The Corps Of Royal Engineers

Ubiqueand
Quo Fas et Gloria Ducuntwith the Royal Artillery.

A Corps of Engineers was formed in 1717. It was an officer-only Corps, the other ranks being supplied by contracted civilian workers. The Royal Engineers was a sister Corps of the Royal Artillery, both of which were formed from the military branch of the old Board of Ordnance but the Royal Artillery predated the engineers by a year.
In 1787, was formed the Corps of Royal Military Artificers consisting of the other ranks.
The Corps of Engineers became a Royal Corps in 1787. In 1856, the officers of the Corps of Royal Engineers and the men of the Corps of Royal Military Artificers merged to form the Corps of Royal Engineers.
Medical Officers were first appointed to the Royal Engineers in July 1862.
The Royal Engineers share the mottoes Ubique
(Everywhere) and Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt
(Whither Right and Glory Lead) with the Royal Artillery. They wear a grenade with nine flames as opposed to seven flames for the Royal Artillery.
A Corps of Maltese Artificers were raised in December 1800 to serve with the expedition of General Sir Ralph Abercrombie in Egypt. The men were superintended by a Maltese petty officer, who was under the direction of the store keeper. The men wore the uniform of the Ordnance department.
The Royal Engineers
1800 Maltese Artificers
Lt Archibald Campbell of Colonel's Coy 30th Foot served as an assistant engineer in Malta during the blockade of the French garrison.
Royal Engineers serving in Malta in 1800:
- Captain William Gordon
- Lieutenant J R Arnold
- Lieutenant John Burgoyne
- Assistant Engineer Matteo Bonavia
- Assistant Engineer Giuseppe Bonavia
1801 Royal Engineers
1 Oct 1801 Monthly Returns to the Adjutant General show no attached surgeon or assistant surgeon.
Nov 1801 Lt Charles William Pasley RE (1780 &38211; 1861) posted to Malta from Minorca. Served in Malta until 1804. Penned his views for the retention of Malta by Great Britain, deploring its restitution to the Order of St John. Left a record of his impressions of the Maltese Islands.
1802 Royal Engineers
1803 Royal Engineers
1804 Royal Engineers
1805 Royal Engineers
14 Aug 1805 Strength: 11 men, 2 Sick.
3 Nov Detachments joined Sir James Craig's Expedition to Naples.
1806 Royal Engineers
1807 Royal Engineers
1808 Royal Engineers
1809 Royal Engineers
1810 Royal Engineers
1811 Royal Engineers
1812 Royal Engineers
1813 Royal Engineers
1814 Royal Engineers
Strength 409 men.
1815 Royal Engineers
Strength 409 men.
1816 Royal Engineers
1817 Royal Engineers
1818 Royal Engineers
Location: Valletta.
1819 Royal Engineers
Location: Valletta.
1820 Royal Engineers
1821 Royal Engineers
1822 Royal Engineers
Location: HQ Valletta.
1823 Royal Engineers
Location: HQ Valletta.
1824 Royal Engineers
Location: HQ Valletta.
1825 Royal Engineers
1826 Royal Engineers
Burials in 1826:
- 28 Sep Sarah Davis aged 43 years, servant in the family of Capt Jones.
1827 Royal Engineers
Marriages in 1827:
- 22 Feb 1827 In the chapel of the Governor's Palace by the Rev John Cleugh, the Government Chaplain, Lt George St Vincent Whitmore RE, eldest son of Col George Whitmore RE, of Lower Slaughter Gloucestershire, married Miss Isabella Maxwell Stoddart, eldest daughter of Sir John Stoddart, President of the High Court of Appeal and Judge of the Vice Admiralty Court Malta.
- 25 Aug Bachelor The Honorable Capt Montagu Stopford Royal Navy, fifth son of the Rt Hon the Earl of Courtown to spinster Cordelia Winifreda Whitmore, daughter of Colonel George Whitmore Royal Engineers.
Baptisms in 1827:
- 5 Oct Emma Gertrude Jones daughter of Capt Harry David Jones RE and Charlotte born on 7 September 1827.
Burials in 1827:
- 12 May Lt Charles Heard Beague RE was buried at the Quarantine Bastion Cemetery Floriana. A memorial erected by his widow reads: Should his son visit this tomb, may it strength him to a pious emulation of his father's worth.
1828 Royal Engineers
Baptisms in 1828:
- 25 Mar Cordelia Nugent Whitmore daughter of Lt George St Vincent Whitmore and Isabella Maxwell born on 16 January 1828.
- 6 Oct Henry Walpole John Dashwood son of Lt Robert Dashwood and Henrietta Mary Annette born on 14 September 1828
1829 Royal Engineers
Colonel Sir George Whitmore Commanding the Royal Engineers, left Malta in 1829. He had served in Malta and the Greek Islands for nearly 18 years. He had been resident in Malta during the greater part of that period, except for five years.
Baptisms in 1829:
- 22 June George Stoddart Whitmore son of Lt George St Vincent Whitmore and Isabella Maxwell born on 30 May 1829.
- 23 Oct Harry Vallette Jones son of Capt Harry David Jones and Charlotte born on 24 September 1829.
1830 Royal Engineers
Baptisms in 1830:
- 7 Feb 1830 Walpole George Dashwood born on 9 Jan 1830, son of Lt Robert Dashwood and Henrietta Mary Annette was publicly baptised in the Government Chapel by the Rev John Cleugh Chaplain to Government.
R. Dashwood became 1st Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers on 31 Dec 1827.
1831 Royal Engineers

11 Nov 1831 Colonel Henry Anderson Morshead RE and Acting Lieutenant-Governor of Malta died at his residence in Valletta, aged 55 years. In 1829, Colonel Morshead was appointed Commanding Royal Engineer at Malta. He served on the island until his death. This was brought on by a violent bilious attack early in the year which so much debilitated him, that he was unable to rally during the great heat of summer. His high military spirit would, however, not allow him to quit his command. He left a widow and eleven children.
As Colonel Morshead was Acting Lieutenant-Governor at the time of his death, he was buried at public expense. The funeral cortege left his residence to the Auberge de Castille and thence to the Old Saluting Battery overlooking the Grand Harbour where he was interred.1
Baptisms in 1831:
- 5 Feb Montagu Stopford Whitmore son of Lt George St Vincent Whitmore and Isabella Maxwell born on 11 January 1831.
- 17 Apr Augusta Isabella Dashwood daughter of Lt Robert Dashwood and Henrietta Mary Annette born on 24 March 1831 was baptised by the Rev John Cleugh, Chaplain to Government.
R. Dashwood became 1st Lieutenant Royal Engineers on 31 December 1827. - 1 Nov Arthur Trefusis Jones son of Capt Harry David Jones RE and Charlotte, born on 11 August 1831, was baptised by the Rev John Cleugh Chaplain to Government.
A T Jones qualified MD (Edinburgh) and MRCS in 1853. He was Assistant Surgeon Bengal in the Indian Medical Service but resigned in September 1855.
1832 Royal Engineers
Baptisms in 1832:
- 12 Nov Richard Hotham son of 1st Lt George Hotham and Caroline born on 16 October 1832.
1833 Royal Engineers
Strength: 4 Officers, 0 men.
Burials in 1833:
- 16 Nov 1833 Walter Graham Jones aged 9 months, youngest son of Captain Harry David Jones RE died at Valletta.
