The Army Ordnance Corps
The Board of Ordnance originated in the 14th century and supplied the army with its armaments and ammunition. At the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) a Field Train Department was set up within the Board. The Board ceased to exist in 1855 when its responsibilities were transferred to the Secretary of State for War, the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers.
During 1857, two departments both based at the Tower of London, the Military Store Department (officers) and the Corps of Armourer-Sergeants (other ranks) were set up to carry out these functions. The Field Train Department was disbanded in 1859.
In 1865, the Corps of Armourer–Sergeants was renamed the Military Store Staff Corps (MSSC). In 1869, the transport and supply functions of the MSSC were transferred to the new Army Service Corps (ASC) and the Military Store Department was renamed the Control Department.
The Royal Warrant dated 27 November 1875, abolished the title of Control Department. Two departments were formed designated respectively The Commissariat and Transport Department (CTD) and The Ordnance Store Department (OSD). Two years later the MSSC was transferred to the Army Service Corps as that unit's Ordnance Store Branch (OSB).
In 1881, The Ordnance Store Branch (OSB) was renamed the Ordnance Store Corps (OSC) which in 1896 became the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC). The Ordnance Store Department was renamed the Army Ordnance Department (AOD).
In November 1918, the Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) and the Army Ordnance Department (AOD) amalgamated to form a new Army Ordnance Corps. The prefix Royal was granted in 1918.
The Army Ordnance Corps
1820 Ordnance Department
Marriages in 1820:
- 24 July Bachelor John Seaman Assistant Store Keeper General to Spinster Lucretia Bizzi, a native of Corfu.
Baptisms in 1820:
- 3 Mar Susan Lewis born on 5 Feb 1820, daughter of Susannah and Gentleman William Lewis employed in the Store Keeper General Department.
- 11 May Eliza Eleanor Carpenter born on 24 March 1820, daughter of Eliza and Gentleman William Carpenter employed in the Ordnance Department.
- 25 June Adam Anthony Hill Baker born on 8 May 1820, son of Samuel Baker Acting Foreman of Wheelers in the Army Ordnance Department and Catherine.
1821 Ordnance Department
Marriages in 1821:
- 22 June Widower George Parsons Foreman of Smiths in the Ordnance Department married Spinster Jennet Stillie of Glasgow.
On 20 January 1826, the widow Jennet Parsons, married John Allers, Head Baker in the Commissariat Department.
Baptisms in 1821:
- 20 Apr Henry Osmond Deverell born on 2 April 1821, son of Susannah and Osmond Deverell Master Armourer Ordnance Department.
1822 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1822:
- 23 June John Baker son of Samuel Baker Acting Foreman of Wheelwrights in the Ordnance Department and Catherine, born on 24 January 1822.
- 3 Nov John Edward Deverell son of Osmond Deverell Foreman of Armourers and Susanna, born on 11 October 1822.
- 13 Nov Augusta Agnes Carpenter daughter of Gentleman William Carpenter Ordnance Department and Elizabeth, born on 19 September 1822.
1823 Ordnance Department
Burials in 1823:
- 2 Oct James Poole aged 28 years, clerk in the Ordnance Department.
- 15 Oct Augusta Agnes Carpenter aged 1 year, daughter of W Carpenter, clerk in the Ordnance Department.
1824 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1824:
- 25 Jan Winifred Ellen Baker daughter of Samuel Baker Acting Foreman of Wheelwrights in the Ordnance Department and Catharine, born on 11 December 1823.
- 15 Aug Matilda Anne Deverell daughter of Foreman of Armourers Osmond Deverell and Susannah, born on 24 July 1824.
- 5 Oct Francis Henry Carpenter son of William Carpenter, Gentleman in the Ordnance Department and Elizabeth, born on 22 August 1824.
Burials in 1824:
- 22 Mar James Wrigley aged 52 years, Laboratory Foreman Ordnance Department and late sergeant in the Royal Artillery.
- 24 July George Parsons aged 64 years, Foreman of Smiths Ordnance Department.
1825 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1825:
- 29 May 1825 Harriet Baker daughter of Samuel Baker, Foreman of Carpenters in the Ordnance Department and Catharine, born on 5 May 1825.
1826 Ordnance Department
Marriages in 1826:
- 20 Jan Bachelor John Allers Head Baker in the Commissariat Department married Jennet Parsons, widow of George Parsons late Foreman of Smiths, Ordnance Department.
- 15 July Bachelor Richard Eaton Inspector of Ordnance Accounts for the Mediterranean and Elizabeth Saunders, a spinster of Ivinghoe in the County of Buckinghamshire.
Baptisms in 1826:
- 3 Feb 1826 Edwin Deverell son of Foreman of Armourers Osmond Deverell and Susannah, born on 13 January 1826.
1827 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1827:
- 21 Mar Emma Carpenter daughter of William Carpenter and Elizabeth, born on 15 February 1827.
- 1 July James Perkins Deverell son of Foreman of Armourers Osmond Deverell and Susannah, born on 3 May 1827 and publicly admitted into the church on 1 July 1827.
- 28 Nov George Leander Miller son of Ordnance Pensioner George Miller and Phillis, born on 8 November 1827.
