Regiments
Of the Malta Garrison
The Royal Artillery

The Royal Artillery

Royal Artillery
A muzzle-loading gun; above, a scroll inscribed with the motto Ubique (Everywhere) ensigned by a crown. Below the gun is the motto Quo fas et Gloria Ducunt (Whither Right and Glory Lead).

The Royal Artillery was formed in 1716, when King George I issued a Royal Warrant to set up two permanent field artillery companies of 100 men each. These came under the old Board of Ordnance whose arms included three old cannon.

In 1777, the medical duties of the Royal Artillery were performed by one surgeon and four assistant surgeons. The Army List of 1784, shows a change of title from Surgeon to Surgeon General whose pay was augmented from six shillings to eight shillings a day. By 1783, there were four regimental surgeons with assistant surgeons acting under a Surgeon General. On 23 May 1788, the Ordnance Medical Establishment first assumed the form of a Department with the Surgeon General's pay increasing to ten shillings a day. On 1 May 1797, the Medical Establishment for the Military Department of the Ordnance was formed by Royal Warrant.

The Board of Ordnance was composed of the Master General of the Ordnance, the Surveyor-General of the Ordnance, the Principal Storekeeper and the Clerk of the Ordnance. The Board administered the budget allotted to the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers, the two Ordnance Corps. It was responsible for barrack accommodation for the army and the upkeep of fortresses at home and abroad. The Master-General administered the whole artillery service through his Deputy Adjutant General and his Director General of Artillery. The Board of Ordnance was abolished in May 1855.

In 1854, at the time of the Crimean War, the Regiment of Artillery consisted of seven troops of Royal Horse Artillery and twelve Battalions of Royal Artillery, each battalion consisting of eight companies. Each troop or company was commanded by a captain.

In April 1859, the Royal Regiment of Artillery was organised by Brigades. The 112 companies of the Royal Artillery were divided into six Field and eight Garrison Brigades.

Sixth Brigade Head Quarters Malta
Designation Jan 1859 Title Apr 1859 Station 1859 Title 1911
No 6 Coy 4th Bn 1 Bty 6th Bde Malta 51st Coy RGA
No 8 Coy 12th Bn 2 Bty 6th Bde Malta 8th Mountain Bty
No 5 Coy 7th Bn 3 Bty 6th Bde Malta 99th Coy RGA
No 3 Coy 13th Bn 4 Bty 6th Bde Malta Reduced 1882
No 7 Coy 13th Bn 5 Bty 6th Bde Corfu Reduced 1882
No 8 Coy 13th Bn 6 Bty 6th Bde Corfu 49th Coy RGA
No 1 Coy 2nd Bn 7 Bty 6th Bde Corfu 84th Coy RGA
No 1 Coy 13th Bn 8 Bty 6th Bde Malta Reduced 1871
No 6 Coy 12th Bn 9 Bty 6th Bde Malta 17th Coy RGA
No 7 Coy 12th Bn 10 Bty 6th Bde Corfu 104th Coy RGA
Organisation of the Royal Artillery by Brigades April 1859.

In 1899, the Royal Artillery consisted of: the Royal Field Artillery (RFA), the Royal Horse Artillery (RHA) and the Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA). The RGA manned the coastal guns and colonial forts. In 1924, the RFA and the RGA merged to form the Royal Artillery. In 1938, the Brigades of the Royal Artillery were renamed Regiments.

The Royal Artillery shares the mottoes Ubique (Everywhere) and Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt (Whither Right and Glory Lead) with the Royal Engineers. They wear a grenade with seven flames as opposed to nine flames for the Royal Engineers.

Both mottoes were granted to the Royal Artillery by London Gazette notice of 10 July 1832. The badge was adopted the following year.

The Royal Artillery

1798

Royal Artillery Cannon
Royal Artillery old muzzle loading gun.

20 Dec 1798 The three bomb vessels Strombolo, Perseus and Bulldog armed with their 10 inch and 13 inch mortars arrived off Malta.

Naval Surgeon Thomas Roblyn MD was surgeon of the Bulldog sloop of war on the coast of Egypt and at the blockade and surrender of Malta in 1799.1

29 Dec HMS Bomb Vessel Strombolo disembarked Lieutenant John Vivion, Gunners William Crawford, John Mullholland, and William Willey at Marsaxlokk harbour to man the 10 inch and 13 inch mortars, and the 68–pounder carronade.

1799

11 Jan 1799 HMS Bomb Vessel Perseus landed a detachment of 8 Gnrs, and 1 Cpl at Marsaxlokk Harbour under Lt S. C. Cashell. However, the detachment re-embarked on HMS Alexander on 13 January and rejoined HMS Perseus on 19 January.

29 Jan HMS Bomb Vessel Strombolo returned from her visit to Syracuse. It landed 5 Gnrs at St Paul's Bay bringing the RA in Malta to 1 officer (Vivion James) and 8 men. A gunner died on 24 January 1799. By the end of March 1799, Ball reported to Nelson that of the 11 gunners landed at Malta, two had died and 3 were dangerously ill.

14 Sep William Donaldson was admitted to the British Naval Hospital at Malta from the Stombolo or her tender. On 15 September, Thomas Donnerhugh and in October Dennis Leonard, Brumner Rob, and Rob Thomas were all admitted to hospital. On 31 October, was admitted Richard Gibson; on 2 November Daniel Curry. All were discharged from hospital back to the Stombolo on 15 November 1799.

26 Dec A detachment of 16 Gnrs, 1 Bdr and 1 Cpl from HMS Bomb Vessels Perseus and Bulldog disembarked at Malta under Lt Samuel Reynell, but these lacked essential winter clothing. This detachment brought the strength of the artillery in Malta to: 2 Officers, 2 Cpls, 1 Bdr, and 23 Gnrs. In addition 3 women: Mrs Walker, Johnston, and McLaughlin accompanied the gunners.

1800 Royal Artillery

3 May 1800 The following detachments arrived from Gibraltar and landed at Marsaxlokk Harbour:

4 July The following detachments arrived at Malta from Minorca on HMS Stately.

17 July 1800 From December 1799, Lt John Vivion acted as the Quarter Master General on the staff of Brig-Gen Thomas Graham. In July 1800, Vivion wrote to Michele Cachia, who commanded the insurgents at Zejtun, requesting him to provide a house at Zejtun to serve as a regimental hospital for the British Artillery, whose sick were increasing daily.

1801 Royal Artillery

1 Jan 1801 Strength: 304 men (29 sick). The strength of a company of artillery was 142 all ranks. consisting of 5 officers, 1 Quartermaster Sergeant (QMS), 4 Sgts, 4 Cpls, 9 Bdrs, 116 Gnrs, 3 Drms.

Location: HQ at Fort St Elmo.

Aug Monthly Returns to the Adjutant General show no attached surgeon or assistant surgeon.

Oct 557 men (36 Sick) arrived from Egypt.

Royal Warrant 1 Sep 1801 Instituting A Medical Establishment for the Military Department of the Ordnance and discontinuing the system of having medical officers borne on the establishment of the Royal Regiment of Artillery and Brigade of Royal Horse Artillery, and constituting a grade of Senior Surgeons. This alteration in grades did not appear in the Army List until 1804, and medical officers continued to appear under the Royal Artillery and not under the heading of Ordnance Medical Department until the Army List of 1814.

The establishment of 1 September 1801 consisted of one Surgeon General at thirty shillings a day, one First or Senior Surgeon at 20 shillings a day, three Senior Surgeons at 15 shillings a day, four Surgeons at 10 shillings a day, seven Senior Assistants at six shillings a day and six Supernumerary Assistant Surgeons at five shillings a day.

Surgeons were appointed by the Master General for duty with the Horse Artillery, the Cadet Company, and as Chemist and Apothecary at Woolwich.

1802 Royal Artillery

21 July 1802 96 men, 8 women and 8 children embarked on the men-of-war Northumberland. They were withdrawn from Malta in compliance with the provision of the Treaty of Amiens.

15 Aug General W. A. Villettes, commanding the Malta garrison, proposed to send the remaining company of artillery to England in the frigate Hind. The company was composed entirely of men engaged for a limited period of service and whose service expired in October 1802. By the end of August 1802 the detachment of the artillery in Malta was reduced to one company only.2

1803 Royal Artillery

24 May 1803 Strength: 246 men.

27 Aug Major F M Sproule received his first payment of £845 11s 6d in prize money from the the proceeds of the property captured on the island of Malta on 4 September 1800.

27 Aug Lt Samuel Reynell received his first payment of £43 4s 6d in prize money from the the proceeds of the property captured on the island of Malta on 4 September 1800. The following Lt of the British royal Artillery also received £43 4s 6d in prize money Alexander Dickson (31 Aug 1803), Thomas Gamble (18 Oct 1803), David Story (12 Jan 1804), Thomas Hughes (9 Mar 1804).

22 Sep 1803 Lt Col James Boag received his first payment of £845 11s 6d in prize money from the the proceeds of the property captured on the island of Malta on 4 September 1800.

1804 Royal Artillery

1 Dec 1804 Location: Fort St Elmo. Strength: 460 men.

26 Jan 1804 Captain Thomas Charlton received his first payment of £90 7s 6d in prize money from the the proceeds of the property captured on the island of Malta on 4 September 1800.

Royal Warrant 27 June 1804 with effect from 1 January 1804, extended to the Medical Establishment for the Military Department of the Ordnance the advantages granted by Royal Warrant of 22 May 1804 to the regimental surgeons of the army.

Up to 1804, medical officers held warrants only from the Master General of the Ordnance; after 1804, they held commissions from the Crown.

1805 Royal Artillery

14 Aug 1805 Strength: 240 men, 0 Sick.

14 Aug Location: HQ Fort St Elmo.

Sir James Craig did not inspect the Royal Artillery. He found it so extremely busy in their department, and are still so much employed, that I have not thought proper to interrupt them, and have therefore not seen them.

3 Nov 1805 Detachments joined Lt Gen Sir James Craig's Expedition for Naples.

1806 Royal Artillery

18 July 1806 Explosion of a gun powder magazine at Vittoriosa. On 16 July Lt Col Bentham commanding the Royal Artillery in Malta, ordered Capt Gamble, officer in charge of the artillery in the Cottonera District, through Mr Rutter, the Ordnance Commissary, to unload shells from the magazine in Vittoriosa, in order that they might be sent to Sicily. Capt Gamble passed the order to Bdr Anderson, Garrison Gunner. Sgt Robert Anson the laboratory Sgt had been ordered to show Bdr Anderson how to draw the powder from live shells. Anderson was told to carry the shells as far as possible from the magazine previous to unloading them. The cause of the explosion was disobedience of orders by Bdr Anderson, but Capt Gamble was relieved of his command for failing to provide adequate supervision by a more senior officer.

On the evening of 16 July, Gnr Robert Cresey was one of the working party in the magazine of Vittoriosa, where he assisted in the unloading of several shells. At the Court of Enquiry held in Valletta on 21 July 1806, he stated that the boxes containing the shells were opened with an iron chisel. That seeing much danger in carrying on such work in the magazine he remonstrated with Bdr Anderson who desired him to mind his own business. The magazine blew up on the 18th July killing the working party consisting of an NCO and 12 gunners.

The Artillery Coys in Malta were:

Royal Warrant 9 May 1806 An Inspector General of Ordnance Hospitals was added to the establishment for inspection and direction of the service under the immediate orders of The Master General and Board with a salary of three pound a day. On 7 May 1806, Sir John Macnamara Hayes Bt was commissioned Inspector General of Ordnance Hospitals.

Royal Warrant 25 July 1806 Sanctioning a new Medical Establishment for the Military Department of the Ordnance instead of that sanctioned by the Royal Warrant of 27 June 1804.

The Medical Establishment from 1 August 1806 under the Royal Warrant of 25 July 1806 consisted of: one Inspector General, one Surgeon General and Inspector, one Assistant Surgeon General and Deputy Inspector, fourteen Surgeons, twenty four Assistant Surgeons and twenty four Supernumerary Assistant Surgeons.

1807 Royal Artillery

1808 Royal Artillery

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1809 Royal Artillery

Burials at the Military and Civil Cemetery Floriana in 1809:

1810 Royal Artillery

Strength: 248 men.

1811 Royal Artillery

1812 Royal Artillery

Strength: 392 men.

Royal Warrant 21 Feb 1812 Sanctioning a new Medical Establishment for the Military Department of the Ordnance instead of that sanctioned by The Royal Warrant of 25 July 1806.

The Medical Establishment from 13 November 1811 under the Royal Warrant of 21 February 1812 consisted of: one Inspector General, one Inspector of Hospitals, two Deputy Inspector of Hospitals, two Resident Surgeons, eighteen Regimental Surgeons, one Apothecary, twenty four First Assistant Surgeons and forty two Second Assistant Surgeons.

1813 Royal Artillery

Strength: 387 men.

Location: Fort St Elmo : 1 Capt, 1 Surgeon, 5 Subalterns, 22 NCO, 231 Gnrs, and 4 Drms.

Royal Warrant 1 Aug 1813 Approval of a new Medical Establishment for the Military Department for the Ordnance instead of that sanctioned by the Royal Warrant of 21 February 1812.

The Medical Establishment from 2 December 1812 under the Royal Warrant of 1 August 1813 consisted of: one Director General, one Inspector of Hospitals, two Deputy Inspector of Hospitals, two Resident Surgeons, twenty Regimental Surgeons, one Apothecary, twenty four First Assistant Surgeons and forty four Second Assistant Surgeons.

Royal Warrant 24 Nov 1813 effective 10 November 1813, augmented the Medical Establishment for the Military Department for the Ordnance with two Surgeons and four Second Assistant Surgeons. Dr John Webb became the new Director General Ordnance Medical Department.

1814 Royal Artillery

Strength: 377 men.

Royal Warrant 12 Dec 1814 effective from 1 January 1815, sanctioning a new Medical Establishment for the Military and Civil Department of the Ordnance instead of that sanctioned by the Royal Warrant of 1 August and 24 November 1813, and extending to the half-pay Surgeons, Apothecaries and First Assistant Surgeons the augmentation of one shilling a day, which by Royal Warrant of 8 August 1814 was made to the half-pay of Regimental and Assistant Surgeons of the Line.

The Medical Establishment from 1 January 1815 under the Royal Warrant of 12 December 1814 consisted of: one Director General, one Inspector of Hospitals, two Deputy Inspector of Hospitals, two Resident Surgeons, twenty four Regimental Surgeons, one Apothecary, twenty four First Assistant Surgeons and forty eight Second Assistant Surgeons.

The Inspector of Hospitals was heretofore to be termed Surgeon General and Inspector and the Deputy Inspectors of Hospitals Assistant Surgeons General and Deputy Inspectors.

The Army List of 1814 shows the heading of the Ordnance Medical Department for the first time. Previously medical officers were added to the list of the Royal Regiment of Artillery after the Quartermasters.