H D Jones became a captain in the Royal Engineers on 29 July 1825 but held Brevet rank of captain in the army since 12 Nov 1813.
1834 Royal Engineers
Baptisms in 1834:
- 2 May 1834 Edith Marian Jones daughter of Capt Harry David Jones and Charlotte born on 27 February 1834.
1835 Royal Engineers
1836 Royal Engineers
Strength: 4 Officers, o men.
Marriages in 1836:
- 19 Nov 1836 At the Palace Chapel Valletta, Bachelor Lt Roger Stewart Beatson RE married Elizabeth Mary Ann Wood, spinster and second daughter of Lieutenant General John Sulivan Wood. R. S. Beatson became a 2nd lieutenant on 29 May 1832.
1837 Royal Engineers
1838 Royal Engineers
1839 Royal Engineers
1840 Royal Engineers
1841 Royal Engineers
1842 Royal Engineers
Location: HQ Valletta. No medical officers.
1843 Royal Engineers
Strength: HQ Valletta. No medical officers. 3 officers and 112 men.
1844 Royal Engineers
1845 Royal Engineers
1846 Royal Engineers
1847 Royal Engineers
1848 Royal Engineers
1849 Royal Engineers
1850 Royal Engineers
1851 Royal Engineers
17 Jan 1851 Strength: 93 men, 6 women, and 16 children of the Royal Sappers and Miners arrived from England.
Baptisms in 1851:
- 5 Aug Emma Bingham daughter of Isabella and Cpl Joshua Bingham.
- 7 Aug Charles Harry Tann son of Cpl John Tann was privately baptised by the Rev William Hare Chaplain to the Forces.
- 25 Nov Anne Richardson born on 17 Oct 1851, daughter of Anne and Gnr George Richardson.
1852 Royal Sappers and Miners
Strength: 47 men, No medical officers.
Marriages in 1852:
- 20 July Bachelor L/Cpl John Morris Royal Sappers and Miners born in the Parish of Dunfermline County Fife, Scotland to Julia Cully, spinster born in the Parish of Portsea Hampshire.
Baptisms in 1852:
- 15 June Rebecca Harvey born on 22 May 1852, daughter of Sophia and Cpl William Harvey.
- 21 July Beatrice Amy Louisa Baker born on 19 June 1852, daughter of Louisa and William Baker.
- 7 Dec Alfred Hunter born on 13 October 1852, son of Mary Ann and Pte John Hunter.
1853 Royal Sappers and Miners
Strength: 46 men, No medical officers. HQ Valletta.
Marriages in the Collegiate Church of St Paul's Valletta in 1853:
- 5 May Bachelor L/Cpl Henry William Timblick Royal Sappers and Miners, of the Parish of Greenwich, Kent to Sarah Husband, spinster, of the Parish of St Austell Cornwall. (N.B. Greenwich formed part of Kent until 1889 when the County of London was created).
- 26 May Bachelor Pte Charles Carlin Royal Sappers and Miners, of the Parish of Loughinisland County Down, Ireland to Elizabeth Waldrope of the Island of Minorca, spinster.
Baptisms in 1853:
- 4 Jan Ann Susan Simons born on 10 December 1852, daughter of Ann and Pte William Simons.
- 1 Feb John Barr born on 14 January 1853, son of Susanna Rutt and Sgt Thomas Barr.
- 1 Mar Caroline Emma Morant born on 12 February 1853, daughter of Eliza and Cpl Joseph Morant.
- 19 Apr William Henry Lambert born on 21 March 1853, son of Catherine and Sgt William Lambert.
- 26 Apr Margaret Morant born on 24 March 1853, daughter of Eliza and Cpl Philip Morant.
- 14 June Ellen Crossman born 23 May 1853, daughter of Ellen and Cpl Thomas Crossman.
- 30 Aug William Henry Harvey born on 28 July 1853, son of Sophia and Cpl William Harvey.
- 8 Oct Harry Victor Baker born on 5 September 1853, son of Louisa and William Baker.
- 29 Dec William Samuel Bristow born on 30 November 1853, son of Mary Amelia and Pte Henry Bristow Royal Sappers and Miners.
Burials in 1853:
- 14 Feb Ann Susan Simons aged 2 months, daughter of Pte William Simons Royal Sappers and Miners.
- 23 Aug Infant Alfred Hunter aged 10 months, son of Pte John Hunter Royal Sappers and Miners.
- 10 Sep Sgt Thomas Barr Royal Sappers and Miners aged 31 years.
- 7 Nov Johns Barr aged 11 months, son of Sgt Thomas Barr Royal Sappers and Miners.
- 3 Dec William Lambert aged 8 months, son of Sgt William Lambert Royal Sappers and Miners.
1854 Royal Sappers and Miners
No medical officers. HQ Valletta.
Baptisms in 1854:
- 21 Mar James Deacon born on 14 February 1854, son of Ellen and Pte James Deacon Royal Sappers and Miners.
- 19 July Frederick William Tann born on 9 July 1854, son of Catherine and Cpl John Tann.
Burials in 1854:
- 9 June John Morris aged 8 months, son of L/Cpl John Morris Royal Sappers and Miners.
- 14 July William Henry Harvey aged 12 months, son of Sgt William Harvey Royal Sappers and Miners.
- 23 July Pte Charles Stevenson aged 25 years.
- 25 July Frederick William Tawn infant son of Cpl John Tawn.
1855 Royal Sappers and Miners
No medical officers.
Burials in 1855:
- 14 Apr Cpl Thomas Leonard aged 31 years.
- 6 Dec James Larkington Army Working Corps.
In September 1855, the Simoom with 420 men and the Barrackpore with 300 men of the Army Working Corps arrived in the Crimea. The 720 men formed the bulk of the corps and were put to work in the repair and construction of the railway and the road from headquarters to Balaclava.
1856 Royal Sappers and Miners
Strength: 107 men.
Up to 1856, the Royal Engineers consisted of two bodies. The officers formed the Corps of Royal Engineers and the men were in the Corps of Military Artificers, sappers and miners. After the Crimean War, the two separate bodies amalgamated into the Corps of Royal Engineers.
Marriages in the Collegiate Church of St Paul's Valletta in 1856:
- 8 Dec Bachelor Cpl Edward Main to Madalena Deguara spinster of Malta.
- 23 Dec Bachelor Sgt George William Grubb to Elizabeth Blackford, spinster of the Parish of Clerkenwell London.
Baptisms in 1856:
- 2 Aug John Arnold Burmaster born on 6 July 1856, son of Eleoner and the late Lt Col John C Burmaster RE.
Burials in 1856:
- 6 Feb George Buchanan aged 14 years, stepson of Colonel R Thomson RE.
- 11 Feb Matilda Victoria Buchanan aged 18 years, daughter of of Mr George Buchanan of Chats Upper Canada and stepdaughter of Col R Thomson RE.
- 17 July Edward William Anthony Charles Dunsford aged 1 years, son of Lt A Dunsford RE.
- 7 Aug Pte Robert Curtis aged 20 years.
- 20 Sep Pte Matthew Pierce aged 20 years.
- 24 Oct Pte Edmund Berriman aged 26 years Royal Sappers and Miners.
- 11 Nov Eliza Jane Paton aged 1 year 5 months, daughter of Pte Edward Paton Royal Engineers.