Burials in 1827:
- 19 June Benjamin Lindsay aged 21 months, son of laboratory Sgt J Lindsay.
- 18 Aug James Perkins aged 3 months, son of Foreman of Armourers Osmond Deverell.
1828 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1828:
- 5 Oct Elizabeth Wallace daughter of Ordnance Pensioner Andrew Wallace and Elizabeth, born on 25 June 1828.
Burials in 1828:
- 25 May Robert James Mortimere aged 13 years, son of C J Mortimere Ordnance Pensioner.
1829 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1829:
- 15 Apr Henry William Carpenter son of William Carpenter and Elizabeth, born on 23 January 1829.
- 27 Sep Louisa Sarah Deverell daughter of Foreman of Armourers Osmond Deverell and Susannah, born on 30 August 1829.
Burials in 1829:
- 29 July Emma Carpenter aged 2 years, daughter of William Carpenter.
1830 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1830:
- 9 Sep Henry Topping son of Henry Topping and Mary Ann, born on 18 August 1830.
Burials in 1830:
- 26 May Louisa Sarah Deverell aged 9 months, daughter of Master Armourer Osmond Deverell Ordnance Department.
1831 Ordnance Department
Burials in 1831:
- 26 May The infant son of Master Armourer Osmond Deverell Ordnance Department.
- 29 May Susannah Deverell wife of Master Armourer Osmond Deverell Ordnance Department.
1832 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1832:
- 1 Sep Louisa Frances Piesse daughter of Francis Alexander Piesse Deputy Storekeeper in the Ordnance Department and Martha, born on 3 August 1832.
1833 Ordnance Department
Staff Ordnance Department:
- Storekeeper – Thomas J Rutter
- Deputy Storekeeper – F A Piesse
- Clerks Storekeeper's Dept – F W Carpenter
- Clerks Storekeeper's Dept – H Topping
- Clerks Storekeeper's Dept – A Cammilleri
- Clerks Storekeeper's Dept – John Farr (junior)
- Clerks Storekeeper's Dept – George R Symonds
- Clerks Storekeeper's Dept – William D Pigott
Baptisms in 1833:
- 14 Sep Melita Carpenter daughter of William Carpenter and Elizabeth, born on 26 July 1833.
Burials in 1833:
- 25 May Osmond Deverell aged 42 years, Foreman of Armourers in the Ordnance Department.
1834 Ordnance Department
The Ordnance Department was responsible for the upkeep of barracks and military hospitals. In 1834, the Civil Government placed all its barrack buildings at the disposal of the garrison. The barracks under the charge of the Ordnance Department were capable of accommodating 189 officers, 6,971 men and 33 horses. In addition, there were certain houses belonging to the Government of Malta which were occupied by the military. These houses were lent conditionally to the military department by the Civil Commissioner Sir Hildebrand Oakes. When the garrison was reduced to its present peace establishment Sit Thomas Maitland requested the return of this property to the Civil Government. However, this requested was not complied with and the Ordnance Department continued to claim these buildings as forming part of the Ordnance Barrack accommodation of the garrison.
The Long Ward of the General Hospital in Valletta had been let as storage to a wine merchant, while the cellars under this ward were used as apothecary stores. As the Ordnance Department did not allow mixed occupancy of its buildings, the Long Ward was returned to their charge.
The General Hospital in Valletta had accommodation for 16 officers while the hospital in Floriana for one officer. In 1834, Barrack Regulations stipulated that an Assistant Inspector of Hospital holding the equivalent rank of a Field Office was entitled to two rooms. Captains and Subaltern had only one room. The regulations of 1832 had allowed staff and civil officers residing in barracks four rooms for Field Officers, three rooms for captains and two rooms for subalterns.
Burials in 1834:
- 11 Jan Hannah Baker aged 52 years, widow of William Baker Ordnance Department.
- 27 Aug Catherine Baker wife of Master Carpenter Samuel Baker Ordnance Department.
1835 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1835:
- 6 Jan Sarah Remnant Topping daughter of Henry Topping and Mary Anne born on 24 May 1833.
- 6 Jan Stephen Remnant Topping son of Henry Topping and Mary Anne born on 13 November 1834.
- 15 June Anne Charity Pigott daughter of William Dowdall Pigott and Elizabeth, born on 11 May 1835.
1836 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1836:
- 27 Jan Edward Carpenter son of William Carpenter and Elizabeth born on 1 December 1835.
1837 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1837:
- 9 Mar Isabella Jane Pigott daughter of William Dowdall Pigott and Elizabeth born on 2 February 1837.
1838 Ordnance Department
1839 Ordnance Department
1840 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1840:
- 13 Mar Ellen Martha Piesse daughter of Deputy Store Keeper Francis Alexander Piesse and Martha born on 31 January 1840.
- 15 Mar Henry Baker son of Master Artificer Samuel Baker and Eliza Sarah born on 23 December 1839.
1841 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1841:
- 25 Aug Lydia Antonietta Baker, born on 13 June 1841, daughter of Master Artificer Samuel Baker and Eliza Sarah.
1842 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1842:
- 5 June William James Manford son of Clerk Thomas Manford and Anne, born on 3 June 1842.
1843 Ordnance Department
1844 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1844:
- 17 Apr Elizabeth Anne Manford born on 7 March 1844, daughter of Anne and Thomas Manford Ordnance Department.