A subsequent Warrant adding two Regimental Surgeons to the establishment, making the total number of medical officers 105 was prepared in 1815, but was not signed by the Prince regent.

1815 Royal Artillery

Strength: 394 men, located at Fort St Elmo Valletta.

1816 Royal Artillery

20 Mar 1816 100 men embarked for the Ionian Islands.

6 Aug A detachment including an assistant surgeon arrived from the Ionian Islands.

1817 Royal Artillery

Strength: 205 men.

1818 Royal Artillery

Strength: 184 men. Location: Fort St Elmo Valletta.

1819 Royal Artillery

18 Jan 1819 The detachment left Malta.

Strength: 181 men.

The half yearly return, (21 June to 20 December 1819), recorded a total of 10 officers, 37 women, and 87 children on the strength of the Royal Artillery in Malta. The average number of men during this period was 186. There was a total of 75 admissions with 3 deaths, and an average of 8 sick soldiers a day. Two of the deaths were from pneumonia and phthisis pulmonalis. There were 9 admissions for febris continua communis during the period, but no deaths.

A gunner who had been discharged from hospital as having recovered from mania, threw himself over the line wall under Fort Elmo, a height of 40 to 50 feet. The men who was either drunk or insane, escaped death, but fractured his right leg.

Alexander McHaughton killed himself by jumping over the parapet at St Elmo.

1820 Royal Artillery

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1821 Royal Artillery

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1822 Royal Artillery

18 Feb 1822 The average strength was 122 men. Two companies of the Royal Artillery which had been stationed in Malta for the past 15 years were relieved on 18 February by two companies from England. 120 Men, 21 Women, and 59 Children disembarked. A detachment was stationed at Corfu.

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Royal Warrant 13 Mar 1822 effective from 1 January 1822, sanctioning a reduction in the Medical Establishment for the Military and Civil Department of the Ordnance replacing the Royal Warrant of 12 December 1814.

The Medical Establishment from 1 January 1822 under the Royal Warrant of 13 March 1822 consisted of: one Director General, one Inspector of Hospitals, one Resident Surgeon, nine Regimental Surgeons, one Apothecary, nine First Assistant Surgeons and six Second Assistant Surgeons.

1823 Royal Artillery

The average strength was 125 men. Detachment at Corfu.

On 9 August and 10 August 1823, Captain Thomas Atchison 2nd Captain Royal Regiment of Artillery and Lieutenant George Francis Dawson RA commanding the detachment at Fort St Angelo, disobeyed orders in refusing to fire petard salutes from Fort St Angelo and tolling the bell from St Michael's Tower on the eve and anniversary of the feast of St Lorenzo, the tutelar saint of Vittoriosa.

Both were tried by General Court Martial held at Valletta on 24 March 1824. It had been the accepted custom for salutes to be fired by the Royal Artillery on certain festivals celebrated by the Maltese under orders issued by the General Commanding to whom application was made by the Civil Government. Captain Atchison and Lieutenant Dawson considered the order an idolatrous act of worship contrary to their Protestant faith and refused to execute it.

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1824 Royal Artillery

Strength: 119 men.

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24 Mar Trial by General Court Martial at Valletta of Captain Thomas Atchison and Lieutenant George Francis Dawson for disobeyed orders in refusing on 9 and 10 August 1823 to fire petard salutes in honour of the feast of St Lorenzo, patron saint of Vittoriosa.

1825 Royal Artillery

Jan 1825 In 1825, the companies of artillery ceased to be called by the name of their commander followed by the battalion number.

18 July 1825 Captain Thomas Atchison and Lieutenant George Francis Dawson RA were dismissed from His Majesty's Service by Order of a Court Martial held in March 1824.

They were found guilty of disobedience of orders, insubordination and unofficer like conduct in not carrying into execution the orders that were conveyed to them by letter from Acting Adjutant Somerville RA on the 9 August 1823, desiring that they would give directions for firing salutes at Fort St Angelo on the 9th and 10th August 1823 and for writing a letter dated the 9th August addressed to Major Addams, their commanding officer hesitating and remonstrating against carrying the said order into effect.

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1826 Royal Artillery

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Royal Warrant 6 July 1826 effective from 1 January 1826, sanctioning a new Medical Establishment for the Military and Civil Department of the Ordnance replacing the Royal Warrant of 13 March 1822.

The Medical Establishment from 1 January 1826 under the Royal Warrant of 6 July 1826 consisted of: one Director General, one Inspector of Hospitals, one Resident Surgeon, eleven Regimental Surgeons, one Apothecary, ten First Assistant Surgeons and six Second Assistant Surgeons.

1827 Royal Artillery

diet
Diet Table. Articles composing the different diets for a day.

In 1827, the establishment of the hospital of the Ordnance in Valletta consisted of a steward at 9 pence a day, and an orderly on 6 pence a day, who also acted as a cook. The duties of the steward were to buy the provisions and issue them to the patients according to the daily diet table, to take charge of the stores, to attend to the comforts of the patients and to ensure that the orders of the surgeon were carried out. The duties of the orderly were to attend the sick, keep the ward clean, and cook the victuals. Some of the convalescents were appointed by the surgeon to assist the orderly in attending the sick, whenever there was a large number of patients.

There were five types of diets: Full, Half, Low, Fever or Spoon, and Milk. A scale of the diets was hung on each ward, as also was the diet table, daily filled in by the surgeon, so that each patient could see which class of diet had been ordered for him, and the quantity of each article composing it. From these daily diet tables the surgeon prepared his monthly statement of the expenditure of the hospital, according to an established form, in which he entered fully the quantity of each article and its price. He also included in this form the wages of the servants, the cost of the laundry, and contingent expenses with an abstract of the cash received and expanded. This statement was examined and compared with the receipts and vouchers by a Board consisting of a captain and two subalterns and transmitted to the Director General at Woolwich every three months.

The washing was charged at 1d a day per patient. This included the bedding of every description, round towels and all item of clothing. To meet the expenses of the hospital, patients were charged a stoppage of just under 9d a day, which the surgeon received and accounted for in his monthly abstract. The surgeon returned any surplus cash to the store keeper.

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1828 Royal Artillery

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1829 Royal Artillery

25 Dec 1829 Lt Col Gamble was appointed Principal Commandant of the Ordnance Department at Malta, vice the Hon Col William Henry Gardner Royal Artillery.

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1830 Royal Artillery

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1831 Royal Artillery

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Royal Warrant 1 Aug 1831 effective from 1 July 1831, sanctioning a new Medical Establishment for the Military and Civil Department of the Ordnance replacing the Royal Warrant of 6 July 1826. The new warrant abolished the rank of the Second Assistant Surgeon. The title of Resident Surgeon was also discontinued and substituted by that of Assistant Inspector of Ordnance Hospitals.

The Medical Establishment from 1 July 1831 under the Royal Warrant of 1 August 1831 consisted of: one Director General, one Assistant Inspector of Hospitals, thirteen Regimental Surgeons, one Apothecary, and twenty two Assistant Surgeons. Only those medical candidates who had passed their examination at the Royal College of Surgeons of London, Edinburgh or Dublin were entitled for a commission as assistant surgeons. The assistant surgeons had to have served five years on full pay before becoming eligible for promotion to the rank of regimental surgeon.

1832 Royal Artillery

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1833 Royal Artillery

Strength: 8 Officers, 154 men, 36 females and 96 children.

During 1833 the regimental hospital of the Royal Artillery treated 182 patients and recorded the following diseases:

There were 24 cases of Common Continued Fever during the year with no deaths.

Assistant Inspector of Hospitals John Davy described what was meant by the term Acute Rheumatism. The cases of acute rheumatism were such as commonly occur in Malta, and chiefly in the winter season, marked generally by pain and difficulty of motion, and some derangement of general health, and very rarely indeed attended either by redness or swelling of the affected part or by a pyrexial state. The texture affected appears to be more commonly the muscular fibre. The disease yields readily to treatment but is apt to recur.2

Acute catarrh was endemic, affecting equally the native population and the troops. It first appeared in the 42nd in the early winter of 1832 when the regiment was stationed at Floriana Barracks, and then spread to the 7th soon after the regiment relieved the 42nd at Floriana in the beginning of 1833. Acute catarrh next appeared in the 73rd and 94th stationed at Lower St Elmo Valletta when it prevailed in the barracks of the 42nd among the men; the officers of the corps almost entirely escaped it. Cases entered under the heading of pneumonia were actually just acute catarrh. Three deaths returned as chronic catarrh were due to phthisis pulmonalis. In many instances catarrh was accompanied by a cutaneous eruption similar to urticaria. The PMO remarked that acute catarrh was the same disease as the influenza which prevailed in Malta and in almost every part of Europe during the year.

An officer of the Royal Artillery died from phthisis pulmonalis during the year. He had had the disease for many years. Both lungs and a great portion of his epiglottis were found to be severely diseased on post mortem.

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1834 Royal Artillery

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Singer Lambert James
Lambert James Singer aged 11 months son of Margaret and Gnr Singer died 23 Mar 1834 (Msida Bastion Cemetery Floriana).

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1835 Royal Artillery

The average strength of the Royal Artillery was 159 men.
On 14 December 1835, a draft of 77 Gnrs arrived from Woolwich on the transport Sovereign.

During 1835 the regimental hospital recorded the following diseases: Common Continued Fever: 37, Phlegmon and Abscess: 13, Cynauche Tonsillaris: 2, Pneumonia: 1, Pleuritis: 5, Acute Hepatitis: 1 (1 †), Chronic Hepatitis: 1, Erysipelas: 1, Phthisis Pulmonalis: 2, Catarrhus Acutus: 9 (1 †), Chronic Catarrh: 1, Acute Dysentery: 1, Diarrhoea: 8, Ascites: 1 (1 †), Worms: 2, Scrofula: 1, Ulcer Penis: 8, Bubo Simplex: 2, Gonorrhoea: 10 (1 †), Contusion: 37, Hernia Humoralis: 3.

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1836 Royal Artillery

21 Jan 1836 The Sovereign returned to England with 69 Gnrs.

Strength: 8 Officers, 154 men.

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1837 Royal Artillery

17 June–18 July 1837 Cholera infected 27 and killed 13 (7 males, 5 females, 1 child).

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1838 Royal Artillery

Strength: 38 men.

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1839 Royal Artillery

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1840 Royal Artillery

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1841 Royal Artillery

9 Feb 1841 109 Gnrs arrived from England.

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Royal Warrant 16 Jan 1841 effective from 1 October 1840, sanctioning a new Medical Establishment for the Military and Civil Departments of the Ordnance replacing that sanctioned by the Royal Warrant of 1 August 1831. The warrant abolished the rank of Assistant Inspector.

The Medical Establishment from 1 October 1840 consisted of: one Director General, one Deputy Inspector General, one Senior Surgeon, 13 Regimental Surgeons and 22 Assistant Surgeons.

1842 Royal Artillery

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1843 Royal Artillery

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Royal Warrant 28 Mar 1843 effective from 1 January 1843, sanctioning a new Medical Establishment for the Military and Civil Departments of the Ordnance replacing that sanctioned by the Royal Warrant of 16 January 1841.

The Medical Establishment from 1 January 1843 consisted of: one Director General, one Deputy Inspector General, six Senior Surgeons, 9 Regimental Surgeons and 21 Assistant Surgeons.

1844 Royal Artillery

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1845 Royal Artillery

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1846 Royal Artillery

Royal Warrant 18 Aug 1846 effective from 1 June 1846, sanctioning a new Medical Establishment for the Military and Civil Departments of the Ordnance replacing that sanctioned by the Royal Warrant of 28 March 1843.

The Medical Establishment from 1 June 1846 consisted of: one Director General, one Deputy Inspector General, 8 Senior Surgeons, 10 Regimental Surgeons and 22 Assistant Surgeons.

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1847 Royal Artillery

11 Feb 1847 105 men, 8 women, and 12 children arrived from England on the transport Athol.

17 Mar 70 men, 12 women, and 21 children arrived from England on the transport Athol.

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1848 Royal Artillery

Fort St Elmo
Fort St Elmo lying between the entrances of both the Grand Harbour and the Quarantine Harbour (Marsamxetto Harbour) Valletta was the HQ of the Royal Artillery.

Strength: 110 men, 5 Officers, 12 NCO, 84 Gnrs, and 2 Drms.
Several soldiers died of cholera at Fort St Elmo.

4 July 1848 A third company (No 7 Coy 3 Bn RA) consisting of 99 men, 9 women and 11 children arrived from England on the Katherine Stewart Forbes. It joined the other two artillery companies in Malta.

No 7 Coy 3 Bn RA left in October 1848. It was relieved by No 8 Coy 12 Bn RA which arrived from Woolwich on 15 September 1848.

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1849 Royal Artillery

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1850 Royal Artillery

13 Mar 1850 The Royal Warrant of 13 March effective from 1 April 1850, sanctioning a new Medical Establishment for the Military and Civil Departments of the Ordnance replacing that sanctioned by the Royal Warrant of 18 August 1846.

The Medical Establishment as of 1 April 1850 was to consist of: one Inspector General, one Deputy Inspector General, 6 Senior Surgeons, 13 Regimental Surgeons and 26 Assistant Surgeons.

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The funeral of Capt McQueen was reported in The Times dated 11 August:

He had recently joined the garrison and was attacked by cholera on Thursday afternoon 8 August. He died at half past two on the following morning aged 27 years. His remains were conveyed on the following evening to his tomb, being accompanied by the men of the Artillery commanded by Captain Tylee followed by the officers in white scarfs and headbands.
The body was placed on the carriage of a Field artillery. Colonel Warde brought up the sad procession. At Floriana the coffin was met by the officers of the garrison and the band of the 69th Regiment playing the Dead March in Saul till its arrival at the ground where the service was read by the Rev Mr Hare and three rounds of musketry announced that the last honours had been paid to him who 30 hours before had been the gayest of the gay.

5 Dec Strength: 107 men, 8 women and 7 children arrived from England.

7 Dec 1850 80 men, 21 women and 52 children left for England.

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1851 Royal Artillery

Strength: 159 men. HQ Valletta.

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1852 Royal Artillery

Fort St Angelo
Sketch of South East end Lower Battery Fort St Angelo showing part destroyed by the gale on 21 October 1852. (TNA:MPH 1/889)

Strength: 152 men. In 1852, 10 Gnrs were added to the establishment of each company bringing the total number of gunners to 94.

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1853 Royal Artillery

Strength: 159 men. In 1853, 2 NCOs and another 13 Gnrs were added to the establishment of each company bringing the total number of gunners to 107.

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Royal Warrant 14 Feb 1853 Placing the Army Medical Department and the Ordnance Medical Department under the superintendence of the Director General of the Army Medical Department.

On 25 February 1853, Inspector-General Andrew Smith, Superintendent of the Army Medical Department was gazetted to be Director General of the Army and Ordnance Medical Departments.