- 18 Nov Spr Robert Cole Royal Engineers.
1857 Royal Engineers
Strength: 210 men. No medical officers. HQ Valletta.
Baptisms in 1857:
- 2 Aug Mary Anne Rebecca Stephens, daughter of Rebecca and Spr John Stephens.
- 12 Aug Catharine Wood born 4 August 1857, daughter of Anne and Sgt William Wood.
- 20 Aug Alethea Emma Ross born 26 July 1857, daughter of Alethea Emma and Lt Col Archibald George Patrick Ross.
- 23 Dec George Andrew Bennett born 25 October 1857, daughter of Sarah and Spr William Bennett.
Burials in 1857:
- 2 Sep 1857 Pte Robert Blogg RE at Rock Gate Cemetery.
1858 Royal Engineers
1 Mar 1858 The strength of the Royal Engineers in Malta was 150 men. The garrison had a total strength of 3,890 men.
1 Dec 1858 Strength: 7 Officers, 9 NCOs, 3 Buglers/Drummers, 151 rank and file, 170 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 4,618 rank and file).
Baptisms in 1858:
- 7 Feb Catherine Ellen Trimble, daughter of Catherine and Sgt Robert Trimble.
1859 Royal Engineers
1 Jan 1859 Strength: 7 Officers, 8 NCOs, 3 Buglers/Drummers, 147 rank and file, 165 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 4,537 rank and file).
1 Apr Strength: 8 Officers, 8 NCOs, 8 Buglers/Drummers, 149 rank and file, 166 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 5005 effective rank and file, 5650 (Establisment).
25 Apr An extra Coy RE was placed under orders to embark for Malta, so as to increase the strength of the garrison in the Mediterranean. On 11 May 1859, No 28th Coy RE embarked for Malta. It served in Malta for 4 years 8 months, leaving the island on 26 January 1864.
1 Jun Strength: 12 Officers, 15 NCOs, 6 Buglers/Drummers, 279 rank and file, 312 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 6,937 rank and file).
1 Dec Strength: 9 Officers, 15 NCOs, 6 Buglers/Drummers, 270 rank and file, 300 total all ranks. (Total garrison strength 7,044 rank and file).
In 1859, the regiment had 255.2 admissions from fever per 1000 of mean strength with 4.18 deaths from fever per 1000 of mean strength.
Baptisms in 1859:
- 22 Apr Frederick John Ford born 6 April 1859, son of Matilda Jane and Sgt Frederick John Ford.
- 15 May Henry Alfred Wells born 2 May 1859, son of Elizabeth and Spr John Wells.
- 3 July Mary Anne Croat born 5 January 1859, daughter of Elizabeth and Sgt Aaron Croat.
- 30 Oct William Paton born 27 October 1859, son of Eliza and Spr Edward Paton.
- 23 Nov Robert Norman Bland born 8 October 1859, son of Emma Frances and Capt Edward Loftus Bland.
Burials at Floriana Cemetery in 1859:
- 13 June Henry Alfred Wells aged 5 weeks, son of Spr John Wells RE.
- 20 Sep Spr Thomas Winsbury aged 36 years.
Burials at Ta' Braxia Cemetery in 1859:
- 8 Oct Cpl Francis Daniels aged 22 years.
1860 No 28th Coy Royal Engineers
Average Strength | Admissions Hospital | Deaths | Admissions/1000 | Deaths/1000 |
---|---|---|---|---|
283 | 280 | 4 | 989 | 14.13 |
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 There were 3 Companies of Royal Engineers. Strength: 9 Officers, 15 NCOs, 6 Buglers/Drummers, 270 rank and file, 300 total all ranks. The garrison strength was 7,018 of which 5,945 were infantry soldiers.
In 1860, 21 soldiers were admitted with common continued fevers with 2 deaths.
Burials at Ta' Braxia Cemetery in 1860:
- 3 Jan Spr Richard Clark RE aged 28 years.
- 13 July Kate E Newlyn aged 6 months, daughter of Cpl William Newlyn.
- 11 Aug Mary Anne Croat aged 1 year 8 months, daughter of Sgt A Croat.
- 21 Aug Spr William Penchey aged 28 years.
- 17 Nov Spr Sanborn Smith aged 18 years.
1861 Royal Engineers
- No 28th Coy RE
- No 31st Coy RE. – Embarked for Malta on 24 Sep 1861. It remained part of the garrison until 17 May 1866, when it embarked for Gibraltar.
In 1861, the Engineers had an average strength of 245 men, 141 hospital admissions (575 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 4 deaths in hospital (16.33 deaths per 1000 of mean strength).
The RE had 20 admissions (82 per 1000 of mean strength) from continued fevers with 3 deaths (12.24 per 1000 of mean strength).
Burials at Ta' Braxia Cemetery in 1861:
- 16 Aug Cpl John Henry Couzens aged 29 years.
- 28 Aug Sgt James Nichols aged 41 years.
- 9 Sep Spr James Clark aged 24 years.
- 29 Nov Alfred Lewis aged 1 year 4 months, son of Spr Thomas Lewis.
- 22 Dec Caroline Harvey aged 33 years, wife of Cpl Harvey.
1862 Royal Engineers
- No 28th Coy RE
- No 31st Coy RE
In 1862, the regiment had an average strength of 200 men, 158 hospital admissions (790 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 2 deaths in hospital, 1 death out of hospital and 1 among the invalids (20 deaths per 1000 of mean strength).
Burials at Ta' Braxia Cemetery in 1862:
- 4 Jan Sarah Ralph aged 22 years, servant to Capt Amelius Beauclerck Fyers RE.
- 4 Apr Cpl Edward Rawlins aged 23 years.
1863 Royal Engineers
- No 28th Coy RE
- No 31st Coy RE
In 1863, the regiment had an average strength of 194 men, 202 hospital admissions (1041.4 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with no deaths.
1864 Royal Engineers
- No 28th Coy RE. On 26 Jan 1864, the Coy embarked for the Ionian Islands. It had served at Malta for 4 years 8 months. The Coy returned to Malta on 19 April 1864 after just 3 months in the Ionian Islands.
- No 31st Coy RE
In 1864, the regiment had an average strength of 166 men, 155 hospital admissions (934 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 2 deaths in hospital (12.08 deaths per 1000 of mean strength).
1865 Royal Engineers

- No 28th Coy RE
- No 31st Coy RE
In 1865, the Royal Engineers had an average strength of 182 men. It had 178 hospital admissions (978 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 1 death in hospital, 1 out of hospital and 1 death among the invalids (16.48 deaths per 1000 of mean strength).
The Royal Engineers occupied St Francis Barracks Floriana; their families inhabited huts in an adjoining outworks. Some of the men had diarrhoea but no true cholera.
1866 Royal Engineers
3 May 1866 Two companies of the Royal Engineers arrived from Gibraltar where they had served since 1861. They relieved two companies from Malta, one company left for Gibraltar, the other to England.
In 1866, the regiment had an average strength of 182 men. There were 180 hospital admissions (989 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 2 deaths in hospital (10.99 deaths per 1000 of mean strength). It had 61 admissions (335/1000 mean strength) for continued fevers with 2 deaths (10.99 deaths/1000 mean strength).
The regiment was quartered at St Francis Barracks and Ravelin.
- No 27th Coy: 3 May 1866 – Embarked at Gibraltar for Malta.
