First World War, a combat group composed of both battalions of the regiment was deployed in Cyprus, soldiers and officers of the regiment took part in the campaigns in Gallipoli , Saloniki and on the western front.

King's Own Malta Regiment

For the fourth time the regiment was set up in 1931, according to other sources as early as 1923, as King's Own Malta Regiment . The formation of the regiment was already debated in the twenties. In connection with the domestic political difficulties which u. a. led to the temporary suspension of the constitution, the Maltese militia had been disbanded. The regiment was to be integrated into the British armed forces on the island in the future, a revival of the militia was not planned. The 1st and 2nd Battalion were deployed in the Northern Brigade, the 3rd Battalion in the Southern Brigade. The brigades' task was to defend the coast. The soldiers of the regiment occupied the observation posts and machine gun positions on the coast and were used to repel low-flying aircraft. They were also used to unload the convoy ships in the ports and to clean up after bombing raids. The officers of the regiment were considered to be well trained, equipment and armament did not differ from British units. However, the regiment did not take part directly in combat operations during World War II.

The regiment was structured as follows:

  • 1st Battalion, KOMR (1897–1921, 1931–1946, 1952–1972)
  • 2nd Battalion, KOMR (1897–1921, 1940–1946, 1952–1972)
  • 3rd Battalion, KOMR (1940–1945)
  • 8th Battalion, KOMR, (1942–1943)
  • 10th Battalion, KOMR (Territorial; 1942–1943)

The incorporation into the territorial armed forces of Malta took place in 1951, with the independence of Malta in 1970 the regiment was incorporated into the Maltese land forces . The final dissolution took place in 1972.

In contrast to the volunteer and militia associations in other British colonies, the regiment was financed directly by the British Crown.

Awards (Battle Honors)

Depiction of the George Cross taken from the flag of Malta
  • 1800 representing the services of the Maltese hunters
  • 1957 for services in World War II 1940–1942
  • In 1959 the regiment was given the right to use the Georgs-Kreuz in the regimental flag

In Fort St. Elmo , Valletta, there is a memorial plaque for members of the regiment who fell during World War II.

Trivia

The regiment's team won the Maltese football championship in 1918/19 .

See also

literature

  • Wismayer, JM: The history of the King's Own Malta Regiment and the armed forces of the Order of St. John , Said International, Valletta, 1989. ISBN 187168420X
  • Spiteri, Stephen Staines: Maltese regiments and their colors

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Hansard, HC Deb 30 July 1925 vol 187 c649W