1854 Royal Artillery

Strength: 166 men fit for duty. Located Upper St Elmo Valletta.

18 Aug 1854 211 men arrived from Woolwich under Staff Assistant Surgeon William Haughton. The men were placed in quarantine due to the presence of cholera in Gibraltar.

During annual practice, a hot shot destroyed a gun when ladies were looking on. The breech was broken into pieces, one man was killed and others wounded.

Baptisms in 1854:

Burials in 1854:

1855 Royal Artillery

May 1855 Abolition of the Board of Ordnance. Up till then the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers had been under command of the Master General of the Ordnance. These two departments were now placed directly under the Commander-in-Chief. After 25 May 1855, the Ordnance Medical Department became merged in the Army Medical Department, but by an order issued in May 1856, medical officers were considered as forming part of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. In the following December, (Regimental Circular 18 December 1856), they were posted and taken on the strength of the various adjutant's detachments.

With the introduction of the Brigade organisation in April 1859, medical officers were posted to brigades, and soon became associated as regimental officers with the various batteries.

Marriages in 1855:

Baptisms in 1855:

Burials in 1855:

1856 Royal Artillery

Strength: 583 men, located at Valletta. On 12 January 1856, the strength of each company of artillery was increased by 1 Sgt, 1 Bdr and 15 Gnrs but the infantry were still required to act as gunners in an emergency.

Marriages in the Collegiate Church of St Paul's Valletta in 1856:

Baptisms in 1856:

Burials in 1856:

1857 Royal Artillery

Strength: 575 men, located at HQ Valletta.

Marriages in the Collegiate Church of St Paul's Valletta in 1857:

Baptisms in 1857:

Burials at Floriana in 1857:

1858 Royal Garrison Artillery

1 Mar 1858 The strength of the Foot Artillery in Malta was 521 men. The garrison had a total strength of 3,890 men.

1 Dec 1858 Strength: 24 Officers, 32 NCOs, 8 Buglers/Drummers, 632 rank and file, 696 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 4,618 rank and file).

Feb In February 1858, the duties of the drivers were separated from those of the gunners. All gunner drivers under 5 feet 6 inches serving with Field Batteries were transferred to the books of the Adjutant's Detachment of the Field Batteries and were henceforth mustered as drivers. The rest were mustered as gunners. The gunners were, however, also instructed in mounted duties so that in an emergency they could perform the duties of drivers

Marriages in 1858:

Baptisms in 1858:

Burials at Floriana Cemetery in 1858:

1859 Royal Garrison Artillery

msida bastion
Msida Bastion Cemetery Floriana (TNA:MFQ 1/220).

Prior to June 1859, the RA was composed of fourteen battalions and ten troops of Horse Artillery. Each of the fourteen battalions was made up of eight companies. The establishment of a company was five officers, two captains and three subalterns. The rank of major in the Royal Artillery was abolished in 1827.

On 1 April 1859, the Royal Artillery abandoned the designations of Company, Troop, and Battalion, and replaced them with Brigade and Battery. The Field and Garrison Brigades consisted of from seven to ten batteries each, the majority having eight batteries; the 4th, 8th, 9th 11th, 13th and 14th Brigades were Field Brigades. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 10th and 12th Brigades were Garrison Brigades. The field batteries numbered 49, and the garrison batteries numbered 65.

Of the eight garrison artillery brigades, three were stationed at home while the remainder had their headquarters respectively at Gibraltar, Malta, Quebec, India, and Mauritius. Each brigade was commanded by a colonel with an adjutant as staff officer. Malta was given the 6th Garrison Bde, with 10 Btys, of which six Btys were at Malta and four Btys at Corfu.
In 1860, the Armstrong rifled barrel gun replaced the smooth bore gun.

1 Jan 1859 Strength: 24 Officers, 30 NCOs, 8 Buglers/Drummers, 618 rank and file, 680 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 4,537 rank and file).

1 Apr Strength: 24 Officers, 31 NCOs, 8 Buglers/Drummers, 606 rank and file, 669 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 5005 effective rank and file, 5650 (Establisment).

Light A C H
Lt Albert Charles Hugo Light died 5 March 1859 aged 26 yrs 11 days (Ta Braxia Cemetery)

25 Apr An extra Bty RA was placed under orders to embark for Malta, so as to increase the strength of the garrison in the Mediterranean.

1 Jun Strength: 29 Officers, 38 NCOs, 12 Buglers/Drummers, 717 rank and file, 796 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 6,937 rank and file).

1 Dec 1859 Strength: 23 Officers, 49 NCOs, 11 Buglers/Drummers, 697 rank and file, 780 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 7,044 rank and file).

In 1859, the regiment had 194 admissions from fever per 1000 of mean strength with 8.50 deaths from fever per 1000 of mean strength.

Marriages in 1859:

Baptisms in 1859:

Burials at Rock Gate Cemetery in 1859:

Burials at Ta' Braxia Pietà Cemetery in 1859:

Burials at Floriana Cemetery in 1859:

1860 Royal Garrison Artillery

Admissions and Deaths during 1860
Average Strength Admissions Hospital Deaths Admissions/1000 Deaths/1000
747 714 7 956 9.37
Admissions into hospital and deaths during the year with ratio of admissions and deaths per 1000 of strength. The average strength of the troops, exclusive of the Royal Malta Fencibles, was 5,950 men.

1 Jan 1860 Strength: 27 Officers, 46 NCOs, 13 Buglers/Drummers, 687 rank and file, 773 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 7018 rank and file).

With the introduction of the brigade system medical officers were posted to brigades, and were soon associated as regimental officers with the various batteries. One Surgeon Major or surgeon and two assistant surgeons was the usual allowance to a brigade. In 1860, there were 7 Surgeon Majors, 15 surgeons and 68 assistant surgeons, making a total establishment of 90 to serve a total number of 132 batteries. Medical officers wore the uniform of the Royal Artillery with some minor differences.

ophth
Ophthalmia, vesicular lids with slight inflammation (Fr Marston J. A., On Ophthalmia 1862.)

In 1860, 75 soldiers were admitted with continued fevers with 2 deaths. A gunner committed suicide by jumping over the works at Fort St Angelo.

During 1860, twelve men of the Royal Artillery went down with ophthalmia. Seven belonged to No 3 Battery and messed together (No 6 mess). They occupied Nos 12, 13 and 14 rooms at Upper St Elmo. A convalescent from the hospital who had been free of ophthalmia, developed vesicular granules in his left eyelid after coming into contact with an infected soldier from another regiment. Two men belonged to No 8 Battery, one of whom slept in No 12 room using the same wash basin as the men on No 6 mess. Two men belonging to No 1 battery became infected while held in the military prison at Upper St Elmo. the prisoners were not marched down to the lavatory of the prison but washed out of two tubs, the water not being changed, so that 20 to 40 men used the same dirty water.

Marriages in 1860:

Baptisms in 1860:

Burials at Ta' Braxia Cemetery in 1860:

Burials at Rock Gate Cemetery in 1860:

Burials at Floriana Cemetery in 1860:

1861 6th (Garrison) Bde RA

Tigné
Tigné Barracks 1915.
(Courtesy AMS archives)

Strength: 697 men. On 29 August, 6th Bde RA returned to Portsmouth. It was relieved by 3rd Bde Garrison Artillery from Plymouth and the Channel Islands. 3 Bde RA arrived on HMT Himalaya on 19 August 1861. Five Btys of 3 Bde RA were at Malta and the other three went to Corfu.

In 1861, the regiment had an average strength of 617 men, 588 hospital admissions (953 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 9 deaths in hospital and 1 death out of hospital (16.21 deaths per 1000 of mean strength).

20 Dec 1861 Gnr Edwards Johan was executed by firing squad at Fort Ricasoli for attempting to murder the adjutant Capt Edward Keate, HQ Bty 3 Bde RA, by firing his carbine at him at Fort St Elmo.

Marriages in 1861:

Baptisms in 1861:

Burials at Floriana Cemetery in 1861:

Burials at Rock Gate Cemetery Cottonera in 1861:

Burials at Ta' Braxia Pietà in 1861:

1862 3rd (Garrison) Bde RA

In 1862, the regiment had an average strength of 594 men, 402 hospital admissions (677 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 3 deaths in hospital (5.05 deaths per 1000 of mean strength).

Marriages in 1862:

Baptisms in 1862:

Burials in 1862:

1863 3rd (Garrison) Bde RA

In 1863, the regiment had an average strength of 584 men, 306 hospital admissions (524 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 1 death in hospital (1.71 deaths per 1000 of mean strength).

Marriages in 1863:

Baptisms in 1863:

1864 3rd (Garrison) Bde RA

Sgt Neil McBeath
Sgt Neil McBeath 4 Bty 3 Bde aged 47 yrs 6 mths died 28 Dec 1864 leaving a widow and 6 children. (Ta' Braxia Cemetery)

Mar 1864 The Ionian Islands ceased to remain a British Protectorate.
In the end of May 1864, three batteries of the Royal Artillery joined from the Ionian Islands. No 6 Bty and No 8 Bty 3 Bde RA left Corfu on 12 May on HMS Magiciene. They took over Marsamxetto Barracks.
No 7 Bty 3 Bde RA embarked at Corfu on 1 June in HMT Himalaya and arrived at Malta on 4 June 1864.

Marsamxetto Barracks
Marsamxetto Barracks overlooking the Quarantine Harbour (Marsamxetto Harbour) with the quarantine office below the bastion.

In 1864, the regiment had an average strength of 747 men, 544 hospital admissions (728 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 7 deaths in hospital, 1 out of hospital and 1 death among the invalids (12.04 deaths per 1000 of mean strength).

Marriages in 1864:

Baptisms in 1864:

1865 3rd (Garrison) Bde RA

In 1865, the regiment had an average strength of 791 men, 669 hospital admissions (846 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 23 deaths in hospital and 5 out of hospital (35.40 deaths per 1000 of mean strength). Measles was very prevalent among the children of the Royal Artillery during the early months of the year.

Detachments of the Royal Artillery were at Fort Upper St Elmo (256 men), Marsamxetto Barracks (61 men), St James Cavalier (85 men) and St Salvatore Counter Guard (13 men).

Lazaretto
Lazaretto and plague hospital on Manoel Island.

Cholera broke out in Mecca in May 1865 and spread along the Mediterranean littoral. On 14 June, panic stricken Maltese who had fled Alexandria landed in the Lazaretto. The first cases of cholera in the lazaretto were received from the ship Wyvern on the 28 June, but it was not until 3 July that the disease was officially recognized as such.

Lazaretto
Map of Floriana and Manoel Island 1865 (open circles denote cholera cases).

The lazaretto was situated on Manoel Island in the centre of the quarantine harbour. It was nearly level with the sea and composed of a series of various shaped rooms crowded together; the passages and courts were for the most part enclosed by high walls. The foul smelling latrines discharged into the Quarantine Harbour. The lazaretto and plague hospital had been occupied as married quarters by a portion of the 2nd/8th Foot and 34 families of the Royal Artillery.

On 20 June, Assistant Surgeon William George Ross 2nd/8th Regiment attended on an eight year old girl who died within seven hours of her illness. Ross recorded her death as Asiatic Cholera. A woman residing in another cell of the plague hospital fell ill and died on the 22nd June; in the evening of the 23rd, the mother of the eight year old girl fell ill; on the 27th a man and a child of the 8th Foot; and on the 28th June another man of the Royal Artillery and a child belonging to the first woman affected also fell ill. All, except one, died from cholera.

Floriana Barracks
Floriana Barracks

Assistant Surgeon John Sarsfield Comyn RA recommended the removal of the families from the plague hospital to an encampment at some distance on a dry and airy ridge close to Fort Tigné. On 1 July the families of the Royal Artillery were transferred to St Salvatore Counter Guard on the other side of the Quarantine Harbour, almost directly opposite to the plague hospital.

St Salvatore Counter Guard was a small works overlooked by a high bastion, on which were constructed stores which were converted by the military as a barracks. The counter guard was close to and on a line with the Ospizio di Vecchi. Its shape was irregular, consisting of five ill ventilated dark casemated rooms formed in the bastion and shut in at each end. The drainage entered immediately below the works into Pietà Creek. Most of the 34 families of the Royal Artillery which had been removed from Manoel Island had diarrhoea. Within a few hours of leaving the plague hospital and settling down in their new quarters, six women fell ill in the casemates, with one death.

Bastions
Pietà Creek and the Floriana Bastions

On 2 July, another women died of cholera. On 3 July, a woman who had not been at the Plague Hospital, but has nursed the cholera patients, became infected and died within five hours. As the sick could not be removed from the counter guard they were left in the casemates, while the healthy families were placed under tents about 137 meters away from the barracks. On 6 July, three children were attacked in the tents at St Salvatore with one death; on 7 July, a soldier died in the tents at St Salvatore; on 9 July, the wife of a sergeant in charge of the casemates was seized and died; on the same day, a soldier belonging to Fort Tigné, who had been on fatigue duty at the tents at St Salvatore, was attacked and died at the General Hospital. The last case in this detachment, that of a child who recovered, occurred on 11 July; cholera had attacked seventeen and killed ten.

The Royal Artillery in Fort Upper St Elmo was under the medical care of Assistant Surgeon Comyn. Early in the summer, a proportion of the men were removed to tents at night to reduce overcrowding. Cholera struck on 16 July. The next day, another soldier fell ill in the same barracks, and 5 cases appeared at Fort St Angelo, under the medical charge of Assistant Surgeon Alexander Edward Bartlet. On 16 July, an orphan from St Salvatore Counter Guard, who was being cared for by a woman of the Royal Artillery residing in St James Cavalier, fell ill with cholera and died. The child's death was followed on 26 July by that of the carer. The husband of this woman who had been tending her, in turn fell ill and succumbed to cholera on 30 July.

The Royal Artillery had a total of 38 sick and 21 deaths. The deaths occurring at the Plague Hospital (4),St Salvatore Counter Guard (5), Fort Tigné (2), Fort St Elmo (2), Marsamxetto Barracks (3), St James Cavalier (2), Fort Salvatore Cottonera (2), and Floriana (1).

Marriages in 1865:

Baptisms in 1865:

Deaths in 1865:

1866 3rd (Garrison) Bde RA

In 1866, the regiment had an average strength of 760 men. There were 561 hospital admissions (738.2 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 13 deaths in hospital and 2 out of hospital (19.74 deaths per 1000 of mean strength). It had 105 admissions (138/1000 mean strength) for continued fevers with 3 deaths (3.95 deaths/1000 mean strength).

The regimental surgeon drew attention to the sanitary improvements brought about by the construction of the new dock at the head of the harbour which replaced an unhealthy marsh. He attributed the many fatal accidents and half the diseases in the regiment to intemperance.