- No 33rd Coy: 3 May 1866 – Embarked at Gibraltar for Malta.
- No 28th Coy: On 17 May 1866, 2 officers, 7 sgts, 83 rank and file, 20 wives and 32 children embarked on SS Lady Jocelyn. It disembarked at Gravesend on 9 June 1866, havin9 served 2 years and 2 months in Malta.
- No 31st Coy: On 17 May 1866, the Coy was ordered to Gibraltar from Malta.
1867 Royal Engineers
In 1867, the regiment had an average strength of 178 men. There were 153 hospital admissions (859.5 admissions per 1000 of mean strength) with 1 death in hospital (5.62 deaths per 1000 of mean strength). It had 17 admissions for continued fevers with no deaths.
The regiment was quartered at St Francis Barracks and Ravelin.
Cholera broke out on 1 September 1867. On 4 September, a child of a sergeant died within 8 hours of falling ill with cholera.
- No 27th Coy: Arrived May 1866. Strength 178 men.
- No 33rd Coy: Arrived May 1866.
1868 Royal Engineers
Location: St Francis Barracks.
- No 27th Coy: Arrived May 1866. Strength 178 men.
- No 33rd Coy: Arrived May 1866.
The average annual strength in 1868 was 180 men. There were 154 admissions into hospital; 2 died in hospital. The ratio per 1000 mean strength of those admitted was 856 and for deaths 11.11.
The Royal Engineers were at St Francis Barracks and Ravelin. From June to September, the regiment had 23 admissions for continued fevers, with no deaths.
1869 32 Coy RE
- No 26th Coy: Embarked for Malta on 29 Dec 1869.
- No 27th Coy: Arrived May 1866. Strength 178 men.
- No 33rd Coy: Arrived May 1866.
- No 32nd Coy: Arrived Sep 1869. Two companies were at St Francis Barracks. Married soldiers occupied quarters at St Francis Ravelin.
Barracks occupied by the Royal Engineers in 1869:
Barracks | Average Strength | Fever Admissions | Percentage Sick Soldiers |
---|---|---|---|
St Francis | 136 | 8 | 5.88 |
St Francis Ravelin | 17 | 2 | 11.76 |
Table I: Barracks occupied by the RE showing the average Strength number of hospital admissions from fever, and the percentage of sick soldiers during the period each barrack was occupied. |
Strength of the Royal Engineers from 1 January to 31 December 1869:
Month | Strength 1st day of month | Hospital Admissions | Deaths |
---|---|---|---|
January | 174 | 8 | 0 |
February | 173 | 6 | 0 |
March | 173 | 6 | 0 |
April | 172 | 11 | 0 |
May | 172 | 9 | 0 |
June | 172 | 9 | 0 |
July | 167 | 10 | 0 |
August | 167 | 11 | 0 |
September | 167 | 8 | 1 |
October | 166 | 8 | 0 |
November | 167 | 8 | 0 |
December | 167 | 9 | 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 170 men. There were 103 admissions into hospital; 1 died out of hospital. The ratio per 1000 of mean strength of those admitted was 605.9 and for deaths 5.88. In 1869, the garrison had 39 cases with five deaths from Delirium tremens. The Royal Engineers furnished the highest proportion, having had six cases in a strength of 170 men while the 52nd and 48th Foot had each only one and two cases respectively.
Two cases of suicide, were both soldiers cut their own throat, occurred during the year. Assistant surgeon John Stuart attributed the deaths to temporary excitement brought on by drink
.
1870 Royal Engineers
Barracks | Average Strength | Fever Admissions | Percentage Sick Soldiers |
---|---|---|---|
St Francis | 131 | 28 | 21.37 |
St Francis Ravelin | 12 | 5 | 41.63 |
Table III: Barracks occupied by the RE showing the average Strength number of hospital admissions from fever, and the percentage of sick soldiers during the period each barrack was occupied. |

The average Strength of the officers was 9.08; five were admitted to hospital during the year. An average of 15.76 women accompanied the regiment, of whom 19 were admitted to hospital. There were no deaths among the officers or wives.
From 1 January to 31 December 1870, there was an average of 29.33 children with the regiment, 43 of whom were admitted to hospital. There were 5 infant deaths from: mumps (1), phthisis pulmonalis (1), diarrhoea (2) and atrophy (1).
There was an average of 164 NCOs and men in the command, with 201 admissions to hospital (1226 admissions/1000 mean strength) and 1 death (6.10 deaths/1000 mean strength).
St Francis Barracks Floriana was a two storied building with four large rooms, two on each floor and two small ones. There were no night urinals, urine tubs being still used by the men. These were not only offensive, but it was also impossible to keep the floor around the tubs clean. The married quarters at St Francis Ravelin were situated in a block of buildings which was well lit and ventilated. At each end of the block, was a quarter for a non-commissioned officer; each of the other quarters had only one room. These were too crowded for large families, who were often granted a second quarter, when these became available. NCOs had larger quarters in St Francis Barracks.
The Engineer Companies at Malta were:
- No 17th Coy: Arrived from Gibraltar 18 June 1870, (83 men); it replaced No 33rd Coy RE, which returned to England on 6 April.
- No 26th Coy: Arrived from England 18 Jan 1870, (93 men) and relieved No 27th Coy RE.
- No 27th Coy: On 28 Jan 1870, 1 officer, 6 sgts, 64 rank and file, 1 officer's male servant, 9 wives and 15 children embarked on HMS Simoom. It disembarked at Queenstown on 12 Feb 1870.
- No 32nd Coy: Left for Portsmouth Dec 1870.
- No 33rd Coy: On 6 April 1870, 2 officers, 1 officer's wife and 2 children, 1 officer's female servant, 6 sgts, 2 buglers, 74 rank and file, 6 soldier's wives and 4 children embarked on HM Steam Troop Ship Tamar. It disembarked at Portsmouth on 25 April 1870.
The men of the Royal Engineers wore the red tunic and black trousers in winter while on guards and full dress parades. In summer they wore the serge patrol jackets and white trousers. Over their forage caps, they wore a white cover with a short curtain to protect the back of the neck from the heat of the sun. There were two weekly parades with arms and accoutrements, which lasted between one and two hours. These were held early in the morning so as to escape as much as possible the heat of the day. During the day, the men were employed at their trades, or labouring on maintaining the defences.
Month | Strength 1st day of month | Hospital Admissions | Deaths |
---|---|---|---|
January | 169 | 16 | 0 |
February | 178 | 13 | 0 |
March | 179 | 8 | 0 |
April | 179 | 9 | 0 |
May | 97 | 8 | 0 |
June | 96 | 19 | 0 |
July | 180 | 28 | 0 |
August | 178 | 22 | 0 |
September | 178 | 24 | 1 |
October | 178 | 14 | 0 |
November | 176 | 16 | 0 |
December | 178 | 24 | 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) |
In 1870, the Royal Engineers had more admissions into hospital from fevers than in 1868 and 1869. This increase was attributed to the arrival of a new Company from England in January, and another from Gibraltar in June, with men not yet being acclimatised to the climate. The Company which had served in Gibraltar for 4 years prior to its arrival at Malta, admitted as many soldiers to hospital with fever, as the one arriving from England. The PMO blamed heavy drinking for the high admission rate among the Royal Engineers.
All the men, women, and children were vaccinated against smallpox.