1845 Ordnance Department
1846 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1846:
- 11 Aug William Watson Baker born on 15 June 1846, son of Sarah and Samuel Baker Artificer Ordnance Department.
1847 Ordnance Department
1848 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1848:
- 5 Nov Alfred Baker born on 28 Sep 1848, son of Sarah and Samuel Baker Master Artificer Ordnance Department.
1849 Ordnance Department
1852 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1852:
- 6 Apr Baptism of James Albert Baker born 21 January 1852, son of Sarah and Master Artificer Samuel Baker.
Burials in 1852:
- 18 May Samuel Baker aged 61 years, Master Artificer in the Ordnance Department Malta, by Assistant Chaplain to the Forces Henry Hare.
1853 Ordnance Department
Baptisms in 1853:
- 2 Aug Rachel Ann Palmer born 13 July 1853, daughter of Louisa and Master Armourer George Robert Palmer.
Burials in 1853:
- 22 Aug Elizabeth Ann Manford aged 9 years 6 months, daughter of Anne and Thomas Manford.
1881 Ordnance Store Corps
The Ordnance Store Corps had an average strength of 6 men. There was one admission into hospital.
1882 Ordnance Store Corps
1883 Ordnance Store Corps
1884 Ordnance Store Corps
The Ordnance Store Corps had an average strength of 10 men. It had 4 admissions into hospital.
1885 Ordnance Store Corps
The Ordnance Store Corps had an average strength of 6 men. It had 5 admissions into hospital with 1 death.
1886 Ordnance Store Corps
The Ordnance Store Corps had an average strength of 4 men.
Baptisms in 1886:
- 29 Apr Edgar Hamilton Valletta Hirst born on 15 Feb 1886, son of Elizabeth and SSgt William Mears Hirst of Valletta.
1887 Ordnance Store Corps
The Ordnance Store Corps had an average strength of 11 men with 4 admissions into hospital.
Burials in 1887:
- 28 Aug Melita May aged 3 months, daughter of Sgt May was buried in Pietà Cemetery.
1888 Ordnance Store Corps
The Ordnance Store Corps had an average strength of 12 men with 2 admissions into hospital.
Baptisms in 1888:
- 31 Aug Annie Vennings daughter of Harriet Elizabeth and Sgt Robert Vennings.
1889 Ordnance Store Corps
The Ordnance Store Corps had an average strength of 5 men.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church, Valletta in 1889:
- 17 May William Frederick Roberts son of Annie and Sgt Job Roberts, born 16 Mar 1889.
- 18 Oct Adelaide Helena Melita Bruton born 2 Sep 1889, daughter of Adelaide Annie and Sgt John William Bruton.
- 13 Nov Joseph Herbert Pain born 11 Oct 1889, son of Minnie Drusilla and Armourer Sgt William James Pain.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1889:
- 21 Feb Daisy Rachel McCann aged 1 year 4 months, daughter of conductor McCann OSC.
- 26 Mar Frederick William Clarke Webb aged 1 year, son of SSgt Artificer W C Webb Ordnance Artificers.
- 18 June Annie Melita Hartley aged 5 months, daughter of SSgt Hartley Ordnance Artificers.
- 19 July Annie Venning aged 1 year, daughter of Sgt Venning.
1890 Ordnance Store Corps
Strength: 6 men.
Baptisms in 1890:
- 6 Aug James Nairn born 22 Feb 1890, son of Martha Ann and SSgt James Nairn Artificers Corps of Ordnance Artificers, of the Camerata Married Quarters, Valletta.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1890:
- 8 July Martha Jane Nairn aged 1 year 9 months daughter of SSgt.
- 10 Aug James Nairn aged 5 months.
1891 Ordnance Store Corps
Strength: 9 men.
Baptisms in 1891:
- 31 July Walter Stanley Bruton born 4 July 1891, son of Adelaide Annie and John William Bruton Ordnance Store Corps.
1892 Ordnance Store Corps
Strength: 11 men.
Baptisms in 1892:
- 10 Jan Lewis Henry Holland born 16 Dec 1891, son of Marion and SSgt Frank John Holland Corps of Ordnance Artificers of Strada Salvatore Kalkara.
- 28 Jan Phyllis Melita Roberts born 1 Oct 1891, daughter of Annie and Sgt Job Roberts Ordnance Store Corps of No 17 Prince of Wales Street, Sliema.
- 3 Apr William Frederick Walter Vennings born 29 Jan 1892, son of Harriett Elizabeth and Sgt Robert William Vennings Ordnance Store Corps of Valletta.
1893 Ordnance Store Corps
Strength: 13 men.
Burials in Rinella Military Cemetery in 1893:
- 29 April 1893 S A Aggar aged 39 years, Conductor Indian Ordnance died at Cottonera.
1894 Ordnance Store Corps
Strength: 14 men.
1895 Ordnance Store Corps
Strength: 24 men.
Baptisms in 1895:
- 11 Apr Alexander Norman Tod born 8 Mar 1895, son of Ethel Anna and Capt Alexander George William Tod Cheshire Regt of Valletta, attached to the Ordnance Store Department.