Two batteries were in Upper St Elmo and one battery each at: Forts Tigné, St Salvatore, St Angelo, Ricasoli, St James Cavalier and Marsamxetto Barracks. The married detachment occupied St Salvatore Counter Guard, Floriana.

Marriages in 1866:

Baptisms in 1866:

Deaths in 1866:

1867 3rd Garrison Artillery

In 1867, the regiment had an average strength of 589 men. There were 434 hospital admissions (736.8 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 9 deaths in hospital and 2 out of hospital (18.68 deaths per 1000 of mean strength).

In June 1867, the 3rd Bde Garrison Artillery with 589 men, embarked for Canada on HMS Simoon.

Memorial erected at Quarantine Bastion Cemetery to the memory of the men, women and children of 5th Bty 3rd Bde RA who died at Malta during the tour of the regiment in Malta between 1861 and June 1867:

Baptisms in 1867:

Deaths in 1867:

Marriages in 1867:

A 7 feet high memorial was erected at Msida Bastion Cemetery to the memory of the men, women and children of the 3rd Bde Royal Artillery who died at Malta during the tour of the regiment in Malta between Aug 1861 and June 1867:

An 8 feet high memorial was erected at Msida Bastion Cemetery to the memory of the men of 6 Bty 3rd Bde Royal Artillery who died at Malta during the tour of the regiment in Malta between 1864 and June 1867:

On 28 December 1867, Nos 1, 2, 3 and 7 Btys No 10th Brigade Royal Artillery arrived in Malta from Canada. They were detained at Gibraltar for two months while Malta was declared free of cholera.

1868 10th Bde RA

Apr 1868 Gnr S. W. Wells was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze medal. A parchment document was also given to Gnr A. Swallow for saving two men from drowning at Malta on 28 April 1867. The men were brought to the notice of the Royal Humane Society by Col Woods 8th Regiment.

The average annual strength in 1868 was 785 men. There were 1077 admissions into hospital (1372/1000 strength); 14 died in hospital, 8 out of hospital and 3 among the invalids (31.85/1000 mean strength). Six gunners died in the explosion of an expense magazine at Fort St Angelo.

Tigné Barracks
Fort Tigné at the entrance of the Quarantine Harbour (Marsamxetto Harbour) with Tigné Barracks outside the fort.

The Royal Artillery had the highest proportion of admissions for continued fevers equivalent to a third of their strength. From June to September, it had 269 admissions with 5 deaths. During these four months the men had occupied Upper St Elmo, Forts San Salvatore, St Angelo, Tigné, Ricasoli, St James Cavalier and Marsamxetto barracks.

The regimental medical officer attributed the great amount of fever at Fort St Elmo to the vicinity of the opening of extensive town sewers close to the fort. He alleged that the barracks was subject to the influence of an atmosphere loaded with sewage effluvia which was blown over according to the direction of the wind, and that this miasma caused typhoid and continued fevers. During the fever season, the men were excused lacquering shot and guns and unloading barges for store depot, to prevent their unduly exposure to the July sun. This action was said to have proved very beneficial. Concurrently, overcrowding in the barrack block was reduced by having men sleep under canvas.

Baptisms in 1868:

Marriages in 1868:

1869 10th Bde RA

Barracks Occupied by 10th Bde RA in 1869

Barracks Occupied by 10th Bde RA in 1869
Barracks Average Strength Fever Admissions Percentage Sick Soldiers
Upper St Elmo 165 24 14.54
Upper St Elmo Huts 55 1 1.81
Tigné 71 9 12.67
Fort St Angelo 79 10 12.65
Fort Ricasoli 51 3 5.88
San Salvatore 70 4 5.71
St James Cavalier 98 3 3.06
Marsamxetto 71 10 14.08
Table I: Barracks occupied by the Btys of 10th Bde RA showing the average strength, number of hospital admissions from fever, and the percentage of sick soldiers during the period each barrack was occupied. Ventilation of barrack rooms was inadequate; neither were the wooden huts suitable accommodation for single or married soldiers. They were too hot in summer and too cold and damp in winter. Tents were also used to reduce overcrowding.
Fort Tigné
Fort Tigné (TNA:MPH 1/889)

The above barracks were used throughout 1869, with the exception of Marsamxetto, which was only occupied between 23 April and 7 October 1869. The wooden huts at Fort Upper St Elmo, were vacated on 23 April, and reoccupied on 7 October. Their occupants moved to Marsamxetto Barracks.

In 1868, the huts in Fort St Elmo were occupied all the year, while Marsamxetto Barracks was only occupied for three hot months. To reduce overcrowding tents were supplied to Upper Fort St Elmo, Fort Tigné, Fort St Angelo, and Fort San Salvatore, for a proportion of the men to sleep under at night.

10th Bde Royal Artillery 1 January to 31 December 1869
Month Strength 1st day of month Hospital Admissions Deaths
January 741 28 0
February 736 25 0
March 735 28 0
April 735 25 0
May 735 40 1
June 734 41 1
July 701 54 0
August 701 59 0
September 699 41 0
October 698 29 2
November 681 19 1
December 680 23 0
Table II: Regimental strength on the first day of the month, showing number of admissions to hospital per month, and the number of deaths recorded. (TNA:WO 334/62)

The average annual strength in 1869 was 715 men. There were 412 admissions into hospital; 4 died in hospital, 1 out of hospital and 1 from the invalids. The ratio per 1000 strength of those admitted was 576.2 and for deaths 8.38.

Marriages in 1869.

Deaths in 1869.

Baptisms in 1869.

1870 10th Bde RA

Fort St Angelo
Gun positions No 1 and No 2 Batteries (TNA:MPH 1/889)
Fort St Angelo
Gun positions No 3 and No 4 Batteries dated 24 May 1852 (TNA:MPH 1/889)

The average strength of the officers during 1870 was 25.8; twenty-one officers were admitted to hospital, two died during the year. One committed suicide, and the other died suddenly of apoplexy.

From 1 January to 31 December 1870, the average strength of the women was 92; 1 woman died of Phthisis pulmonalis.

St James Cavalier
St James Cavalier Valletta

There were 215 children in the command; 17 children died, 3 from Simple Continued Fever, 2 from diphtheria, 1 from haematemesis, 3 from diarrhoea, 1 from teething, 4 from debility, and 3 from premature birth.

St James Cavalier
St James Cavalier Valletta (TNA:MPH 1/912)

The average strength of NCOs and men was 719. There were 460 admissions (640 admissions/1000 mean strength) to the Brigade Hospital with 5 deaths in hospital, 1 out of hospital and 3 among the invalids (12.25 deaths/1000 mean strength). There was one suicide. Sixty-four of the admissions were the result of excessive drinking; liquor also contributed to 102 surgical cases in hospital. Gonorrhoea and syphilis accounted for only 28 admissions. Such a low number were attributed to the police regulations in force at the time, which compelled prostitutes to submit themselves to regular medical examinations and compulsory treatment.

There were no men of 10th Artillery Brigade at Marsamxetto Barracks during the first two months of the year, and only five at Fort Tigné, during the last three months of the year. The huts were only occupied during the first two months of the year when fevers were not prevalent.

Barracks Occupied by 10th Bde RA in 1870
Barracks Average Strength Fever Admissions Percentage Sick Soldiers Remarks
Upper St Elmo 174 18 10.34 Head Quarters and three Batteries from 1 January to 4 March.
Head Quarters and two Batteries from 4 March to 31 December.
Upper St Elmo Huts 39 0 0 From 1 January to 4 March. The huts were vacated on 4 March 1870.
Fort Tigné 54 11 20.37 One Battery from 1 January to September.
Only 5 men were at the fort during October, November, and December, the fort being vacated for reconstruction.
Fort St Angelo 71 4 5.63 One Battery from 1 January to 31 December.
Fort Ricasoli 66 7 10.60 One Battery from 1 January to 31 December.
San Salvatore 73 2 2.73 One Battery from 1 January to 31 December.
St James Cavalier 116 5 4.31 One Battery from 1 January to September.
Two Batteries from October to 31 December.
Marsamxetto 69 22 31.88 One Battery from 4 March to 31 December.
Table III: Barracks occupied by the Batteries of 10th Bde RA showing the average strength, number of hospital admissions from fever, and the percentage of sick soldiers during the period each barrack was occupied. Ventilation of barrack rooms was inadequate; neither were the wooden huts suitable accommodation for single or married soldiers. They were too hot in summer and too cold and damp in winter. Tents were also used to reduce overcrowding.

Tents were provided for the men to sleep under at Upper Fort St Elmo Barracks, Marsamxetto Barracks, Fort Tigné, and Fort St Angelo. In each of the barracks, half the men slept under canvass every night, except at Lower Fort St Elmo Barracks, where more than a third of the men slept nightly in tents. All the men occupying the barracks took their turn to sleep under canvass so that they all derived the perceived benefits from the arrangement.

10th Bde Royal Artillery 1 January to 31 December 1870
Month Strength 1st day of month Hospital Admissions Deaths
January 675 26 0
February 715 31 0
March 716 40 0
April 715 27 0
May 700 26 0
June 692 39 2
July 748 38 0
August 741 36 2
September 740 58 1
October 739 46 0
November 723 44 1
December 721 49 0
Table IV: Regimental strength on the first day of the month, showing number of admissions to hospital per month, and the number of deaths recorded. TNA:WO 334/77

Smallpox was prevalent on the shores of the Mediterranean during autumn of 1870. In October, it struck the civilian population. Four children of the RA also became infected with a mild form of the disease.

Deaths in 1870:

Baptisms in 1870:

1871 10th Bde RA

Johanna Louisa
Joanna Louisa died 21 Oct 1869 aged 1 yr 6 mths
George Alfred died 14 Dec 1871 aged 12 mths, children of George and Margaret Ware 10th Bde RA. (Pietà Military Cemetery)

10th Bde Royal Artillery was located at Upper St Elmo Valletta.

The Royal Artillery had an average strength of 862 men. There were 391 admissions into hospital (453/1000 mean strength), with 14 deaths in hospital, 1 out of hospital and 2 among the invalids (19.72/1000 mean strength). It had the highest proportion of deaths from continued fevers in the garrison with 4.64 deaths per 1000 mean strength.

Baptisms in 1871:

Marriages in 1871:

1872 10 Bde RA

Catherine Rowan
School Mistress Catherine Rowan. Wife of QM Sgt M J Rowan 10 Bde died 4 Sep 1872 aged 30 yrs (Ta' Braxia Cemetery).

In 1872, the Royal Artillery had an average strength of 998 men. It had 1046 admissions (1048/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 10 deaths (10.02/1000 mean strength). Its average strength from 30 June to 30 September was 1036 men. During this third quarter of the year when fevers were prevalent, the Royal Artillery had a total of 112 hospital admissions with 8 deaths. It had: 9 cases of enteric fever with 5 deaths, 71 of simple continued fevers with 3 deaths and 32 of febricula with no deaths.

The men were quartered at: Upper St Elmo, Lower St Elmo until April and St Clement's Bastion from April, Marsamxetto Barracks, St James Cavalier, Forts St Angelo, Ricasoli and Manoel.

In 1872 the regimental rank of major was restored to the Royal Artillery. All captains were automatically promoted to majors and all second captains were promoted to majors.

Baptisms in 1872:

Marriages in 1872:

1873 12 Bde RA

Land E J
Elizabeth Jane Land daughter of Sgt Maj Land died 10 Dec 1873 aged 13 yrs (Ta Braxia Cemetery).

In 1873, the 10th Brigade Royal Artillery had an average strength of 797 men. It had 689 admissions (864.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (3.76/1000 mean strength). There was one death from delirium tremens.

The large number of admissions from diarrhoea in the 12th Brigade RA was attributed by the PMO to change of climate and food and to free indulgence in autumnal fruits and the still fermenting wines of the recent vintage.

16 Oct 1873 HQ Bty, No 1, No 2, No 3, No 4, and No 5 Btys 10th Brigade Royal Artillery embarked on HMS Himalaya, and arrived at Devonport on 27 October 1873.

20 Oct No 6, and No 7 Btys 10th Brigade Royal Artillery embarked on HMS Tamar, and arrived at Pembroke Dock Woolwich on 2 November 1873.

Fort St Angelo
Fort St Angelo Vittoriosa

Oct 1873 12th Brigade of the Royal Artillery arrived from England in October 1873. It relieved 10 Bde RA (797 men) which returned to England on 14 October.

12 Bde RA had an average strength of 212 men. It had 353 admissions (1663/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (4.72/1000 mean strength).

Baptisms in 1873:

Deaths in 1873.

Marriages in 1873:

1874 12 Bde RA

12 Bde RA consisted of:

12th Bde RA had an average strength of 970 men. It had 1075 admissions (1108.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 12 deaths including 2 invalids (12.37 deaths/1000 mean strength). It had 41 invalids returned to England.

The Royal Artillery had 279 admissions/1000 mean strength for continued fevers with one death. The regimental surgeon incriminated employment of men on fatigues during the hot season and exposure to the sun for the admissions from simple fevers.

Three of the 5 admissions of enteric fever during the year, came from Marsamxetto, Ricasoli and St James Cavalier Barracks occupied by 12th Bde RA. The other two came from the 28th and 101st Regiments.

Baptisms in 1874:

1875 12 Bde RA

Anne Jane Leonard
Anne Jane Leonard daughter of Armourer Sgt William and S J Leonard 12 Bde RA died of diphtheria 25 May 1875 aged 5 yrs 11 mths (Ta' Braxia Cemetery).

12th Bde RA had an average strength of 995 men. It had 1042 admissions (1047.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 17 deaths including 1 invalid (17.08 deaths/1000 mean strength). It had 40 invalids returned to England. Its average daily sick was 56.14 (56.42/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 20.59 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 19.67 days.

12th Bde RA was the least healthy of the corps in the command. It had the highest daily sick rates and admissions into hospital; its invaliding rate was the highest in the garrison and the average length of time each case of sickness remained under treatment was longer in the Royal Artillery than in other corps.

The admissions for dyspepsia were numerous as were those resulting from accidents. It had three accidental deaths. One soldier was admitted with small-pox.

The camerata married quarters near the General Hospital was occupied by the families of the Royal Artillery, the regiment in Lower St Elmo Barracks and the Malta Fencibles.

Baptisms in 1875:

Deaths in 1875:

1876 12 Bde RA

12th Bde RA had an average strength of 957 men. It had 782 admissions (822.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 16 deaths including 3 invalids (16.72 deaths/1000 mean strength). It had 32 invalids returned to England. Its average daily sick was 46.17 (48.24/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.61 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.55 days.

Enteric fever broke out among the Royal Artillery at St James Cavalier. During the hot summer months the men of the Royal Artillery were placed at night under tents pitched on St James Cavalier. The cause of the outbreak was traced by the medical officer to to the very large town sewer ventilators placed in its roof on account of its elevated position. During the summer months the inmates of the barracks under the cavalier slept on the terrplein and breathed the sewer atmosphere. No more cases occurred once the men were encamped on the adjoining bastion.