Burials in 1870:
- 16 Sep Sgt J. McIsaacs 26 Coy RE, aged 30 years, died in the regimental hospital from an abscess in his liver.
1871 Royal Engineers
The regiment had an average strength of 194 men. There were 240 admissions into hospital (1237/1000 mean strength), with 1 death in hospital (5.15/1000 mean strength). The men were at St Francis Barracks Floriana.
- No 26th Coy
- No 17th Coy
1872 Royal Engineers
In 1872, the Royal Engineers had an average strength of 176 men. It had 200 admissions (1136/1000 mean strength) into hospital with no deaths. Its average strength from 30 June to 30 September was 162 men. During this third quarter of the year when fevers were prevalent, the Royal Engineers had a total of 18 hospital admissions with 4 deaths. It had: 6 cases of enteric fever with 4 deaths, 137 of simple continued fevers and 38 of febricula.
The men were at St Francis Barracks and St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
- No 21st Coy: Arrived Oct 1872.
- No 26th Coy: Embarked for Bermuda 18 Oct 1872.
- No 17th Coy: Embarked for Bermuda 2 Dec 1872.
1873 Royal Engineers
In 1873, the Royal Engineers had an average strength of 173 men. It had 191 admissions (1104/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (11.56/1000 mean strength).
The 1st and 24th Companies Royal Engineers arrived in Malta from Mauritius and Bermuda respectively.
- No 1st Coy: Arrived from Bermuda on 5 Apr 1873. Left Malta 5 June 1874.
- No 21st Coy: Arrived Oct 1872.
- No 24th Coy: Arrived from Mauritius Sep 1873.
1874 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 209 men. It had 218 admissions (1043.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (4.78/1000 mean strength). It had 2 invalids returned to England.
- No 1st Coy: Arrived from Bermuda on 5 Apr 1873. Left Malta 5 June 1874.
- No 21st Coy: Arrived Oct 1872.
- No 24th Coy: Embarked at Mauritius on 1 July 1873.
5 Jun 1874 No 1 Coy RE consisting of 1 officer, 4 Sgts, 61 Rank and File, 10 wives and 23 children, embarked on the Sprite for Dover, arriving there on 18 June 1874.
1875 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 183 men. It had 191 admissions (1043.1/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death among the invalids (5.49 deaths/1000 mean strength). It had 5 invalids returned to England. Its average daily sick was 8.34 (45.82/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 16.63 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 15.94 days.
- No 21st Coy: Arrived Oct 1872.
- No 24th Coy: Embarked at Mauritius on 1 July 1873.
1876 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 206 men. It had 164 admissions (791.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths including 1 among the invalids (9.71 deaths/1000 mean strength). It had 5 invalids returned to England. Its average daily sick was 7.50 (36.84/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 13.44 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 16.88 days.
- No 20th Coy: Embarked at Portsmouth for Malta on 12 Dec 1876.
- No 21st Coy: Arrived Oct 1872.
- No 24th Coy: On 21 Dec 1876, 2 officers, 4 officer's children, 1 officer's female servant, 4 sgts, 3 drummers, 76 rank and file, 13 soldier's wives and 20 children embarked on the P & O Steamer Nepal. They disembarked at Southampton on 31 Dec 1876.
- No 33rd Coy: Dec 1876 – Detachment arrived from Davenport.
1877 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 188 men. It had 131 admissions (696.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (15.96/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids were returned to England. Its average daily sick was 4.89 (26.01/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.49 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 13.62 days.
- No 11 Coy: 21 Nov 1877 - Embarked at Bermuda for Malta.
- No 20 Coy: 12 Dec 1876 Embarked at Portsmouth for Malta.
- No 21 Coy: Oct 1872 - Arrived at Malta.
- No 24 Coy: Dec 1876 - Left for England.
- No 33 Coy: Dec 1876 - Detachment arrived from Davenport.
1878 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 203 men. It had 142 admissions (699.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 5 deaths (24.63 deaths/1000 mean strength). It had 1 invalid returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 6.09 (30.0/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 10.95 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 15.65 days.
- No 11 Coy
- No 12 Coy: Arrived from Bermuda Nov 1878.
- No 20 Coy: consisting of 2 officers, 5 sgts, 1 bugler, 73 rank and file, 6 wives and 10 children, embarked on HMS Simoon on 27 Dec 1978. It disembarked at Portsmouth on 11 January 1879.
- No 21 Coy: Arrived at Malta Oct 1872.
- No 33 Coy
- Madras and Bombay European Sappers and Miners: Arrived from India in May. Left for Cyprus on 20 July as part of the Malta Expeditionary Force under the command of Sir Garnet Wolseley.
- Sappers and Miners (3 men).
1879 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 193 men. It had 163 admissions (844.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (5.18/1000 mean strength). 4 invalids were returned to England. Its average daily sick was 7.73 (40.05/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 14.62 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 17.31 days.
The RE operated the Brennan Torpedo System
, a wire guided torpedo controlled from the shore for the defence of narrow harbour entrances. The system was installed at Forts Tigné and Ricasoli in 1889 to defend Marsamxetto Harbour and the Grand Harbour. It closed in 1907 and its functions was transferred to the Royal Navy.
- No 11 Coy
- No 12 Coy: Left for Chatham Dec 1880.
- No 33 Coy (Torpedo) RE: Arrived from EnglandNov 1879 .
1880 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 225 men. It had 218 admissions (968.9/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 5 deaths (22.22 deaths/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 11.01 (48.93/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 17.91 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 18.48 days.
In the 1870's, the RE took responsibility for the defence of the harbours by controlled mines. This was known as the Submarine Mining Service
which remained with the RE until it was transferred to the Royal Navy in 1885.
- No 11th Coy: Dec 1877 - Left for England Jan 1881.
- No 12th Coy: Nov 1878 - Arrived from England. Left for Chatham Dec 1880.
- No 17th Coy: 15 Sep 1880 - Embarked in England for Malta.
- No 33rd Coy (Torpedo): Sep 1880 - Detachment arrived at Malta. Main Body at Davenport since Nov 1879.
1881 Royal Engineers

In 1881, the Royal Engineers in Malta consisted of two companies. One company of RE served from 1 January to 23 March; one company from 1 January to 27 April.
The RE (17 and 33 Coys) had an average strength of 187 men. It had 111 admissions (593.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 5 deaths (26.74 deaths/1000 mean strength).
6 invalids returned to England. Its average constantly sick was 8.15 (43.58/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.90 days.
- No 11 Coy: 2 officers, 4 sgts, 1 bugler, 59 rank and file, 5 wives and 6 children embarked on HMS Orontes on 3 January 1881. The Coy disembarked at Portsmouth on 12 January 1881.
- No 12 Coy: 2 officers, 2 sgts, 2 buglers, 58 rank and file, 7 wives and 14 children embarked on the Holland on 27 April 1881. The Coy disembarked at Portsmouth on 10 May 1881 with 1st/26th Foot.
- No 17 Coy: Arrived from England Sep 1880.
- No 33 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived Sep 1880.
1882 Royal Engineers

(Pieta' Military Cemetery)
The RE had an average strength of 113 men. It had 48 admissions (424.7/1000 mean strength) into hospital. Its average constantly sick was 3.0 (26.54/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.69 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.81 days.