Capt Tod had served in the Burmese Expedition in 1887–89 with the 2nd/Cheshire Regt. - 2 Aug George Bertram Edward Norburn born 3 July 1895, son of Jane Elizabeth and Staff QM Sgt William Joseph Norburn of Valletta.
1896 Army Ordnance Corps
Strength: 24 men
Baptisms in 1896:
- 16 Jan Dorothy Chapman born 30 Dec 1895, daughter of Sarah and Armourer Sgt 1st Class Frank Chapman of Valletta.
1897 Army Ordnance Corps
The Army Ordnance Corps had an average strength of 35 men. It had 10 admissions into hospital (824.9/1000 mean strength) with 1 death (42.86/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England.
Burials in 1897:
- 17 June Sgt Maj Frederick Bond, aged 38 years, was buried at Pietà Military Cemetery.
1898 Army Ordnance Corps
The Army Ordnance Corps had an average strength of 36 men. It had 27 admissions into hospital with 1 death.
The men were quartered in the Old Laboratory, Valletta.
Burials in 1898:
- 6 Aug 1898 Lucy Hully, aged 11 months, daughter of Conductor Hully was buried at Pietà Military Cemetery.
1899 Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1899 Strength: 36 men.
1 June Strength: 41 men.
1900 No 8 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1900 Strength: 39 men. Detachments left for South Africa.
1 July Strength: 38 men.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1900:
- 24 Oct Harold Ernest Frederick Brown born on 24 September 1900, son of Maria Louisa and Sgt William Charles Brown, resident at Valletta.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1900:
- 15 June Infant Hector Herbert Holland, aged 84 days, son of Armament QMSgt Holland.
- 24 June Infant Isabel Olive Mills, aged 10 months, daughter of QMSgt Mills.
1901 No 8 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
1901 Strength: Detachment of 38 men.
1902 No 8 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
May 1902 No 8 Coy was replaced by No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1902:
- 21 Mar William Edwin Ashby born on 22 February 1902, son of Minnie and Acting Sgt William Joseph Ashby, resident at Floriana.
- 7 Nov Archibald Henry Tod born on 1 October 1902, son of Ethel Anna and Capt Alexander George William Tod Cheshire Regiment attached to the Ordnance Department, resident at Sliema.
Burials in 1902:
- 24 July SSgt Herbert Charles Woolley AOC aged 34 years, died at Cottonera and was buried in Rinella Military Cemetery.
- 18 Jan Neonate Blundell, aged 30 hours, daughter of Capt Blundell AOC was buried in Pietà Military Cemetery.
1903 No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
1903 Stationed at Marsamxetto Barracks Valletta.
Chief Ordnance Office: 3 Strada Scozzese Valletta.
Army Ordnance Officer's Office: 154 Strada Zecca Valletta.
1904 No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
Baptisms Garrison Church in 1904:
- 15 July Alfred Hully born on 22 June 1904, son of Ellen and Assistant Ordnance Store Officer Francis Hully, resident at No 2A Piazza Miratore Floriana.
Burials in 1904:
- 26 July George Gough AOC aged 40 years 2 months, of St Nicholas Married quarters died at Cottonera and was buried in Rinella Military Cemetery.
- 23 Aug Alfred Edwin Powell, aged 3 months, son of Sgt Powell of Sliema was buried in Pietà Military Cemetery.
1905 No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
1905 Location: Marsamxetto Barracks. These consisted of two arched casemates on the ground floor each accommodating 41 men.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1905:
- 19 Jan Mrs Elizabeth Emily Norris, aged 36 years, wife of Sgt Norris.
- 8 June Arthur Vincent Messenger, aged 7 months, son of SSgt Messenger.
- 9 July William North, aged 41 hours, son of Sgt North of Sliema.
- 12 July William Clarence Bowden, aged 1 year, son of SSgt Bowden.
1906 No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1906:
- 12 Sep Edward Vincent Cecil Smith aged 1 year, son of QM Sgt Smith.
1907 No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
1908 No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1908:
- 15 Mar Male child of Capt Alfred Larcey of Auberge de Baviere.
1909 No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
Baptisms in 1909:
- 28 Apr Elsie Grace Coulson born on 20 March 1909, daughter of Annie Louisa and SSgt James Coulson, of No 15 Lapsi Street, St Julians.
- 2 May Percy Edward Thomas Morgan born on 2 April 1909, son of Edith Louise Morgan and Conductor Ernest Edward Morgan, of No 17, Victoria Avenue, Sliema.
- 30 July Pearl Iris Moore born on 17 July 1909, daughter of Rebecca and Armourer Sgt Harvey Harold Moore, of Warrant Officer's Quarters, St Andrew's Barracks, Pembroke.
1910 No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1910:
- 17 Nov 1910 Infant Freddy Rose aged 3 months, son of Armourer SSgt Rose.
1911 No 21 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
Baptisms in 1911:
- 28 Feb William Edward Lindsley Brennen born on 14 February 1911, son of Elizabeth and L/Sgt William Alfred Brennen, of No 2 Married Quarters, Marsamxetto, Valletta.
- 17 Mar Edith Alice Bonaker born on 3 March 1911, daughter of Lizzie and Armament SSgt George Kirkham Bonaker, of No 2 Birkirkara Street, St Julians.