Baptisms in 1876:

Deaths in 1876:

In Sep 1876, Gnr John Hales 12th Bde RA, aged 21 years, while stationed at Malta experienced a dull aching pain in the right wrist which he attributed to an injury received in shifting a gun shears. This was followed by suppuration and disease of the bones of the wrist. On 31 Oct 1877, Surgeon Major J H Porter successfully excised a tuberculous right wrist joint at the Royal Victoria Hospital Netley.

1877 10 Bde RA

10 Bde RA consisted of:

Mary Ann Grounds
Mary Ann Grounds 15 Bty 10 Bde died at Fort Ricasoli 1 Oct 1877 aged 29 yrs. (Ta' Braxia Cemetery)

On 1 July 1877 there was a reorganisation of the Royal Artillery. Brigade HQs overseas were broken up. Batteries were rotated instead of whole Brigades. 12th Bde was renamed 10th Bde and five new Garrison Brigades were formed.

10th Bde RA had an average strength of 959 men. It had 616 admissions into hospital with 12 deaths including 4 invalids. It had 20 invalids returned to England. Its average daily sick was 39.71. The average sick time to each soldier was 15.01 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.53 days.

Baptisms in 1877:

Deaths in 1877:

1878 Royal Artillery

Indian Expeditionary Force
Memorial to M Bty 1 Bde Royal Artillery who died while forming part of the Indian Expeditionary Force to Malta 1878:
Dvr John Costello 27 yrs at Bombay 29 Apr
Cpl Thomas McClean 27 yrs at sea 2 May
Dvr Thomas Churcher 27 yrs at Malta 10 June
Dvr Henry Barnes 27 yrs at Malta in 2 Sep
(Pietà' Military Cemetery)

On 28 Apr 1878, a contingent of Indian Native Troops left Bombay and Crannanore. They were commanded by Major General J Ross CB. The troops arrived at Malta, via Suez and Port Said, on 29 May, after a voyage of 30 days. They were held in readiness at Malta to intervene in the Russo-Turkish War.

Cholera broke out on the Clydesdale and Maraval. Capt W. Lane RA, officer commanding, had had no surgeon but only an apothecary. He therefore applied to the SS Malda for a medical officer. Surgeon Major Raddock, 31st Punjab Native Infantry, was attached to the Royal Artillery, and remained with them until they arrived at Port Said.

The Maraval docked at Malta with 101 men and 109 followers of the Royal Artillery. The Clydesdale arrived on 2 June and went into a seven day quarantine. The men and horses were landed and accommodated in the Lazaretto. Those at Malta were:

M Battery 1st Brigade RA (54 men) and F Battery 2nd Brigade RA (20 men) and the Madras and Bombay European Sappers and Miners arrived from India. M Bty 1st Bde RA and F Bty 2nd Bde RA had 60 admissions into hospital with 5 deaths.

M Battery 1st Brigade RA returned to India during the year. F Battery 2nd Brigade RA, the Madras and Bombay Sappers and Miners embarked for Cyprus in July.

10th Bde RA had an average strength of 981 men. It had 847 admissions into hospital with 4 deaths. 45 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 51.50. The average sick time to each soldier was 19.16 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.19 days.

1879 10 Bde RA

A Stacey
Master Gunner Arthur husband of Caroline Stacey died 29 Oct 1878 aged 28 yrs.

10th Bde RA had an average strength of 954 men. It had 858 admissions into hospital with 7 deaths. 63 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 49.77. The average sick time to each soldier was 19.04 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.1 days.

During the prevalence of fever among the civil population in the Manderaggio which was adjacent to Marsamxetto Barracks, Surgeon-General W G Watts recommended the reduction of the strength of the detachment of the Royal Artillery so as to decrease overcrowding in the barracks. During the summer, the troops discontinued wearing their valises when mounting guard; likewise the waist belt and side arms were discontinued to be worn by orderlies and NCOs when on ordinary duties.

1880 10 Bde RA

10th Bde RA had an average strength of 894 men. It had 649 admissions into hospital with 5 deaths. 12 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 41.96. The average sick time to each soldier was 17.17 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.66 days.

1881 10 Bde RA

In 1881, the Royal Artillery in Malta was composed of headquarters and 4 batteries. The RA was reorganised on 21 May 1881. Artillery Divisions and Districts were formed in stations having more than three batteries. The eight Btys in Malta were regrouped into the Eastern, Central and Western Districts.

The RA had an average strength of 1113 men. It had 718 admissions into hospital with 5 deaths. 17 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 51.77. The average sick time to each soldier was 16.97 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.31 days.

A gunner was killed by lightening. He was marching through the streets of Valletta during a heavy thunderstorm when he was knocked down by lightening. However, no marks were detected and he died two weeks later.

1882 10 Bde RA

Memorial Irish Div RA
Memorial to No 7 Bty 1st Bde South Irish Div RA who died at Malta 1882
Jeptha Brazier died 18 June aged 21 yrs
Gnr John Leckey died 17 Aug aged 30 years
Gnr William Welch died 19 Oct aged 27 years
Gnr George Hopper died 2 Nov aged 34 years
(Ta' Braxia Cemetery Pietà)

The RA had an average strength of 990 men. It had 574 admissions into hospital with 9 deaths including 2 among the invalids. 34 invalids returned to England.

Its average constantly sick was 37.55. The average sick time to each soldier was 13.84 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.87 days.

100 ton gun Rinella
100 ton Rifled Muzzle Loading Gun arrived from England on 10 September 1882. It was mounted at Fort Rinella on 12 Jan 1884. It was the first gun to be operated by steam driven hydraulic system. It ceased service in Oct 1906.

A gunner rolled off while asleep on a high parapet and died from multiple injuries; another accidentally drowned while bathing at Sliema.

On 24 March 1882, 3 Batteries of the Royal Artillery left for Gibraltar.

Apr 1882 Reorganisation of the RA with the disbandment of the large five brigades and the formation of eleven territorial divisions.

On 18 July, 3 Batteries of the Royal Artillery arrived from Gibraltar. On 9 August a Battery left for Egypt, and on 28 August, one Battery arrived from England.

31 Aug 1882 The following four Btys embarked to suppress the revolt in Egypt: No 4 Bty 1 Bde London Div, No 5 Bty 1 Bde London Div, No 5 Bty 1 Bde Scottish Div, No 6 Bty 1 Bde Scottish Div.

On 13 October 1882, two Btys of the London Division returned to Malta from Egypt; the other two Btys of the Scottish Div formed part of the garrison of Alexandria.

1883 Royal Artillery

Lilian Edna Jessie

Lilian Edna Jessie 23 Feb 1880–10 Mar 1883. While playing on 3 Mar 1883 became entangled in the machinery of the windmill at Upper St Elmo, lost her right leg and so severely injured the other that she succumbed to her injuries the following Saturday (Pietà Military Cemetery).

Samuel Merrylees

Cpl Samuel Merrylees No 4 Bty 1 Bde RA aged 37 yrs, was stabbed by a Gnr in the groin with a sword bayonet at Fort Manoel on 22 Dec 1883 (Pietà Military Cemetery).

N Taylor

Lewis Norman Taylor son of Jessie Lea and Maj Lewis William Taylor died at Upper St Elmo Barracks 30 July 1883 aged 9 mths 10 days (Ta Braxia Cemetery).

The RA had an average strength of 1062 men. It had 690 admissions into hospital with 16 deaths. 30 invalids returned to England.

Its average constantly sick was 53.26. The average sick time to each soldier was 8.30 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 28.17 days.

The RA had the highest death rate in the command attributable to three deaths by violence out of hospital. An artillery men who had been missing for some days was found drowned. A soldier rolled off the top of St James' Cavalier, while sleeping on the roof of his barrack room. Cpl Samuel Merrylees bled to death from a severed external iliac artery when stabbed in the groin with a sword bayonet by a gunner.

The Royal Artillery consisted of Headquarters and 8 batteries:

Burials in 1883:

1884 Royal Garrison Artillery

The Royal Artillery (London Division) had an average strength of 402 men. It had 235 admissions into hospital with 1 death (2.48 deaths/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 16.18 (40.24/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.73 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.19 days.

The Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 10 men. It had 11 admissions into hospital. 2 invalids returned to England.

The Royal Artillery (Scottish Division) had an average strength of 173 men. It had 51 admissions into hospital. 3 invalids returned to England.

The Royal Artillery (South Irish Division) had an average strength of 346 men. It had 259 admissions into hospital with 3 deaths. 18 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 19.21. The average sick time to each soldier was 20.32 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.14 days.

A gunner was admitted into hospital with multiple injuries after falling down a 6 meter deep shaft at Lower St Elmo Barracks.

In 1884, the Malta Command had 7 batteries of Artillery. A battery left during the year:

1885 Royal Garrison Artillery

The Royal Artillery (London Division) had an average strength of 316 men. It had 255 admissions (806.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 4 deaths (12.65 deaths/1000 mean strength). 16 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 15.82 (50.06/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 18.27 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.64 days.

The Royal Artillery (Scottish Division) had an average strength of 77 men. It had 36 admissions (467.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (25.97 deaths/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 2.09 (27.14/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.90 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.19 days.

The Royal Artillery (North Irish Division) had an average strength of 97 men. It had 44 admissions (452.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 3.03 (31.23/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 11.40 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.13 days.

The Royal Artillery (South Irish Division) had an average strength of 443 men. It had 263 admissions (593.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (2.25/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 12.11 (27.33/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.97 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 16.80 days.

There were 8 batteries of the Royal Artillery in the Command.

1886 1st Bde Royal Artillery

The Royal Artillery (Northern Division) arrived from England on 2 Nov 1886 and was stationed in Cottonera for 2 months. It had an average strength of 23 men. It had 22 admissions (956.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (43.48 deaths/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 1.67 (72.61/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 26.50 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.70 days.

The Royal Artillery (Western Division) arrived from England on 2 Nov 1886 and was stationed in Cottonera for 2 months. It had an average strength of 20 men. It had 13 admissions (650/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 0.63 (31.50/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 11.49 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 17.68 days.

The Royal Artillery (London Division) embarked for England on 16 Nov 1886, arriving at Portsmouth on 25 November. It had been stationed in Cottonera and Valletta for 11 months and 2 weeks. It had an average strength of 251 men. It had 109 admissions (434.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 6.74 (26.85/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.80 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.56 days.

No 4 Bty 1 Bde RA (London Division) was composed of: 2 officers, 4 sgts, 2 drummers, 114 rank and file, 4 wives, 12 children.

No 5 Bty 1 Bde RA (London Division) was composed of: 2 officers, 7 sgts, 2 drummers, 104 rank and file, 8 wives, 16 children.

The Royal Artillery (Cinque Ports Division) had been stationed in Cottonera for 11 months and in Valletta for 1 month. It had an average strength of 120 men. It had 79 admissions (658.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 4.41 (36.75/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 13.41 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 20.37 days.

The Royal Artillery (South Irish Division) had been stationed in Valletta for 12 months. It had an average strength of 352 men. It had 237 admissions (673.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (5.68/1000 mean strength). 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 15.41 (43.77/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.97 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.73 days.

The Royal Artillery (North Irish Division) had been stationed in Valletta for 12 months. It had an average strength of 132 men. It had 142 admissions (1075.7/1000 mean strength) into hospital with no deaths. 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.77 (66.44/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 24.19 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 28.38 days.

The Royal Artillery had 5 batteries throughout the year, two from January to 16 Nov 1886 and detachments of two batteries during the last two months of the year.

Baptisms in the Garrison Church, Valletta in 1886:

1887 1st Bde Royal Artillery

Manoel Island Cannon
6.6 inch Rifled Muzzle Loader Howitzer

No 2 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Northern Division) had an average strength of 136 men. It had 150 admissions (1102.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 4 deaths (29.41 deaths/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 13.42 (98.67/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 36.01 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 36.25 days. The battery was quartered at Fort St Angelo.

Manoel Island gun carriage
Carriage for R M L Howitzer, embrasure overlooking Marsamxett Harbour

No 6 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Cinque Ports Division) had an average strength of 142 men. It had 77 admissions (542.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (11.11 deaths/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 3.34 (23.52/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 8.58 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 15.83 days. The battery was quartered at Fort Manoel.

No 1 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Southern Division) arrived from Egypt on 21 Feb 1887. It had an average strength of 90 men. It had 37 admissions (411.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (11.11 deaths/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 3.73 (41.44/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.12 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 36.79 days.

1888 gun carriage
Inscription iron carriage War Dept R.C.D.I. 1888 Reg No G 679

No 4 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Western Division) had an average strength of 130 men. It had 60 admissions (461.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (7.04 deaths/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 3.58 (27.53/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 10.05 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.77 days.

No 1 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (North Irish Division) had an average strength of 123 men. It had 94 admissions (764.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.15 (44.30/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.17 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.16 days.

1 Bty 1st Bde North Irish Div RA
No 1 Bty 1st Bde North Irish Div RA
Died in Malta 1885-89
Gnr William Beaumont died 17 Feb 1888 aged 31 years
Sgt George Morris died 25 Apr 1888 aged 30 yrs 1 mth
Cpl John Harvey died 22 Aug 1888 aged 27 yrs 7 mths. (Pietà' Military Cemetery)

No 7 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (South Irish Division) had an average strength of 117 men. It had 102 admissions (871.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (8.54 deaths/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 5.56 (47.52/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.34 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 19.89 days. The battery was quartered at Upper St Elmo.

No 8 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (South Irish Division) had an average strength of 117 men. It had 116 admissions (991.4/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.46 (46.66/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.03 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 17.17 days. The battery was quartered at Upper St Elmo.

No 9 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (South Irish Division) had an average strength of 116 men. It had 39 admissions (767.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.47 (47.15/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.21 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.43 days.

A corporal living in the Camarata Married Quarters, and an orderly looking after him, developed small-pox; both recovered.

Headquarters and 7 batteries Royal Artillery served in the Command throughout the year. A battery of the Royal Artillery arrived from Egypt in February.

Baptisms in the Garrison Church, Valletta in 1887:

Burials in 1887:

1888 Royal Artillery

Baptisms in the Garrison Church, Valletta in 1888:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1888:

No 2 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Northern Division) had an average strength of 127 men. It had 98 admissions (771.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (7.87 deaths/1000 mean strength). 7 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 7.22 (56.85/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 20.80 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.96 days. The battery was quartered at Fort St Angelo and Fort Delimara.

Sarah Lavinia Lilly
Sarah Lavinia Lilly youngest daughter of QM Sgt John Collins and Sarah Lavinia Collins died at St Elmo 24 Oct 1888 aged 9 mths (Pietà Military Cemetery).

No 6 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Cinque Ports Division) had an average strength of 128 men. It had 68 admissions (531.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (7.81 deaths/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 3.56 (27.81/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 10.18 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 19.16 days. The battery was quartered at Valletta.