- No 17 Coy – Embarked for Egypt on 8 July 1882
- No 33 Coy (Submarine Mining)
1883 Royal Engineers
The RE had an average strength of 76 men. It had 31 admissions (407.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital (15.06 deaths/1000 mean strength). Its average constantly sick was 1.68 (22.10/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 8.06 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 19.68 days.
- No 33 Coy (Submarine Mining)
1884 Royal Engineers

Cpl Walter George Portch 15 Coy RE died 14 Feb 1885 aged 26 yrs
their son Albert Henry Portch died 10 Nov 1884, aged 10 weeks.
(Pieta' Military Cemetery)
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 120 men. It had 101 admissions (841.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 4 deaths (33.33 deaths/1000 mean strength). 6 invalids returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 6.35 (52.91/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 19.36 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.01 days.
During the year the Malta Command had 1 Company of Royal Engineers:
- No 15 Coy: Strength (1 July 1884) 60 men. Arrived on 17 Mar 1884.
- No 33 Coy (Submarine Mining) RE: Strength (1 July 1884) 49 men.
Burials in 1884:
- 9 July Spr George Bowring aged 28 years, 33rd Coy RE was buried in Pietà Military Cemetery.
1885 Royal Engineers

To those who died during the stay of the Coy in Malta 1884-88.
(Pieta' Military Cemetery)
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 147 men. It had 104 admissions (707.4/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 6 deaths (40.81 deaths/1000 mean strength). 3 invalids returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 6.16 (41.90/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.29 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.61 days.
A soldier fell from a terrace in the lower court yard of the Valletta Station Hospital and fractured his skull.
There were 2 companies of the Royal Engineers in the Command.
- No 15th Coy: Strength (1 Jan 1885) 55 men.
- No 33rd Coy (Submarine Mining) RE: On 3 June 1885, 1 officer, 1 sgt, 1 drummer, 12 rank and file embarked on HMS Jumna. The men disembarked at Portsmouth on 13 June.
- No 34th Coy (Submarine Mining) RE: Strength 63 men.
1886 Royal Engineers

The Royal Engineers had been stationed in Valletta for 12 months. It had an average strength of 132 men. It had 88 admissions (666.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (7.57/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 5.72 (43.33/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 15.81 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 23.72 days.
The Royal Engineers had two companies throughout the year.
- No 15 Coy: Strength 80 men.
- No 34 Coy (Submarine Mining): Strength 57 men.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church, Valletta in 1886:
- 14 Nov Cyril Herbert Bennett son of Lilly and Sgt James William Bennett, of St Francis Ravelin Floriana, born on 25 Oct 1886.
- 21 Nov Alfred James Maytum son of Jane and Sgt James Maytum, of Floriana, born on 31 Oct 1886.
1887 Royal Engineers

The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 130 men. It had 73 admissions (561.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (7.69/1000 mean strength). 4 invalids returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 4.45 (34.23/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 12.49 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.25 days.
2 companies of the Royal Engineers served in the Command throughout the year.
- No 15 Coy: Strength 80 men.
- No 34 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived May 1885. Strength 57 men.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church, Valletta in 1887:
- 17 Feb Baptism of Albert Chapman born 29 Dec 1886, son of Augusta and Engineer William Charles Chapman, of Senglea.
1888 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 138 men. It had 74 admissions (536.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 3 deaths (21.74/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 3.48 (25.22/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 9.22 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 17.21 days.
The Royal Engineers had 2 companies in the Command.
- No 2 Coy: Arrived Sep 1888.
- No 15 Coy: Strength 80 men.
- No 34 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived May 1885. Strength 51 men.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church, Valletta in 1888:
- 17 June Baptism of Caroline Daly daughter of Caroline and Coy Sgt Maj Philip James Daly, born on 10 May 1888.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1888:
- 22 Jan Sgt Gordon MacDonald aged 32 years.
- 19 Oct Bugler Henry James Brown No 2 Coy, aged 17 years.
1889 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 137 men. It had 78 admissions into hospital with 1 death. 3 invalids returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 4.80. The average sick time to each soldier was 12.78 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 22.46 days.
Two companies of the Royal Engineers served in the Command throughout the year.
- No 2 Coy: Arrived Sep 1888. Strength 87 men.
- No 34 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived May 1885. Strength 61 men.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church, Valletta in 1889:
- 3 Mar Alfred Everitt Seamans son of Eliza and Coy Sgt Maj Alfred Everitt Seamans, born on 15 Jan 1889.
- 17 May George Francis Bulling son of Emma and Cpl George William Bulling, born on 18 Apr 1889.
- 17 May Constance Miriam Susan Ryde daughter of Susan and Cpl Walter Ryde, born on 23 June 1888.
- 13 Sep Rebecca May Smitheman, daughter of Rosina and Sgt Thomas Smitheman 2 Coy RE, born 31 Aug 1889.
- 13 Sep Edith Dorothy Christian daughter of Edith and 2nd Cpl Henry Christian 2 Coy RE, born on 24 Aug 1889.
1890 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 150 men. It had 72 admissions (480/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 2 invalids returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 4.94 (32.93/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 12.02 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 25.04 days. The RE was in Cottonera for 12 months with detachments in various out stations.
- No 2 Coy: Arrived Sep 1888. Strength 85 men (1 Jan–1 June 1890); Strength 97 men (1 July 1890).
- No 34 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived May 1885. Strength 50 men (1 Jan–1 June 1890); Strength 66 men (1 July 1890).
Baptisms in 1890:
- 10 Jan Ernest Robert Davis born 21 December 1889, son of Mary Jane and Sgt Alfred Davis RE.
- 15 Jan Edmund Hamilton Benidon Firman born 23 December 1887, son of Sarah Havelin and WO Frederick French Firman Superintendent Clerk.
- 15 Jan Frances Melita Firman born 16 November 1889, son of Sarah Havelin and WO Frederick French Firman Superintendent Clerk.
- 5 Mar Lilian Mary Webb born 4 February 1890, daughter of Charlotte and Coy Sgt Maj Mark Joseph Webb RE Fort St Angelo.
- 14 Mar Frederick Henry Silvers Baldry born 15 February 1890, son of Emma Mary Jane and Cpl Frederick George Baldry.
- 21 May Florence Forbes born 22 April 1890, daughter of Florence and Coy Sgt Maj Robert Butler Forbes.
- 20 July Arthur Middleton born 14 May 1890, son of Clementine and Sgt Maj Moses James Middleton RE of Cottonera.
- 20 July Sidney Montgomery Webb born 29 June 1890, son of Maude Helena and Sgt Maj William Sidney Webb RE of Cottonera.
- 10 Sep Ethel Maud Bennett born 17 Aug 1890, daughter of Lily and Coy Sgt Maj James William Bennett.
- 2 Nov Ethel Beatrice Ryde born 18 Oct 1890, daughter of Susan and Cpl Walter Ryde.
1891 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 165 men. It had 103 admissions (660.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (6.06/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 6.32 (38.30/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 13.98 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 21.15 days. The RE was in St Francis Barracks Floriana for 12 months.
- No 2 Coy: Arrived Sep 1888. Strength 82 men (Jan 1891).
- No 34 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived May 1885. Strength 69 men (Jan 1891).
- No 42 Coy: Arrived Dec 1891.
Baptisms in 1891:
- 11 Jan W Mansbridge aged 2 months and 9 days, died at St Francis Barracks.