1912 No 9 Coy Army Ordnance Corps (Malta Section)
1 Jan 1912 No 21 Coy.
1 Apr No 9 Coy Malta Section Mediterranean Command.
Baptisms in 1912:
- 8 Dec Cyril Alfred Rickitt Brennen born on 21 November 1912, son of Elizabeth and Sgt William Alfred Brennen, of Valletta.
1913 No 9 Coy Army Ordnance Corps (Malta Section)
Baptisms in Imtarfa Church Room in 1913:
- 12 Oct Raymond Lee son of Mary Ann and SSgt William Lee of Imtarfa Barracks.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1913:
- 6 July Henry Luxton born on 13 June 1912, son of Florence Elizabeth and Conductor John Henry Luxton of Warrant Officers' Quarters, Strada Cappucini, Floriana.
1914 No 9 Coy Army Ordnance Corps (Malta Section)
29 July 1914 Mobilisation Order received at midnight. By 01:00 hrs 30 July all depôts were opened and stores and equipment were prepared for issue before units arrived to draw them. All units in Malta had drew their ammunition by midnight 30 July other than the AP Corps.
5 Aug Under the provisions of the Defence Scheme the Assistant Director of Stores and Transport (ADST) was directed to complete four and a half months supplies including hospital supplies. The supplies were purchased locally and as quickly as possible as prices were rising. Fuel wood and coal to complete stocks to the required reserve were purchased from the contractors but in certain cases at prices in excess of the contract rates.
8 Aug Capt R. B. Tyrrell AOD took over the duties of Ordnance Department Malta as a temporary measure.
1,000 identity discs were manufactured for the Army Service Corps (ASC) hired transport drivers.
10 Aug Two hundred 15 pdr shells were issued to OC Fort Ricasoli Sub District in lieu of shell fitted with night tracers, not available.
20 Aug Orders received for Colonel Bunny (ADOS) and four officers to be made ready to proceed to England and 21 NCOs and men as can be spared.
3 Sep Four officers (Capt C R Jones, Capt Haley, Capt Pollock, Lt Sidney) and 21 men of Malta Stores 9 Coy AOC embarked for England on H T Ultonia.
5 Sep 1914 Colonel Bunny ADOS sailed for England in P&O S. S. India. Capt R. B. Tyrrell AOD took over the duties of Ordnance Department Malta and OC M.S. 9 Coy AOC and OC Mobilisation. Lieut Williams took over the duties of OC Magazines and OC Cashier in addition to other duties.
Stores and depôts
- Ospizio depôt Store Section
- Marina depôt
- Royal Armoury
- M S 9 Coy AOC
- Workshops
12 Sep 2,000 blankets were sent to Ghajn Tuffieha in preparation for the Territorial Camp.
12 Oct 1914 Lieut A. J. Gatt RMA was attached to Ordnance department. He was to assist the ADOS at Headquarters Ordnance Office and sign documents on behalf of ADOS Malta Command. With the arrival of Lt Gatt RMA the post of OD Malta was suspended. Captain R. B. Tyrrell took over the duties of OC Ospizio depôt Store Section and visited the other depôts weekly on behalf of ADOS, who was also Censor Malta.
1915 Store Section Army Ordnance Corps
11 Jan 1915 Captain R. B. Tyrrell AOD was promoted Ordnance Officer 3rd Class with the rank of Major. Lieut S. Williams was promoted Deputy Commissary with the honorary rank of captain. Conductor S. Pegg was promoted Assistant Commissary of Ordnance with the honorary rank of Lieutenant. Lieut Luxtin took over the duties of Ordnance Officer Magazines from Capt Williams.
21 Jan Lt Col Maurice Spencer was appointed Ordnance Officer 1st Class and temporary Colonel from 8 December 1914. He was ADOS and Censor Malta.
25 Jan Lt Gatt RMA took over the duties of Ordnance Officer Mobilisation.
15 Mar Ordnance Stores issued camp equipment, carts and bicycles for 150 men proceeding to Gozo.
22 Mar Ordnance Stores issued long reins to Army Service Corps (ASC) for ambulance wagons carrying wounded up Margherita Hill Cospicua.
26 Mar 1915 Ordnance Stores issued bed boards and trestles to Forrest Hospital to supplement accommodation.
27 Mar Ordnance Stores issued hospital stores to officer in charge Barracks East to equip temporary hospital at Mtarfa. The issue of stores continued till 29th March.
29 Mar Major Tyrrell left for the Dardanelles in SS Errington Court to inspect the guns of HM Ships. Lieut A. J. Gatt RMA took over temporary command of M.S. G Coy AOC. Lieut S Pegg AOD took temporary charge of Ospizio depôt. Major Tyrrell returned from the Dardanelles on HMS Talbot on 10 April 1915.
29 Mar Local purchase of stores for Mtarfa Hospital.
31 Mar Ordnance Stores Malta altered the height of four Egyptian Pn. Ambulances to allow them to be driven through the Cottonera Gates.
5–7 Apr The Ospizio Stores received orders to manufacture 667 boards bed heads, 1500 bed boards (F.S.) and 98 bedside tables.
13 Apr Marina Stores received hospital clothing from contractors and was preparing to issue them.
14 Apr Ospizio Stores received an order for 200 boards bedhead, 201 tables bedside, 250 labels and several articles for the Valletta hospital.