No 1 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 141 men. It had 54 admissions (382.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (7.09 deaths/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 3.31 (23.47/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 8.59 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.43 days. The battery was quartered at Fort San Rocco and Fort Ricasoli.

No 4 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Southern Division) arrived from England on 26 Jan 1888 and was quartered at Valletta. It had an average strength of 135 men. It had 123 admissions (911.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 6.13 (45.41/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.61 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 18.24 days.

No 4 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Western Division) had an average strength of 126 men. It had 73 admissions (579.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 5.42 (43.01/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.74 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.17 days. The battery was quartered at Cottonera.

No 4 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (Scottish Division) arrived from England on 28 Jan 1888 and was quartered at Valletta. It had an average strength of 126 men. It had 172 admissions (1365.0/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.55 (67.85/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 24.75 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 18.19 days. The battery was quartered at Fort St Elmo.

No 1 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (North Irish Division) had an average strength of 142 men. It had 83 admissions (584.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (21.12/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.56 (39.15/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.33 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 24.51 days. The battery was quartered at Fort Tigné.

No 3 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (North Irish Division) arrived from England on 26 Jan 1888 and was quartered at Valletta. It had an average strength of 145 men. It had 174 admissions (1200/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (6.89/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 6.11 (42.13/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.42 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 12.85 days. The battery was quartered at Fort St Elmo.

No 7 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (South Irish Division) had an average strength of 9 men. It had 14 admissions (1555.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital. The battery was quartered at Valletta.

On 10 Feb 1888, No 7 Bty/1st Bde, consisting of 1 officer, 6 sgts, 1 drummer, 93 rank and file, 4 soldier's wives and 13 children embarked on HMS Himalaya. It disembarked at Portsmouth on 22 Feb 1888.

No 8 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (South Irish Division) had an average strength of 10 men. It had 6 admissions (600/1000 mean strength) into hospital. The battery was quartered at Valletta.

On 10 Feb 1888, No 8 Bty/1st Bde, consisting of 2 officers, 5 sgts, 2 drummers, 114 rank and file, 4 soldier's wives and 5 children embarked on HMS Himalaya. It disembarked at Portsmouth on 22 Feb 1888.

No 9 Bty/1st Bde Royal Artillery (South Irish Division) had an average strength of 10 men. It had 9 admissions (900/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (100/1000 mean strength). The battery was quartered at Valletta.

On 10 Feb 1888, No 9 Bty/1st Bde, consisting of 4 officers, 5 sgts, 1 drummer, 106 rank and file, 5 soldier's wives and 9 children embarked on HMS Himalaya. It disembarked at Portsmouth on 22 Feb 1888.

The Royal Artillery had the Headquarters and 8 batteries in the Command. Three batteries arrived from England during the year which replaced three batteries that had left the Command.

1889 Royal Artillery

Harris J
Jane Harris wife of Lt QM Charles Harris RA died 13 Jan 1889 aged 42 yrs. (Ta Braxia Cemetery Pieta).

In July 1889, the Royal Artillery was reorganised with the eleven Territorial Divisions of the Garrison Artillery being regrouped into three large Divisions: Eastern, Southern and Western. The eight Btys Royal Artillery in Malta became The Royal Garrison Artillery Southern Division with 7 Btys and 1186 men.

No 6 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 130 men. It had 98 admissions (753.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (15.38 deaths/1000 mean strength). 7 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 6.98 (53.69/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 19.60 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.00 days. The battery was quartered in Valletta for a month and in Cottonera for 11 months.

No 11 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 116 men. It had 78 admissions into hospital. 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 4.33. The average sick time to each soldier was 13.62 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 20.26 days. The battery was quartered in Cottonera for a month and in Valletta for 9 months. It left for India on 27 Oct 1889.

No 12 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 186 men. It had 79 admissions into hospital with 1 death. 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.29. The average sick time to each soldier was 10.38 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 24.44 days. The battery was quartered in Valletta for 12 months.

No 18 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 113 men. It had 46 admissions (407.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 2.30 (20.35/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 7.43 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 18.25 days. The battery was quartered in Valletta for a month and in Fort Ricasoli for 9 months. It embarked for India on 27 Oct 1889.

No 21 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 76 men. It had 45 admissions into hospital. 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 3.70. The average sick time to each soldier was 17.77 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 30.01 days. The battery was quartered in Valletta for 10 months. It embarked for India on 27 Oct 1889.

No 25 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 162 men. It had 110 admissions into hospital with 1 death. 11 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 9.24. The average sick time to each soldier was 20.82 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 30.66 days. The battery was quartered at Fort Tigné for 11 months and one month at Upper St Elmo.

No 26 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 106 men. It had 84 admissions into hospital with 1 death. 8 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 7.93. The average sick time to each soldier was 27.31 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 34.46 days. The battery was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 12 months. It embarked for Singapore on 20 Dec 1889.

No 30 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 99 men. It had 97 admissions into hospital. 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 3.58. The average sick time to each soldier was 13.19 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 13.47 days. The battery was quartered in Cottonera for 1 month and Upper St Elmo Valletta for eleven months. It embarked for Hong Kong on 20 Dec 1889.

No 35 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 30 men. It had 21 admissions into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 1.32. The average sick time to each soldier was 16.06 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.94 days. The battery was quartered in Cottonera for 2 months. It disembarked from England on 26 Oct 1889.

No 36 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 3 men. It had 54 admissions into hospital with 1 death. Its average constantly sick was 2.71. The battery was quartered in Valletta for 2 months. It disembarked from England on 27 Oct 1889.

No 37 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 3 men. It had 28 admissions into hospital with 1 death. Its average constantly sick was 1.80. The battery was quartered in Valletta for 3 weeks. It disembarked from England on 8 Dec 1889.

Eight batteries Royal Artillery served in the Command throughout the year.

Baptisms in the Garrison Church, Valletta in 1889:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1889:

1890 Royal Artillery

Manoel Island
Manoel Island formerly Bishop Island in Marsamxetto Harbour with Fort Manoel built by Grand Master Antonio de Vilhena (1722-1736).

No 6 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 146 men. It had 102 admissions (698.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 7.49 (51.30/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 18.72 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.81 days. The battery was quartered in Fort Ricasoli Cottonera for 12 months.

No 12 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 164 men. It had 113 admissions (689/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 6 deaths (36.58 deaths/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.94 (54.51/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 19.90 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 28.88 days. The battery was quartered in Fort Manoel.

No 14 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) arrived from Hong Kong on 18 Mar 1890. It had an average strength of 126 men. It had 94 admissions (746/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (7.94 deaths/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 7.36 (58.41/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 21.32 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 28.57 days. The battery was quartered in St James Cavalier Valletta for 9 1/2 months.

No 25 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 156 men. It had 74 admissions (474.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (6.41 deaths/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.55 (35.58/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 12.99 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.37 days. The battery was quartered at Fort Tigné.

No 32 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) arrived from Straits Settlements on 18 Mar 1890. It had an average strength of 97 men. It had 72 admissions (742.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (20.62/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 4.19 (43.20/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.77 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.24 days. The battery was quartered in Fort Ricasoli Cottonera for 9 1/2 months.

No 35 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 157 men. It had 98 admissions (624.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.85 (37.26/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 13.60 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.78 days. The battery was quartered in Forts St Angelo and Ricasoli Cottonera for 12 months.

No 36 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 188 men. It had 139 admissions (739.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (15.96/1000 mean strength). 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 9.03 (48.03/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.53 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.71 days. The battery was quartered in Valletta for 12 months.

No 37 Bty Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 198 men. It had 153 admissions (772.7/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (15.15/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 10.90 (55.05/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 20.09 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.00 days. The battery was quartered in Upper St Elmo Valletta for 12 months.

Coast Bde Royal Artillery Strength 1 July 1890, 10 men.

District Staff Strength 1 July 1890, 5 men.

Baptisms in 1890:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1890:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1890:

1891 Royal Artillery

35 Bty Southern Div RA
Memorial to 35 Bty Southern Div
2nd Lt Ernest Fred Lambe, died 15 Feb 1891, aged 20 yrs, buried at Ta' Braxia Cemetery Pietà: Bdr William Hart, died 29 Aug 1891, aged 21 yrs, buried Rinella,
Gnr John Blane, died 16 Jan 1891, aged 28 yrs, buried Rinella,
Gnr Paul Ernest Patural, died 21 Mar 1891, aged 23 yrs, buried Addolorata Cemetery

Another reorganisation changed the names of batteries to companies which were grouped in pairs to form double companies.

Maj Gen A. H. King was succeeded by Maj-Gen O. H. A. Nicolls, who only held the command of the artillery in Malta for a year. He was succeeded by Maj-Gen S. J. Nicholson.

No 2 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) was formed from 2 Coy and 22 Coy. It had an average strength of 50 men. It had 46 admissions (920/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 3.42 (68.40/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 24.97 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.14 days. The battery arrived from England on 12 Oct 1891. It was stationed in Fort Ricasoli Cottonera for 3 months.

No 6 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) was formed from 6 Coy and 25 Coy. It had an average strength of 279 men. It had 135 admissions (483.96/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (3.58/1000 mean strength). 11 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 11.95 (42.83/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.63 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 32.31 days. The battery was quartered in Fort Ricasoli Cottonera for 8 months and Upper St Elmo for 4 months.

No 12 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) was formed from 12 Coy and 35 Coy. It had an average strength of 328 men. It had 177 admissions (539.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 5 deaths (15.24 deaths/1000 mean strength). 11 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 12.86 (39.21/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.31 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.52 days. The battery was quartered in Fort Tigné for 8 months and Fort Ricasoli for 4 months.

No 14 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 128 men. It had 54 admissions (421.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (7.81 deaths/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 4.96 (38.75/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.14 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 33.52 days. The battery was quartered in St James' Cavalier Valletta for 9 months.

On 19 Oct 1891, half a company No 14 Coy RA, consisting of 4 officers, 7 sgts, 2 buglers, 108 rank and file, 6 wives and 7 children, embarked on HMS Tyne. It disembarked at Portland on 30 October 1891.

No 15 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 114 men. It had 83 admissions (728.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.65 (49.56/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 18.09 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 24.84 days. The battery was quartered at Fort Ricasoli for 9 months.

On 19 Oct 1891, half a company No 15 Coy RA, consisting of 3 officers, 6 sgts, 2 buglers, 110 rank and file, 6 wives and 8 children, embarked on HMS Tyne. It disembarked at Portland on 30 October 1891.

No 27 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) was formed from 36 Coy and 37 Coy. It had an average strength of 285 men. It had 170 admissions (617.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (3.50/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 11.83 (41.51/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.15 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 24.59 days. The battery was quartered in Upper St Elmo for 8 months and Fort Tigné for 4 months.

No 29 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) was formed in Malta on 1 Sep 1891. It had an average strength of 121 men with 79 admissions (652.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Two invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.69 (46.28/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.89 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.87 days. The battery was quartered in Fort Tigné for 4 months.

District Staff Average strength 29 men with 2 admissions into hospital.

Baptisms in 1891:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1891:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1891:

1892 Royal Artillery

Frank J S Neill
Lt Frank James Smith Neill, son of Col Eric Neill, 27 Coy Sth Div born 9 March 1870 died 8 June 1892 (Ta' Braxia Cemetery).

No 2 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 261 men. It had 226 admissions (865.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 6 deaths (22.99/1000 mean strength). 11 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 10.86 (64.60/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 23.64 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.30 days. The company was stationed in Fort Ricasoli Cottonera for 9 months and Fort Tigné Hutments for 3 months.

No 6 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 281 men. It had 157 admissions (558.7/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (7.12/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 9.43 (33.56/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 12.28 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.98 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli Cottonera for 3 months and Upper St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 9 months.

No 12 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 230 men. It had 160 admissions (687/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 11.91 (51.77/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 18.95 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.24 days. The company was quartered in Upper St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 3 months. and Fort Ricasoli for 9 months.

No 27 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 239 men. It had 123 admissions (514.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (8.37/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 11.31 (47.32/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.82 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 33.65 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 9 months and Fort Ricasoli for 3 months.

No 29 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 290 men. It had 113 admissions (389.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (3.45/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 7.77 (26.80/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.8 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.17 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 12 months.

District Staff had an average strength of 65 men with 6 admissions into hospital. It was quartered at St James' Cavalier for 12 months.

Baptisms in 1892:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1892:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1892:

1893 Royal Artillery

Workman C D
Lt Charles Douglas Workman eldest son of C F Workman MD born 16 Nov 1871, commissioned 2nd Lt 13 Feb 1891, died 13 June 1893 (Ta Braxia Cemetery).

No 2 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 304 men. It had 138 admissions (453.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (3.29/1000 mean strength). 10 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 10.52 (34.60/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 12.63 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.83 days. The company was stationed in Fort Tigné Hutments for 10 months and Upper St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for two months.

No 6 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 242 men. It had 143 admissions (590.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (12.40/1000 mean strength). 13 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 10.30 (42.56/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.53 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.29 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 10 months and Fort Tigné Hutments for 2 months.

No 12 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 251 men. It had 142 admissions (565.7/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (7.97/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 10.13 (40.36/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.73 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.04 days. The company was quartered in Upper St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 10 months and Fort Tigné Hutments for 2 months.

No 27 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 240 men. It had 118 admissions (479.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (4.06/1000 mean strength). 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 6.24 (25.37/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.26 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 19.30 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 12 months.

No 29 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 271 men. It had 181 admissions (667.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 4 deaths (14.76/1000 mean strength). 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 13.99 (51.62/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 18.84 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 28.21 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné Hutments for 10 months and Fort Ricasoli for 2 months.

District Staff had an average strength of 104 men with 4 admissions into hospital. It was quartered at St James' Cavalier for 12 months.

Baptisms in 1893:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1893:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1893:

1894 Royal Artillery

The double company system introduced in 1891 was abolished from 1 April 1894. The companies reverted to their two constituent companies. The Royal Artillery in the Command consisted of nine companies which were deployed in the following districts:

No 2 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 211 men. It had 145 admissions (687.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 10.86 (51.47/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 18.78 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.33 days. The company was stationed in Upper St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 10 months and in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 2 months.

No 6 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 201 men. It had 130 admissions (646.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (9.05/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.60 (42.78/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.01 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 24.14 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 12 months.

No 12 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 172 men. It had 66 admissions (383.7/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (5.81/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 4.67 (27.15/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.91 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.82 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 10 months. It embarked for Hong Kong on 24 Oct 1894.

No 22 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 117 men. It had 68 admissions (581.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (8.55/1000 mean strength). 9 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 4.42 (37.78/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 13.70 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.72 days. The company was stationed in Upper St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 9 months.

No 25 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 134 men. It had 56 admissions (417/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.44 (40.59/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.82 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 35.45 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 9 months.

No 27 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 80 men. It had 37 admissions (462.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (25/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 3.13 (30.12/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.28 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 30.87 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 3 months.