- 25 Jan Violet Dale born 21 Dec 1890, daughter of Lydia and Coy Sgt Maj John Dale.
- 11 Oct Irene Bennett, daughter of Lilly and Sgt James William Bennett of Floriana.
- 29 Nov Horace Arthur Webb born 3 Nov 1891, son of Charlotte and QM Sgt Mark Joseph Webb RE of Fort St Angelo.
- 13 Dec Arthur George Singlehurst born 21 Nov 1891, son of Margaret Elizabeth and Sgt Samuel George Singlehurst.
Burials in Rinella Military Cemetery in 1891:
- 5 July M J Donington aged 4 months, died at Fort Ricasoli.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1891:
- 8 June L/Cpl W Davies 2 Coy RE, aged 25 years.
- 8 July Infant Ethel B Ryde aged 8 months.
1892 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 239 men. It had 128 admissions (535.6/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 2 deaths (8.37/1000 mean strength). 1 invalid returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 8.42 (35.23/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 12.89 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 24.08 days. The RE was in St Francis Barracks Floriana for 12 months.
- No 2 Coy: Arrived Sep 1888. Strength (1 Jan-1 June 1892), 89 men.
- No 34 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived May 1885. Strength (1 Jan-1 June 1892) 66 men.
- No 42 Coy: Arrived Dec 1891. Strength (1 Jan-1 June 1892), 100 men.
- Malta Division Submarine Mining RE was raised on 3 Feb 1892 to protect the Grand Harbour by laying mines.
Baptisms in 1892:
- 2 Mar Roland Augustus Walter Ryde born 5 Feb 1892, son of Susan and Cpl Walter Ryde.
- 6 Mar Daisy Dale Webb born 11 Jan 1892, daughter of Maude Helena and QM Sgt William Sidney Webb of Sliema.
- 13 Mar Evelyne Middleton born 7 Feb 1892, daughter of Clementine and Sgt Moses James Middleton of Cottonera.
- 20 Mar Bertha Willis born 1 Mar 1892, daughter of Minnie and Coy Sgt Maj Edwin Willis of Floriana.
- 23 Mar Hilda Frances Higman born 2 Mar 1892, daughter of Annie and SSgt William Henry Hawkes Higman of Floriana.
- 27 Mar Olive Alice Durham Palmer born 20 Feb 1892, daughter of Alice Jessie and Sgt Frederick William Palmer of Floriana.
- 5 Oct Bertram Alfred Bradley born 18 Sep 1892, son of Jane Elizabeth and QM Sgt Edwin Bradley of Citta Vecchia.
- 7 Dec Sidney Maurice Drayden born 22 Nov 1892, son of Ada Ella and Sgt Albert Drayden RE.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1892:
- 3 Jan Sgt Joseph Sharp aged 33 years.
- 20 Mar Cpl W H McCartney No 42 Coy RE aged 25 years.
- 27 May John Francis Battersby Campling aged 1 year.
- 24 July Ernest Claude Johnson aged 10 months, son of Sgt Walter Johnson.
- 1 Aug Hilda Maud Grodley aged 1 year 4 months.
- 5 Aug Still born child of Cpl Henry Desmond.
- 3 Oct Robane Ryde aged 8 months.
- 8 Oct Butrain A Bradley aged 19 days.
- 16 Dec Cpl Morris.
The Malta Militia Division Submarine Mining Royal Engineers 1892 – 1921
The Maltese Militia Division Submarine Mining Royal Engineers was raised at the beginning of 1892 from the boating classes in Malta for service as Submarine Mining under the Royal Engineers. The force consisted of 1 Lieutenant, 1 Company Sergeant Major, 3 Sergeants, and 1 engineer clerk. Enlistment was for 5 years. The training consisted of the division being called up for a period of 120 days during the submarine mining annual training of the Royal Engineers. The men were issued with their Lee-Metford Rifle and sword bayonet.
1893 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 295 men. It had 83 admissions (281.4/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (3.39/1000 mean strength). 4 invalids returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 5.64 (19.12/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 6.98 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 24.80 days. The RE was in St Francis Barracks Floriana for 12 months.
On 19 July 1893 a Court of Enquiry was convened into the accidental deaths by drowning of Lt Percy Trevor Bourne RE and 2nd Lt John Christopher Joseph Fallon RE on 18 June 1893. Lt Cecil Francis Browne Pike RE was the only survivor.
- No 2 Coy: Arrived Sep 1888. Strength (1 June 1893), 82 men.
- No 34 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived May 1885. Strength (1 June 1893) 70 men.
- No 42 Coy: Arrived Dec 1891. Strength (1 June 1893) 85 men.
Baptisms in 1893:
- 15 Jan Harry Gordon Johnson born 20 Dec 1892, son of Kate and Sgt Edwin Johnson of St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
- 29 Jan Cecil Herbert Dunn born 1 Dec 1892, son of Charlotte and L/Cpl Henry Dunn.
- 7 June Elsie Melita Gale born 7 June 1893, daughter of Uealyea and Spr Benjamin Gale of Floriana.
- 2 Aug Twin Rowland Alfred Walter Ryde born 10 July 1893, son of Susan and Cpl Walter Ryde of Floriana.
- 2 Aug Twin Miriam Beatrice Ryde born 10 July 1893, daughter of Susan and Cpl Walter Ryde of Floriana.
- 6 Aug Florence Augusta Garmon born 5 July 1893, daughter of Elizabeth Hester and Sgt Charles Edward Garmon of Sliema.
- 13 Aug Herbert Middleton born 6 July 1893, son of Clementine and QM Sgt Moses James Middleton of Cottonera.
- 4 Nov Melita Webb born 8 Oct 1893, daughter of Charlotte and QM Sgt Mark Joseph Webb of Vittoriosa.
- 13 Dec Kate Melita Perry born 13 Nov 1893, daughter of Charlotte and Superintendent Clerk Harry Perry RE of No 4 Strada St Ursula Valletta.
- 27 Dec Lilian Melita Johnson born 9 Dec 1893, daughter of Bessie and Sgt Walter Frederick Johnson of No 1 Market Street Floriana.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1893:
- 23 May Sydney M Drayson aged 6 months.
- 3 July Elsie Melita Gale aged 1 month, daughter of Spr Benjamin Gale 34 Coy RE.
- 12 Aug Webb aged a few hours, daughter of Sgt Webb.
- 9 Sep Still born child of Sgt Highman.
- 24 Oct Miriam Beatrice Ryde aged 3 months.
1894 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 274 men. It had 92 admissions (335.8/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 5 deaths (18.24/1000 mean strength). 5 invalids returned to England.
The Royal Engineers was quartered in St Francis Barracks Floriana for 12 months. There were five companies.
- No 2 Coy: Arrived Sep 1888. Strength (1 June 1894) 91 men. Left for Egypt Oct 1894.
- No 24 Coy (Fortresses): Arrived Oct 1894.
- No 34 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived May 1885. Strength (1 June 1894) 73 men. Left for Gravesend Nov 1894.
- No 42 Coy: Arrived Dec 1891. Strength (1 June 1894) 92 men. Strength (1 Dec 1894) 88 men.
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived Oct 1894. Strength 63 men.
Its average constantly sick was 4.16 (15.18/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 5.54 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 16.50 days.