24 Apr Hospital stores were shipped from England on S. S. Kashmir.
27 Apr Ospizio Stores reduced the height of two ambulances wagons and received orders for the manufacture of special splints and disinfecting tubs for hospitals.
27 Apr Major R. B. Tyrell AOD assumed the duties of ADOS on the admission of Colonel M. Spencer AOD to hospital.
17 May Large quantities of timber was purchased to manufacture hospital equipment.
20 May Demand for hospital equipment for 4000 beds received and forwarded to Supply Reserve Depôt.
29 May 1915 A consignment of hospital supplies arrived from England on S. S. Eden Hall.
Baptisms in 1915:
- 23 May Edith Gertrude Bridges born on 29 April 1915, daughter of Elsie May and Armourer SSgt Robert Henry Bridges of Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 5 Sep Horace William Tickner born on 15 August 1915, son of Georgina Victoria and Armourer SSgt Horace Tickner, of Married Quarters Msida Bastion, Floriana.
1916 Army Ordnance Corps
Malta Section No 9 Coy Army Ordnance Corps
Burials in 1916:
- 10 May Winnie Luxton aged nine months, daughter of Lt J H Luxton AOD was buried at Ta' Braxia Cemetery Pietà by the Rev H H Summers Chaplain to the Forces, Mtarfa.
1917 Army Ordnance Corps
Baptisms in the Barracca Church Valletta in 1917:
- 8 Aug 1917 Benjamin Douglas Jupe born on 19 May 1917, son of Armament QMS Henry Herbert Jupe and Grace Ann, resident at 71 Strada Reale St Julians.
1918 Army Ordnance Corps
Baptisms in the Barracca Church Valletta in 1918:
- 17 Apr 1918 Elizabeth Victoria Tickner born on 2 April 1918, daughter of Armourer SSgt Horace Tickner and Georgina Victoria, resident at 12 D Block Msida Bastion Floriana.
1919 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Baptisms in the Barracca Church Valletta in 1919:
- 12 Feb 1919 John Hector Hales born on 14 January 1919, son of Staff QMS John William Hales RAOC and Gertrude, resident at No 3 Notre Dame Quarters Floriana.
1920 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Baptisms in the Barracca Church Valletta in 1920:
- 27 June Lilian Doreen Butterfield born on 31 May 1920, daughter of Armourer SSgt Alfred Thomas Butterfield RAOC and Alice May, resident at No 1 D Block, Msida Bastion, Floriana.
1 Nov Strength: 7 officers, 33 men.
1921 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1921 Strength: 7 officers, 1 rank and file.
1922 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1922 Strength: 8 officers, 2 rank and file.
Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1921:
- 2 Jan Wynne Hamsley Fraser Lovett born on 30 September 1921, son of Sgt Lionel James Fraser Lovett and Winifred May, resident at Notre Dame Ravelin, Floriana.
1923 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1923 Strength: 8 officers, 2 rank and file.
1924 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1924 Strength: 8 officers, 3 rank and file.
Burials in 1924:
- 24 Feb SSgt Bulman J E aged 41 years and 10 months, was buried at Pietà Military Cemetery.
- 21 Jan Barbara Shoosmith born 25 December 1924, daughter of Frances Elizabeth Rose and SSgt Stephen Shoosmith of Msida Bastion Quarters, Floriana.
- 1 Apr Neil MacCormick born 10 March 1925, son of Daisy Dorothy Majuba and Sgt Neil MacCormick of No 8 D, Msida Bastion Quarters, Floriana.
- 5 Apr Norman David Pritchard born 9 March 1925, son of Hilda Laura and Armourer SSgt Horace Pritchard of No 8 D, Notre Dame Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 25 Oct Henry George Andrews born 20 September 1925, son of Constance Gertrude Sybil and Conductor Henry Cecil Andrews of No 1, Warrant Officer's Quarters, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 1 Mar Pamela Jessie Wilson aged 2 years 5 months, daughter of Conductor Wilson, died at Mtarfa and was buried in Pietà Military Cemetery.
- 2 May Owen Greaves born 12 April 1926, son of Ada Emily and Sgt Owen Greaves of No 17 Notre Dames Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 26 Sep Shiela Elizabeth Goold born 24 August 1926, daughter of Dorothy Elizabeth and Armourer SSgt Donald Charles Goold of No 7 D Block, Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 4 Mar George Victor Bonynge born 6 January 1928, son of Adelaide and Conductor George Frederick William Bonynge of No 2 Warrant Officer's Quarters, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 1 Aug Charles James Hales born 5 July 1929, son of Gertrude and Foreman John William Hales of the RAOC Depôt.
- 26 Apr Twin Gerald Louis Callegari born 23 February 1931, son of Florence May and Sgt Frederick Charles Callegari, of No 17, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 26 Apr Twin Jean Mary Callegari born 23 February 1931, daughter of Florence May and Sgt Frederick Charles Callegari, of No 17, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 17 July David Arthur John Coe born 16 April 1932, son of Doris May and WO II Arthur William Evans Coe, of No 4 B, Msida Bastion Quarters, Floriana.