No 29 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 203 men. It had 139 admissions (684.7/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 7.63 (37.58/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 13.72 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 20.03 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 12 months.

No 30 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 9 men. It had 2 admissions (222.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital. The company arrived from England on 14 Oct 1894 and was in Malta for 2 months.

No 35 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 78 men. It had 54 admissions (692.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital. The company was organised on 1 April. It was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 7 months and embarked for Hong Kong on 24 Oct 1894.

No 36 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 90 men. It had 41 admissions (414.4/1000 mean strength) into hospital. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 7 months and Upper St Elmo for 2 months.

District Staff had an average strength of 20 men with 3 admissions into hospital. It was quartered at St James' Cavalier for 2 months. It was abolished as a separate unit on 1 Mar 1894.

Baptisms in 1894:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1894:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1894:

1895 Royal Garrison Artillery

Wishart E
Eliza Wishart wife of Capt QM R J Wishart RA died 12 Mar 1895 aged 46 yrs (Ta Braxia Cemetery Pieta).

No 2 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 173 men. It had 113 admissions (653.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (11.56/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.29 (47.92/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.49 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.78 days. The company was stationed in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 12 months.

No 6 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 15 men. It had 8 admissions (533.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital. The average sick time to each soldier was 12.65 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.73 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 1 month. It left for Ceylon on 3 Feb 1895.

No 8 Coy (Southern Division) arrived from Hong Kong on 8 Jan 1895. It had an average strength of 155 men with 142 admissions (916.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 11.16 (72.0/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 26.28 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 28.69 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 10 months and Upper St Elmo for 2 months.

No 16 Coy (Southern Division) arrived from Ceylon on 4 Apr 1895. It had an average strength of 130 men with 95 admissions (730.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital and 1 death (7.69/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 5.31 (46.85/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.91 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 20.40 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 10 months.

No 22 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 182 men. It had 106 admissions (582.4/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.61 (47.31/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.27 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 29.65 days. The company was stationed in Upper St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 7 months and Fort Ricasoli for 5 months.

No 25 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 12 men. It had 1 admission into hospital. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 2 weeks. It embarked for Singapore on 19 Jan 1895.

No 26 Coy (Southern Division) arrived from Singapore on 21 Mar 1895. It had an average strength of 104 men. It had 64 admissions (586.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (9.62/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 7.21 (69.33/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 25.30 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 43.14 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 9 months.

No 29 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 169 men. It had 143 admissions (846.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (11.84/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 11.63 (68.82/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 25.12 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 29.68 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 7 months and at Upper St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 5 months.

No 30 Coy (Southern Division) arrived from Hong Kong on 8 Jan 1895. It had an average strength of 167 men. It had 149 admissions (892.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (5.99/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 6.80 (40.72/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.86 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 16.64 days. The company was quartered at Fort Ricasoli for 12 months.

No 36 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 183 men. It had 110 admissions (601.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.39 (45.85/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.73 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 27.84 days. The company was quartered at Upper St Elmo for 10 months and Fort Tigné and Hutments for 2 months.

In 1895, the breech loading gun was introduced in Malta.

Baptisms in 1895:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1895:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1895:

1896 Royal Garrison Artillery

Memorial 30 Coy RA
Memorial to No 30 Coy Southern Div who died in Malta between 1895 and 1897. (Ta' Braxia Cemetery)

No 5 Coy (Eastern Division) arrived from Gibraltar on 2 Nov 1896. It had an average strength of 26 men. It had 18 admissions (692.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (38.46/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 1.19 (45.77/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.75 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 24.20 days. The company was stationed in Fort St Elmo for 2 months.

No 17 Coy (Eastern Division) arrived from Gibraltar on 2 Nov 1896. It had an average strength of 26 men. It had 10 admissions (384.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital. The average sick time to each soldier was 13.94 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 36.23 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 2 months.

No 2 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 144 men with 81 admissions (562.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital and 2 deaths (13.80/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 6.37 (44.24/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.19 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 28.78 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 10 months. It embarked for Gibraltar on 2 Nov 1896.

No 8 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 188 men with 132 admissions (702.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (15.96/1000 mean strength). 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 10.25 (54.52/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 19.95 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 28.42 days. The company was quartered in Fort St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 10 months and Fort Ricasoli for 2 months.

No 16 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 179 men with 62 admissions (316.4/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 3.91 (21.84/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 7.99 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.08 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 12 months.

No 22 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 173 men. It had 69 admissions (398.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (11.56/1000 mean strength). 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 4.83 (27.92/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 10.22 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.62 days. The company was stationed in Fort Ricasoli for 12 months.

No 26 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 165 men. It had 102 admissions (618.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.93 (54.12/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 10.81 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 32.04 days. The company was stationed in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 12 months.

No 29 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 185 men. It had 115 admissions (621.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (5.41/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.26 (44.65/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.34 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.20 days. The company was quartered in Upper St Elmo for 10 months and Fort Tigné and Hutments for 2 months.

No 30 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 104 men. It had 102 admissions (525.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (5.15/1000 mean strength). 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 6.70 (34.54/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 12.64 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 24.04 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 10 months and at Upper St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 2 months.

No 36 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 139 men. It had 102 admissions (733.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (7.10/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 6.49 (46.69/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.09 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.29 days. The company was quartered at Fort Tigné and Hutments for 10 months. It left for Gibraltar on 2 Nov 1896.

Baptisms in 1896:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1896:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1896:

1897 Royal Garrison Artillery

Barret George
Bdr George Barrett No 4 Mountain Bty died 9 Aug 1897
Gnr Charles Hogben died 28 Dec 1897 from sickness when the Bty was serving with the Cretan International Force 1897.

No 4 Mountain Bty arrived from England on 19 Apr 1897. It had an average strength of 125 men, with 140 admissions (1120/1000 mean strength) into hospital and 2 deaths (16/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 6.17 (49.36/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 18.02 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 16.09 days. From Apr 1897, the company was stationed in Crete for 7 1/2 months. It left Crete in Nov 1897 and was then at Verdala Barracks until the end of the year.

No 5 Coy Royal Artillery (Eastern Division) had an average strength of 182 men, with 83 admissions (456/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.84 (32.09/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 11.71 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.68 days. The company was quartered at Fort St Elmo for 12 months.

No 17 Coy Royal Artillery (Eastern Division) had an average strength of 174 men. It had 111 admissions (637.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (11.50/1000 mean strength). 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.65 (32.47/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 11.85 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 18.58 days. The company was stationed in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 12 months.

No 8 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 112 men. It had 83 admissions (741.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (8.92/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 4.97 (44.37/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.20 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.86 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 9 months. It embarked for Bermuda on 2 Oct 1897.

No 16 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 196 men. It had 100 admissions (510.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (10.20/1000 mean strength). 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.65 (28.83/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 10.52 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 20.62 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 12 months.

No 17 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) arrived from England on 2 Oct 1897. It had an average strength of 24 men, with 20 admissions (833.3/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 1.13 (47.08/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.19 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 20.62 days. The company was stationed in Fort Ricasoli for 3 months.

No 19 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) arrived from England on 2 Oct 1897. It had an average strength of 33 men with 26 admissions (787.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 1.24 (37.58/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 13.72 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 17.41 days. The company was stationed in Fort Ricasoli for 3 months.

No 22 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 137 men. It had 65 admissions (474.4/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (14.60/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 3.03 (22.12/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 8.07 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 17.01 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli for 9 months. It embarked for Jamaica on 2 Oct 1897.

No 26 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 164 men. It had 108 admissions (658.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 4 deaths (24.39/1000 mean strength). 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 7.43 (45.30/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.54 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.11 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 12 months.

No 29 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 164 men. It had 108 admissions (658.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 4 deaths (24.39/1000 mean strength). 4 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 7.43 (45.30/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.54 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.11 days. The company was quartered at Fort Tigné and Hutments for 12 months.

No 30 Coy Royal Artillery (Southern Division) had an average strength of 160 men. It had 121 admissions (756.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (18.75/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.36 (52.25/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 19.07 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.22 days. The company was quartered in Fort St Elmo and St James' Cavalier for 12 months.

In 1897 work began on the construction of Wolseley Battery between Tas Silg and Delimara. The battery was no longer required by 1906.

Baptisms in 1897:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1897:

Burials at Pietà Military Cemetery in 1897:

1898 Royal Garrison Artillery

Admissions and Deaths during 1898
Average Strength Admissions Hospital Deaths Admissions/1000 Deaths/1000
1624 1381 13 838 8
Admissions into hospital and deaths during the year with ratio of admissions and deaths per 1000 of strength. The average strength of the troops, exclusive of the Royal Malta Artillery, was 7,390 men.

Head Quarters Royal Garrison Artillery was at Auberge de Castille. The District HQs were as follows:

Staff Royal Artillery had an average strength of 22 men with 6 admissions into hospital.

Memorial 17 Coy Southern Div
Gnr John Dicker 17 Coy Southern Div died 13 Mar 1898 aged 27 yrs.
Bdr Parkinson died 11 Apr aged 29 yrs
(Ta' Braxia Cemetery)
Fox
Cpl B Fox 17 Coy Southern Div died at Upper St Elmo 25 July 1898 aged 33 yrs (Ta' Braxia Cemetery).

No 4 Mountain Bty was quartered at Pembroke Camp for one month. On 3 Feb 1898, the Bty consisting of 3 officers, 9 sgts, 2 buglers, and 87 rank and file, embarked on the transport Jelunga. It disembarked at Southampton on 13 February.

John Murray
Bdr John Murray 1 Coy Southern Div RA Died 11 Oct 1898 Aged 24 yrs (Pietà Cemetery).

No 5 Coy (Eastern Division) had an average strength of 179 men. It had 134 admissions (748.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (5.59/1000 mean strength). 7 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 7.31 (40.84/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.91 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 19.91 days. The company was quartered at Fort St Elmo for 11 months and Fort Tigné for 1 month.

Lt G H Pickard and 55 men of 5 Coy went to Crete when trouble broke out between the Greek and Turkish communities. The men withdrew in May 1899.

No 17 Coy (Eastern Division) had an average strength of 147 men. It had 117 admissions (795.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (6.80/1000 mean strength). 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.54 (37.69/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 13.76 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 17.28 days. The company was stationed in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 11 months and Pembroke Camp for 1 month.

No 1 Coy (Southern Division) arrived from England on 12 May 1898. It had an average strength of 136 men with 170 admissions (1250/1000 mean strength) into hospital and 1 death (7.35/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 7.54 (55.44/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 20.24 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 16.19 days. The company was quartered in Pembroke Camp for 7 1/2 months.

No 16 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 219 men. It had 120 admissions (547.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (9.14/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 5.50 (25.11/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.17 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 16.73 days. The company was quartered in Fort Ricasoli and Fort Delimara.

No 17 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 157 men. It had 137 admissions (872.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (19.11/1000 mean strength). 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.84 (56.31/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 20.55 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.55 days. The company was stationed in Fort Ricasoli for 1 month and Upper St Elmo for 11 months.

No 19 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 197 men. It had 172 admissions (873.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 4 deaths (20.30/1000 mean strength). 6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.16 (41.42/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.12 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 17.32 days. The company was stationed in Fort Ricasoli for 12 months.

No 26 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 169 men. It had 81 admissions (743.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 6.49 (59.54/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 21.73 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 29.25 days. The company was quartered in Fort Tigné and Hutments for 8 months. It embarked for Gibraltar on 4 September 1898.

No 27 Coy (Southern Division) arrived from Cork on 23 September 1898. It had an average strength of 54 men with 38 admissions (703.7/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 1.64 (30.37/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 11.09 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 15.75 days. The company was quartered in St Elmo for 3 months.

No 29 Coy (Southern Division) had an average strength of 119 men. It had 108 admissions (907.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 4.56 (38.32/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 13.99 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 15.41 days. The company was quartered at Fort Tigné and Hutments for 9 months. It embarked for Bengal on 23 September 1898.

No 30 Coy (Southern Division) was quartered in Fort St Elmo for 1 month.
On 26 Jan 1898, No 30 Coy, consisting of 5 officers, 9 sgts, 2 buglers, 66 rank and file, 9 wives and 10 children embarked on the transport Avoca. It disembarked at Southampton on 4 Feb 1898.

No 31 Coy (Southern Division) arrived from Cork on 4 September 1898. It had an average strength of 85 men with 69 admissions (811.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 2.01 (24.0/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 8.76 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 10.79 days. The company was quartered at Fort Tigné and Hutments for 4 months.

No 24 Coy (Western Division) arrived from Mauritius on 26 Jan 1898. It had an average strength of 186 men with 201 admissions (1080.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital and 1 death (5.38/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 10.11 (54.35/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 19.84 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 18.36 days. The company was quartered at Fort Ricasoli for 11 months.

Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1898:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1898:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1898:

1899 Royal Garrison Artillery

5 Coy RGA
Memorial to 5 Coy Eastern Div RGA who died in Malta between 1896 and 1899: Sgt Arthur Bentley (9 Apr 1899 aged 24 yrs), Bdr Thomas Cox (11 Nov 1896 aged 32 yrs), Gnr William Corner (21 Nov 1898 aged 27 yrs), Gnr Harry Winwright (5 Apr 1899 aged 24 yrs), Gnr Richard Brasier (8 Sep 1899 aged 32 yrs) (Ta' Braxia Cemetery).

The Royal Field Artillery and the Royal Garrison Artillery emerged from the reorganisation of the Royal Artillery of 1 July 1899. The mountain artillery was included in the RGA.

1 July 1899 The Strength of the Royal Garrison Artillery was 1702 men (9 Coys)
The Boer War broke out in South Africa on 11 October 1899.

Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1899:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1899:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1899:

1900 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1900:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1900:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1900:

1901 Royal Garrison Artillery

W Carson
In memory of Gnrs F W Robertson died 23 Jan 1904 ages 21 yrs, W Carson died 28 May 1901 aged 21 yrs, H Taylor died 22 Aug 1901 aged 21 yrs. No 85 Coy RA (Ta' Braxia Cemetery).

Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1901:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1901:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1901:

1902 3rd/Royal Garrison Artillery

Bessie Johns

Richie Johns died Gibraltar 4 Sep 1902 aged 9 mths; Bessie Johns died Malta 17 Nov 1903 aged 2 mths daughter of Sgt Herbert Johns (Pietà Cemetery)

N A Bailey

Nellie Ann Bailey daughter of Gnr H O Bailey died 12 Mar 1903 aged 1 yr 3 mths. Also Violet Melita who died 12 Oct 1902 aged 8 days (Ta Braxia Cemetery).

