On June 11, 1940, six members of the Royal Malta Artillery were killed during an Italian air raid on Fort St. Elmo. The men, whose names are listed, were on lookout duty as an anti-parachutist squad when three bombs were dropped by an Italian SM79 bomber at low altitude, killing them instantly. A memorial service was held on June 11, 2014 at Fort St. Elmo to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the first casualties of World War II in Malta. Representatives from military organizations attended to honor the six soldiers who died during the 1940 air raid.

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FORT ST. ELMO
11 June 1940
FROM THE MALTA WAR DIARY - AIR RAIDS -
DAWN 11 JUNE 1940
0655-0751 hrs: Air raid alert. Ten Italian SM79
bombers in two formations escorted by Macchi 200
fighters approach the Island at 14000 feet, crossing
the coast over Kalafrana and Hal Far, and heading
towards Grand Harbour. Sixteen 250lb bombs are
dropped on Hal Far, and another thirty between
Fort Benghaisa and Birzebbugia. The Dockyard, a
searchlight, buses and vehicles are damaged.
Enemy aircraft are engaged by fighters and two are
reported shot down in the sea by Maltese gunners –
one near Filfla and the second north of the Island.

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One SM79 bomber carries out a low-flying attack on
Fort St. Elmo, dropping three bombs and killing six
members of the Royal Malta Artillery. The soldiers
in question were on lookout duties as an “anti-
parachutist squad” and boy Busuttil was on
telephone duty who rushed outdoors on hearing the
second explosion and was killed instantly by the
third along with the others.
Those killed were:
Bombardier Joseph Galea
Gunner Michael Saliba
Gunner Richard Micallef
Gunner Carmel Cordina
Gunner Paul Debono
Boy Philip Busuttil
Buried at the Addolorata Cemetery.

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FORT ST. ELMO, MEMORIAL SERVICE, 11 JUNE 2014
The first six local casualties of World War Two were commemorated
on Wednesday 11 June 2014 at Fort St. Elmo, 74 years after Italian
SM79 bombers attacked Fort St. Elmo. The event was organised by
the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation. Dr. Stefan Zrinzo,
head of the Corporation said that he hoped this Memorial Service
would become an annual event.
Representing the 3/11 Regiment RMA(T) Association at the
Memorial Service were, René Grixti, President of the Association,
together with Capt. Harold Harris, Capt. Saviour Portelli, Edward
Balzan, Richard Bezzina, Joseph D. Buttigieg. Notably present was
the 94 year old Major Maurice Agius from the Royal Malta Artillery
Association. Also present were representatives from the
Government and the Services, the Royal British Legion, the Royal
Naval Association, the Royal Air Force Association and the George
Cross Island Association.
The following images were created 11 June 2014 at Fort St. Elmo by
Ian Noel Pace, Photojournalist at http://www.inewsmalta.com/
Laying a wreath at the Memorial Service: representing the 3/11 Regiment RMA(T) Association,
René Grixti, President of the Association, assisted by Richard Bezzina.

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Acknowledgements
With thanks and appreciation to Capt. Saviour Portelli, Joseph D. Buttigieg
and René Grixti for contribution of news for this file.
3/11 Regiment Royal Malta Artillery (PDF Library).
1. Birth and Demise of a Regiment(1941)
2. Bofors Heritage
3. Ftit Ritratti min Francalanza
4. Last of the Bofors
5. Major Louis Radmilli
6. Major Victor D'Ugo(1936)
7. Memories of 11th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment(1951)
8. Royal Malta Artillery 1800-1970
9. Sgt Alfred Aquilina(1940)
10. Sgt. Francis Xerri(1940)
11. 3/11 Regt. RMA(T) in the Infantry role(1967)
12. Richard Bezzina, Reminiscences of 3/11 Regt.
13. Civil Defence Exercise.
14. Charles Cutajar, Reminiscences of 3/11 Regt. RMA(T).
15. 3 LAA Regiment.
16. Michael Camilleri, Memories of 11th HAA Reg. RMA(T) 1951-1963.
17. 3/11 Sports.
18. Ix-Xagħra tal-Furjana – Floriana Parade Ground.
19. A Wartime Regiment by Colonel E.J. Salomone, 0.B.E. (Retired).
20. Fort St. Elmo - 1940 - Remembrance.
3/11 Regiment Royal Malta Artillery (PDF Library).
Updated 22 July 2014
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