- 2 May William Lampkin born 3 April 1937, son of Gladys Florence and Armourer SSgt Herbert William Lampkin of No 13, Notre Dame Ravelin, Floriana.
- 21 Nov Vivien Anne Ball born 1 October 1937, daughter of Annie Patricia and SSgt Ernest Charles Ball of No 26, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 6 Feb Gwendoline Winifred Joyce Ellis born 18 December 1937, daughter of Phyllis Marjorie and Sgt Robert William Ellis, of No 4, Belvedere Building, Pietà.
- 13 Nov Patricia Grace Sanders born 9 September 1938, daughter of Florence Emily and SSgt Ernest George Sanders, of Msida Bastion Quarters, Floriana.
- 30 April Sheila Anne Bailey born 21 February 1939, daughter of Elsie May and SSgt Wilfred Herbert Edwin Bailey, of No 15, Notre Dame, Floriana.
- 26 July Owen Albert O'Rourke born 16 January 1942, son of Helen Rose and SSgt Owen William O'Rourke, of No 27, Guardamangia Hill, Guardamangia.
- 7 Nov Rodger Frederick Ruse born 7 September 1943, son of Tessa and Maj Frederick Ruse, of No 49, Hookham Frere Street, Guardamangia.
- 9 Mar Joyce Margaret Andrews born 8 February 1947, daughter of Joyce Helen Lilian and Sgt Edward Andrews, of No 34 N, Married Quarters, Mtarfa Barracks.
- 24 Oct Edward George Hebden Andrews born 6 August 1948, son of Joyce Helen Lilian and SQMS Edward Andrews, of No 12 A, Notre Dame Ravelin, Floriana.
- 6 Mar Thomas James Spurr born 31 December 1948, son of Ruby Emma and SQMS Thomas Edwin Spurr, of Notre Dame Ravelin, Floriana.
1925 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1925 Strength: 8 officers, 3 rank and file.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1925:
Burials 1925:
1926 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1926 Strength: 7 officers, 1 rank and file.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1926:
1927 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1927 Strength: 9 officers, 28 rank and file.
1928 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1928 Strength: 9 officers, 2 rank and file.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1928:
1929 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1929 Strength: 8 officers, 2 rank and file.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1929:
1930 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1930 Strength: 8 officers, 3 rank and file.
1931 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1 Jan 1931 Strength: 8 officers, 2 rank and file.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1931:
1932 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
31 Dec 1932 Strength: 27 men (Detachment).
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1932:
1933 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
31 Dec 1933 Strength: 26 men (Detachment).
1934 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
31 Dec 1934 Strength: 23 men (Detachment).
1935 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
30 June 1935 Strength: 8 officers, 28 men.
1936 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1936 Strength: 8 officers, 28 men.
1937 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
31 Dec 1937 Strength: 30 men.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1937:
1938 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
30 June 1938 Strength: 8 officers, 30 men.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1938:
1939 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
30 June 1939 Strength: 11 officers, 28 men.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1939:
1940 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
30 June 1940 Strength: 12 officers, 36 men.
1941 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
30 Sep 1941 Strength: Detachment RAOC 30 officers, 266 men, Mobile Laundry Units 2 officers, 67 men, LAD 12th Fld Regt 14 men, Maltese Artisans - 12 men.
1942 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
27 June 1942 Strength: 40 officers, 314 men.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1942:
1943 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1943 Ordnance Depôt and Ammunition Depôt.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1943:
1944 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1944 Strength: 23 officers, 208 men
1945 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
30 June 1945 Ordnance Depôt and Ammunition Depôt.
Strength: 20 officers, 173 other ranks.
In 1945, the Malta Garrison was of brigade strength, with the RAOC support consisting of a DDOS (Col C H Carne) and a composite Ordnance depôt commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. The DDOS appointment was downgraded to the rank of Lt Col when Col Carne left Malta in December 1945 and Lt Col F H Else assumed the appointment.
The RAOC organisation remained basically unchanged until 1947 when the small garrisons in Tripolitania and Cyrenaica were placed under the Malta Command.
1946 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1947 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1947 The small garrisons in Tripolitania and Cyrenaica came under the command of the Ordnance Depôt in Malta. This brought 595 Ordnance Depôt at Tripoli and 624 Ordnance Depôt at Benghazi under the ADOS and their bulk resupply became the responsibility of Ordnance Depôt Malta.
1947 In mid 1947, Lt Col J L Hume took over the appointment of ADOS and at the same time Lt Col R P Bridge assumed that of CO Ordnance Depôt.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1947:
1948 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1948 Following the withdrawal from Palestine, Libya received the influx of units and stores. As a result of the increased work, the units in Tripolitania and Cyrenaica ceased to be subordinate to the Malta Command.
Libya became directly responsible to GHQ MELF. For some time, however, ADOS Malta retained the responsibility for building up stocks in those depôts, from surpluses remaining on the island.
Following the loss of command of the Libyan units, the appointments of ADOS and OC Ordnance Depôt Malta were merged into one with the new title of CRAOC.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1948:
1949 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1949:
1950 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1951 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1952 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1953 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1954 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1955 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1956 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1957 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1958 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1959 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1959 Commander Royal Army Ordnance Corps Malta (CRAOC) took responsibility for RAOC stores at Benghazi and Tripoli. The stores were mainly spares and ammunition for Centurion tanks. On 31 March 1963, the British Forces withdrew from Tripoli, but held on to Benghazi in Cyrenaica.