1 Jan 1902 The Eastern, Southern and Western Divisions of the Royal Garrison Artillery were abolished and replaced with Companies numbered from number 1 upwards:

9 Apr 1902 Gnr Robert Shea, aged 38 years, from Ireland, 3rd Bn Royal Garrison Artillery murdered his wife Catherine Shea by shooting her in the head in the bedroom of their married quarter at the Camerata, Valletta. Shea was tried before the Criminal Courts of Malta on 28 November 1902. His defence lawyer raised a plea of insanity and Shea was examined at the Lunatic Asylum Attard. Shea had never shown any signs of insanity but the jury, against medical opinion, found Shea not guilty on the grounds of being insane at the time. On 21 April 1903, Shea was moved to Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum.

Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1902:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1902:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1902:

1903 3rd/Royal Garrison Artillery

Royal Artillery
The Royal Artillery on manoeuvres 1902. (Navy and Army Illustrated Vol XIV No 285 page 438 published 19 July 1902).

3rd/Royal Garrison Artillery was organised into three districts with its Head Quarters at the Auberge de Castille.

Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1903:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1903:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1903:

1904 Royal Garrison Artillery

The average strength of the troops serving in the Malta Command (excluding the Royal Malta Artillery) was 9,120. There were a total of 56 deaths in the garrison of which 5 were in invalids. In the Royal Garrison Artillery the admission, mortality and constant sick rates were 418.7, 4.42 and 25.59 per 1000 of Strength.

Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1904:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1904:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1904:

1905 Royal Garrison Artillery

The total average strength of the eight companies of the Royal Garrison Artillery during the first nine months of 1905, including the District Staff, was 1,936. During this period there were 88 cases of Mediterranean fever, giving a ratio of 45.34 per 1000 strength.

The men of the Garrison Artillery in Malta were, as a rule older and of greater length of service than the average infantry soldier. A larger proportion had already been on foreign service. As to length of stay in the island, two of these companies (No 63 and No 99) arrived in 1902, two (No 99 and No 100) in 1903, and the other four in 1904. It was not unusual, however, for men to exchange between one company and another. The companies did not move from station to station as a body, but changed their personnel by individual reliefs.

Two companies (No 65 and No 96) were stationed at St. Elmo, three companies (No 1, No 99 and No 102) at Fort Tigné (with a detachment at St George's for a part of the time), and three companies (No 5, No 63 and No 100) at Fort Ricasoli. St James Cavalier had a detachment of 138 men of the Royal Garrison Artillery from No 65 Coy RGA.

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1905:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1905:

1906 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in 1906:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1906:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1906:

1907 Royal Garrison Artillery

Mellieha Ridge
Infantry entrenchments covering landings at Mellieha Bay.

Apr 1907 Maj Gen J. C. Dalton Inspector Royal Garrison Artillery opposed a plan to abandon the north west of Malta and allow the enemy to land unopposed and wait for him at the Victoria Lines. Consequently new infantry defensive positions were constructed on Mellieha Ridge. Another defensive line was constructed on the Wardija Ridge. This stretched from the village to the west coast.

Baptisms in 1907:

Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1907:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1907:

1908 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in 1908:

Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1908:

Jessie Stamp
Jessie Stamp devoted wife of Sgt Edward Stamp RGA died 2 Nov 1908 aged 29 yrs.
(St Margherita Cemetery Rabat)

Burials in Rinella Military Cemetery in 1908:

Burials in Margherita Cemetery Rabat in 1908:

1909 Royal Garrison Artillery

13 April 1909 Lieutenant Colonel Cecil Birt undertook an extensive study of Common Continued Fever in Malta, and concluded that the so called Maltese Fever, was none other than phlebotomus fever, a sand-fly-borne viral infection. Birt used volunteers from No 99 Coy RGA to carry out his biting experiments. He wrote: Science and humanity owe a debt of gratitude to the self sacrificing courage and zeal of the gunners of the 99th Company of the Royal Garrison Artillery. When the object of the research was explained to them, they vied with one another in offering themselves as cheerful victims for the sake of mankind. The men of this company are of splendid physique, and they rejoice in rude health, which they maintain by the enthusiastic pursuit of athletics. Those volunteers who were selected for experiment had resided less than a year in the island. They were all exceptionally healthy, strong, and muscular men. The aches and pains during the acme of phlebotomus fever make the sufferer an object of our profound pity. Those who of their own accord knowingly submit to them are martyrs indeed.1 In this way it was proved that sand-flies fed on a soldier suffering from simple continued fever, which were conveyed by the quickest route to England, were capable of setting up the disease in two Royal Army Medical Corps officers in London.

Baptisms in 1909:

1910 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in 1910:

1911 Royal Garrison Artillery

Tigne Church
Tigné Garrison Church

In 1911, Governor Sir Leslie Rundle, Colonel Commandant RA, laid down the foundation stone of Tigné Garrison Church

Baptisms in 1911:

Burials in 1911:

1912 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in 1912:

1913 Royal Garrison Artillery

In the latter half of 1913 the RGA in Malta was grouped into three districts:

Baptisms at St Matthews Church Ricasoli in 1913:

Baptisms in the Garrison Church 1913:

1914 Royal Garrison Artillery

The artillery was organised into three districts: Eastern District RA (HQ at Fort Ricasoli), Central District RA (HQ Fort St Elmo ), and Western District RA (HQ Fort Tigné) with a total strength of 1409 men.

14 Sep 1914 No 5 Coy, No 96 Coy and No 100 Coy RGA embarked for England.

Baptisms at St Matthews Church Ricasoli in 1914:

Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1914:

1915 Royal Garrison Artillery

N W Prigmore
22539 Cpl N W Prigmore 63rd Coy RGA died 18 Mar 1915

Burials at the Naval Cemetery (Capuccini) in 1915:

Baptisms at St Matthews Church Ricasoli in 1915:

Baptisms in the Zejtun Gate Church Room in 1915:

Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1915:

Burials in the New Pietà Military Cemetery in 1915:

1916 Royal Garrison Artillery

Strength: 1409 men.

Baptisms at St Matthews Church Ricasoli in 1916:

Baptisms in 1916:

1917 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1917:

Baptisms at St Matthews Church Ricasoli in 1917:

1918 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1918:

Baptisms at St Matthews Church Ricasoli in 1918:

1919 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in 1919:

1920 Royal Garrison Artillery

The Royal Garrison Artillery consisted of:

On 29 May 1920, all RGA Coys in Malta were absorbed into A and B Coast Batteries Royal Garrison Artillery. By 1 November 1920, A and B Btys became part of I Medium Brigade.

Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1920:

1921 Royal Garrison Artillery

The Royal Garrison Artillery consisted of:

On 1 January 1921, there were 6 Artillery Clerks on the strength of the Coast Artillery.

1 June 1921 The Royal Artillery occupied Tigné Barracks.

A and B Coast Btys RGA, which becameS and T Coast Btys RGA, were under the command of HQ and District Establishment RGA Malta.

HQ and District Establishment consisted of 15 officers and 9 Rank and File.

1 Dec 1921 The Royal Garrison Artillery consisted of:

Baptisms in St Oswald's Chapel Mtarfa in 1921:

1922 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1922:

1923 Royal Garrison Artillery

Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1923:

1924 Royal Garrison Artillery / Royal Artillery

E M Tucker
Edna May daughter of Sgt and Mrs Tucker died at the Military Families Hospital Mtarfa on 6 Feb 1924 aged 8 mths. (Mtarfa Military Cemetery)
J P Fordham
Joan Patricia daughter of Master Gunner W. Fordham RA died at Mtarfa on 17 Aug 1924 aged 5 1/2 mths. (Mtarfa Military Cemetery)

1 May 1924 The titles Royal Field Artillery and Royal Garrison Artillery ceased to exist and were replaced by that of Royal Artillery.
S Coast Bty and T Coast Bty were redesignated 12 and 23 Heavy Batteries.

Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1924:

1925 Royal Artillery

C William
Gnr Charles William died on 6 Oct 1925 aged 36 years. (Pieta Military Cemetery.)

Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1925:

1926 Royal Artillery

Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1926:

1927 Royal Artillery

1928 Royal Artillery

Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1928:

1929 Royal Artillery

Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1929:

1930 Royal Artillery

1931 Royal Artillery

1932 Royal Artillery

1933 Royal Artillery

1934 Royal Artillery

1935 Royal Artillery

The Malta garrison was reinforced following Italy's invasion of Abyssinia.

1936 Royal Artillery

D Thomas
805448 Gnr D Thomas 10th AA Bty accidentally drowned at Tigné on 15 Feb 1936, aged 24 yrs
(Mtarfa Military Cemetery)
Edith May Hodson
Edith May Hodson wife of Gnr C. J. Hodson RA died at the Military Families Hospital Mtarfa on 5 Mar 1936, aged 34 yrs
(Mtarfa Military Cemetery)

The Malta garrison was reinforced following Italy's invasion of Abyssinia.

1937 Royal Artillery

1938 Royal Artillery

A group of batteries commanded by a Lt Col was at first called a brigade division and then a brigade. On 11 May 1938, regiments replaced artillery brigades. The Roman numerals were also replaced.

Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1938:

1939 Royal Artillery

N Barr
872271 Gnr Noel Barr 13th A A Bty RA died 12 April 1939. (Mtarfa Military Cemetery)

1 June 1939 AA Regts and Btys became Heavy Anti Aircraft (HAA), and AA Machine Gun Batteries became Light Anti Aircraft Batteries (LAA).

Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1939:

Baptisms in St Oswald's Chapel Mtarfa in 1939:

1940 Royal Artillery Coast Defence and Anti Aircraft

H Hale
876394 Gnr Howard Hale 10th Bty 4th Hvy A A Regt RA died 15 Mar 1940 aged 23 yrs.
(Mtarfa Military Cemetery)

On 10 June Italy entered the war. On the following day it launched its first air raids on Malta.
In December 1940, the Heavy Defence Units were redesignated Coast Defence Units.

Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1940:

1941 Royal Artillery

Artillery Regiments Malta
Oak panels St Paul's Anglican Cathedral Valletta showing Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers Regiments serving in Malta between 10 June 1941 and 13 May 1945.

27 June 1941 At 22:30 hrs, three battle casualties were treated at Tal Qroqq AA position. No 1503028 L/Bdr John Frederick Hopkinson 27 Bty 7 HAA Regt was found to be dead; No 1503040 L/Bdr F. Hart 27 Bty 7 HAA Regt had a fractured left femur and burns to his abdomen; No 1531679 Gnr Williams 27 Bty 7 HAA Regt had lacerations to his right hand and burns to his right leg. The two casualties were taken by ambulance to No 90 General Hospital Mtarfa.

29 Mar At 22:30 hrs, bombs were dropped in Tigné area. No 1587932 Gnr H. A. Savage 222 HAA Bty 10th HAA Regt had a slight contusion to his right foot. He was evacuated to ADS St Andrews from MAP Tigné on 30 March at 10:30 hrs. In the bombing the bus ambulance attached to MAP Tigné sustained minor damage.

Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1941:

1942 Royal Artillery

J Mulvaney

20335 Gnr Joseph Mulvaney 3LAA Regt RA died 14 Dec 1942 (Pembroke Military Cemetery)

E C Whitcher

1768767 Gnr Edwin Charles Whitcher 223 Bty 32 LAA Regt aged 33 yrs died 13 Feb 1942 (Pembroke Military Cemetery)

T E Burfield

926754 Pte Thomas Edgar Burfield 5th Bty 4 HAA Regt aged 26 yrs died 1 Apr 1942 (Pembroke Military Cemetery)

By 1942, the heavy anti aircraft defence had expanded to five regiments: two RMA (2nd and 11th), and three RA (4th, 7th and 10th), which made up 10th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Brigade. The RA and RMA worked together under Commander Royal Artillery.

Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1942:

1943 Royal Artillery

St Paul's Bay
No 11 Fire Station at Ras Il Mignuna St Paul's Bay.
St Paul's Bay
In May 1943, the defences of St Paul's Bay against attacks by motor torpedo boats were enhanced in preparation for Op Husky. The guns were manned by two officers and 12 Gnrs from 3 Defence Bty RMA.
St Paul's Bay
No 11 Fire Station St Paul's Bay - 12 pounder naval gun position

The Royal Artillery in 1943 consisted of:

1944 Royal Artillery

In April and May 1944 the two anti-aircraft brigades were disbanded.

1945 Royal Artillery

In 1945 the artillery was reduced to four regiments and two independent batteries.

1946 Royal Artillery

Colonel Rice, War Office representative, arrived in July 1946 to make a special report on the Coast Artillery defence in Malta. He attended an inter-service meeting at which this question was discussed.

1947 Royal Artillery

1948 Royal Artillery

Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1948:

1949 Royal Artillery

Royal Artillery Malta
The Royal Artillery units serving in Malta (St Paul's Cathedral Valletta).
St Patrick's
St Patrick's Barracks Pembroke built in 1939.

1950 Royal Artillery

St Patrick's Barracks
Royal Artillery at St Patrick's Barracks.
(? 73rd HAA Regt)
St Patrick's Barracks
Gunnery practice St Patrick's Barracks.

36th HAA Regt RA was the only British Regiment of the war time garrison still on the island. It was formerly 68th (North Midland) HAA Regiment, but changed its number after the war. 36th HAA Regt occupied Tigné Barracks. It recruited in the Derby area. In 1950, it consisted of young regulars and National Servicemen straight out of England.

The Lido was an unusual war memorial to the 50 officers and men of the war time regiment killed in the defence of Malta. It was a converted disused building which stood on the sea front of Fort Tigné, facing Sliema Creek. The Lido was fitted out with tables and sunshades with funds subscribed by the people of Derby, and served as a recreational area for the gunners.

1951 Royal Artillery

1952 Royal Artillery

On 14 June 1952, 36th HAA Regt carried out training in Tripolitania. It returned to Malta between 3 and 8 July.

Baptisms in St Oswald's Chapel Mtarfa in 1952:

1953 Royal Artillery

1954 Royal Artillery

1955 Royal Artillery

1956 Royal Artillery

Between 1956 and 1958, Dr Anthony John Membrey did his national service in the Royal Army Medical Corps as a medical officer to the 1st/Malta Artillery Regiment.

1957 Royal Artillery

1958 Royal Artillery

1959 Royal Artillery

J A Clist
Janine Anne Clist youngest daughter of Bty QMS and Mrs H L Clist 37 HAA Regt RA accidentally killed on 28 May 1958 aged 7 yrs 4 mths. (Mtarfa Military Cemetery)

In 1958 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regts ceased to exist and were replaced by guided missiles. All the HAA equipment was returned to stores. The HAA Regts rerolled as LAA Regts.

The departure of 37th HAA Regt RA on HMT Devonshire in September 1959 left only 166 Amphibious Observation Battery RA in Malta.

1960 Royal Artillery

148 Amph Obs Bty RA – Arrived in May 1960. Left in August 1962.

1961 Royal Artillery

148 Amph Obs Bty RA – Arrived in May 1960. Left in August 1962.

Baptisms in 1961:

1962 Royal Artillery

148 Amph Obs Bty RA – Arrived May 1960. Left August 1962.

Bibliography