03/05/2024
The George Cross Island Association (GCIA) originally came into being to commemorate and bring together veterans and families of the Siege of Malta (1940 to 1943) and particularly those who took part in the Pedestal Convoy so that comrades and friends could share their experiences. However, today we welcome members from all walks of life who have an interest in Malta and want to see history promoted and maintained. The GCIA has branches in the UK and Malta and the UK branch members return to Malta every year to honour and commemorate those who were on the Santa Maria/Pedestal Convoy and the brave people of Malta who suffered such terrible conditions during World War II. Every April the GCIA hold various memorial ceremonies including at the Saluting Battery, Wreath laying at the Royal Navy, Royal Air force and Malta War memorials and a memorial service in the Chapel at the Malta Air Museum. We are honoured to receive an invitation every year by the Armed Forces of Malta to attend Luqa Barracks for a magnificent band display.. We also attend the Anzac day ceremony at the Pieta Military cemetery hosted by the Australian High Commission. The service is dedicated to all those Australians and New Zealanders who lost their lives at Gallipoli in 1915. The UK members of the GCIA, look forward to being able to return to Malta every April in order to uphold the aims of the Association.