In 1959, CRAOC Malta was instructed to establish 10 Vehicle Company RAOC at El Adem and tasked with storing and maintaining a stockpile of a squadron's worth of Centurion tanks at instant readiness.
1960 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1961 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1962 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1963 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
31 Mar 1963 British troops were withdrawn from Tripoli. A presence remained in Cyrenaica based mainly on Benghazi with a smaller outstation at the RAF airfield at El Adem.
1964 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
21 Sep 1964 Malta Independence day. The RAOC were responsible for co-ordinating the tattoo events attended by the Duke of Edinburgh which preceded the official lowering of the Union flag.
The CRAOC Lt Col P N W Besley and two of his staff in their mess kit perched precariously on a specially erected steel tower overlooking the Floriana parade ground. They marshalled and called in the various displays ranging from a battery of the Royal Malta Artillery to a troupe of local dancing girls. The lowering of the Union Jack brought home the fact that the long association with the British Empire had come to an end.
1964 The RAOC were spread over some 14 different locations in the island. The ammunition was centralised at Fort Mosta, and the Motor Transport (MT) stores at the main RAOC complex at Attard.
An RAOC Depôt had been built for them before the 1939–45 War so as to bring a number of facilities together, but this was taken over by the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC).
1965 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
The RAOC in Malta consisted of the CRAOC, Ordnance Depôt, Barrack Services, Stores Section 53 Command Workshops and the laundry.
1966 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1967 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
As a result of the Healey Defence Review and the unfavourable political climate in Malta, the British Government decided to reduce the size of the three services on the island. The number of troops were to be progressively reduced, with a completion date fixed for 31 December 1971. The command over Cyrenaica was transferred from Malta to Cyprus.
Consequently, the CRAOC Malta Lt Col E H Farrally started to rundown his stocks of ammunition, equipment and spares.
1968 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1969 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
The publication of the run down plan gave the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force the responsibility for all logistic services. As a result, the RAOC Laundry at Marsa was sold to a civilian consortium and the RAF took over the Ammunition Sub Depàt at Fort Mosta and the Fire Services. All other contracts were taken over by the Royal Navy.
1970 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
July 1970 The CRAOC Lt Col J G Barker with the HQ Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC), and HQ Ordnance Depôt moved temporarily from Casement Barracks, Floriana, to St George's Barracks. A few weeks later the RAOC moved to Attard to make way for the incoming 41 Commando Group Royal Marines.
Casement Barracks and the sites at the Ospizio and Sa Maison where handed back to the Maltese Government.
Sep 1970 Lt Col J G Barker the last CRAOC to serve in Malta departed for England leaving a DADOS Maj D Booth in command of a much reduced unit.
1971 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
1971 Command over Cyrenaica passed over to HQ Cyprus.
Dec 1971 The new Prime Minister of Malta, Dom Mintoff, delivered an ultimatum to the British Government, demanding a substantial payment for the use of the military bases in default of which the British would have to vacate the islands by 31 December. The date was extended to 14 January 1972 to allow the families to pack and depart peacefully.
The senior Naval Commander assumed control of all British Forces in Malta with the title of Commander British Forces Malta (CBFM). The Army Commander acted as his deputy.
Ordnance Depôt Malta delivered packing cases to all the families in readiness for their departure before the 31 December deadline. Families left their married quarters and handed over the keys at Luqa airport before emplaning. The quarters were emptied of their furniture by the Officer in charge of Barracks, Capt C Robinson, and his staff of Maltese worker. The furniture wa stored at REME workshops, St Andrew's Barracks and at St George's Barracks Officer's Store. It was reissued in 1972 after a new defence treat was signed which allowed the families to return to Malta.
1972 Royal Army Ordnance Corps
11 Jan OC Ordnance Depôt Malta, Maj H J Pike was medically evacuated with his family.
The Ordnance Depôt received stores from units which were disbanding and issued stores to the recently arrived Commando Group.
Ordnance Stores at Attard which included of barbed wire, pickets, and sandbags were issued to the Commando rear party four days before the Ordnance Depôt shut down on 23 March 1972.
25 Mar Maj D Booth, the last RAOC officer departed from Malta bringing the RAOC presence to an end.
Bibliography
- Phelps L.T.H., History of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps 1945 to 1982. Trim Marks Ltd.
- TNA:WO 95/5448. War diaries Assistant Director of Ordnance Stores Malta, 29 July 1914 – May 1915.
- TNA:ADM 338/54. Baptisms in the Garrison of Malta in the Imtarfa Church Room.
- TNA:WO 156/115. Register of burials in the military cemetery Rinella from January 1890 to January 1908.
- TNA:WO 156/594. No 2, Marriage Register 1 January 1820 to 12 June 1839.
- TNA:WO 156/594. No 2, Baptism Register 2 January 1820 to 29 June 1839.
- TNA:WO 156/599. Baptism Register of the Barracca Church Valletta from 18 August 1916 to 6 November 1949.
- TNA:WO 156/595. No 3, Baptism Register from 14 July 1839 to 25 December 1859.