Baptisms in 1894:
- 1 Feb Edith Margaret Dowman Riley born 21 Dec 1893, daughter of Beatrice Maude and William Edward Riley of Floriana.
- 7 Feb Edith Harriett Desmond born 26 Dec 1893, daughter of Ellen Mary and Cpl Henry Malcolm Desmond of Floriana.
- 18 Feb Edward Mosely Singlehurst born 19 Jan 1894, son of Margaret and Spr Robert Singlehurst of Floriana.
- 13 June Augusta Melita Pawley born 2 May 1894, daughter of Maria and Coy Sgt Maj Francis Hoy Pawley of Floriana.
- 30 Aug Ella Melita Drayson born 12 Aug 1894, daughter of Ada Ella and SSgt Albert Drayson RE of 17 Strada St Julian Msida.
- 6 Sep Dorothy Victoria Durham Palmer born 4 Aug 1894, daughter of Alice Jessie and Sgt Frederick William Palmer of Floriana.
- 18 Oct George Thomas Duckett born 29 Sep 1894, son of Alice and Sgt Thomas Duckett of Floriana.
- 1 Nov Lilian Maude Penhey born 8 Sep 1891, daughter of Ellen and Sgt Alfred Penhey of Floriana.
- 1 Nov Benjamin Henry Gale born 18 Oct 1894, son of Uealyea and Spr Benjamin Gale No 34th Coy RE.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1894:
- 27 Feb Frederick Francis Perrigo Lilley aged 6 years 9 months.
- 4 June Spr Charles Beak aged 27 years.
- 7 Nov George Thomas Duckett aged 1 month 10 days, son of Sgt Duckett.
- 29 Nov Spr William Gotley Thomas aged 29 years.
- 17 Nov Gnr J Pearson aged 23 years.
- 9 Dec Sgt Maj G Newcombe aged 36 years.
1895 Royal Engineers
The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 262 men. It had 71 admissions (271/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 3 invalids returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 5.23 (19.96/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 7.29 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 26.89 days.
There were three companies of the Royal Engineers:
- No 24 Coy (Fortresses): Strength (1 June 1895), 84 men. Arrived Oct 1894.
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining): Strength (1 June 1895) 63 men. Arrived Oct 1894.
- No 42 Coy (Fortresses): Strength (1 June 1895) 92 men. Arrived Dec 1891.
The Royal Engineers was quartered in St Francis Barracks Floriana for 12 months.
Baptisms in 1895:
- 8 Apr Harry Cornish born 6 Apr 1895, son of Eliza and QM Sgt Henry James Cornish of Valletta.
- 19 May Walter Foster born 31 Mar 1895, son of Lily Matilda and Coy Sgt Maj Walter Foster Superintendent Staff RE of Cottonera.
- 24 Nov Bessie Melita Clarke born 13 Sep 1895, daughter of Bessie and Coy Sgt Maj Alfred Morgan Clarke of Fort St Angelo.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1895:
- 7 Mar Infant William Henry Ryde aged 7 days, son of Cpl Ryde RE.
- 1 Aug Edward Ernest Winton aged 2 years 9 months, only son of Sgt Thomas Winton RE and Louisa his wife.
- 12 Nov Ella Melita Dayson aged 15 months, daughter of Coy Sgt Maj Dayson RE.
1896 Royal Engineers

The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 260 men. It had 55 admissions (211.5/1000 mean strength) into hospital with 1 death (3.84/1000 mean strength). 2 invalids returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 3.06 (11.77/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 4.31 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 20.36 days.
The Royal Engineers was quartered in St Francis Barracks, Floriana for 12 months. There were three companies:
- No 24 Coy: Arrived Oct 1894.
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived Oct 1894.
- No 42 Coy: Arrived Dec 1891.
Baptisms in 1896:
- 2 Jan Edith Alice Duckett born 4 Dec 1895, daughter of Alice and Sgt Thomas Duckett of Floriana.
- 14 Mar Regina Leonora Higman born 22 Feb 1896, daughter of Annie and SSgt William Henry Hawke Higman of Valletta.
- 26 Mar Gordon Henry Jeffery born 31 May 1892, son of Helen and Coy Sgt Maj William Henry Jeffery of Floriana.
- 26 Mar Kenneth Nelson Jeffery born 9 Feb 1896, son of Helen and Coy Sgt Maj William Henry Jeffery of Floriana.
- 11 Apr Herbert William Joseph Lilley born 20 Mar 1896, son of Harriett and QM Sgt William James Lilley of Sliema.
- 3 May Elsie Pawley born 24 Feb 1896, daughter of Maria and Coy Sgt Maj Francis Hoy Pawley of Floriana.
- 28 June Twin Arthur Henry Blackman born 27 June 1896, son of Charlotte and Sgt Arthur Blackman of Floriana.
- 28 June Twin Alice Blackman born 27 June 1896, daughter of Charlotte and Sgt Arthur Blackman of Floriana.
- 8 July Ellen Melita Desmond born 10 June 1896, daughter of Ellen and Sgt Henry Desmond of Floriana.
- 8 July Ethel Agnes Smith born 6 June 1896, daughter of Martha Jane and Foreman of Works RE Frank Smith of Mtarfa.
- 21 Sep Dorothy Winifred Ryde born 20 Sep 1896, daughter of Susan and Sgt Walter Ryde of Floriana.
- 26 Sep David Alfred George Frederick Curd born 9 July 1896, son of Letitia and Cpl Alfred John Curd No 28 Coy RE of Floriana.
- 5 Dec Isola Joyce Brotherton born 26 Oct 1896, daughter of Frances Isabelle and Maj Thomas de la Haye Brotherton of Floriana. Maj T de la Haye Brotherton served in Natal during the Zulu War (1879) and in the Boer War (1881) where he was mentioned in despatches.
- 9 Dec Francis James Anderson Singlehurst born 16 Nov 1896, son of Margaret Constance and Spr Robert Singlehurst of Floriana.
Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1896:
- 30 July Spr Charles Yeoman aged 25 years, died at Cottonera.
- 6 Nov Bessie Melita Clarke aged 1 year 3 months, daughter of Sgt Maj died at Fort St Angelo Vittoriosa.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1896:
- 28 Apr Mrs Elizabeth Johnson aged 34 years, wife of Sgt W Johnson.
- 11 July Arthur Henry Blackman aged 14 days, son of Sgt Blackman.
- 22 July Alice Blackman aged 25 days, daughter of Sgt Blackman.
- 2 Sep Ethel Smith aged 3 years 6 months, daughter of Cpl F Smith RE of Mtarfa.
1897 Royal Engineers

The Royal Engineers had an average strength of 312 men. It had 79 admissions (253.2/1000 mean strength) into hospital. 2 invalids returned to England.
Its average constantly sick was 4.16 (13.33/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 4.87 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 19.22 days.
The Royal Engineers was quartered in St Francis Barracks, Floriana for 12 months.
In Apr 1897, a detachment of the RE served in Crete as part of the Cretan International Force.
- No 24 Coy: Arrived Oct 1894.
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived Oct 1894.
- No 42 Coy: Strength 92 men. Arrived Dec 1891. Left for South Africa in Oct 1899.
Baptisms in 1897:
- 7 Feb Annie Winifred Foster born 26 Nov 1896, daughter of Lily Matilda and Coy Sgt Maj Walter Foster of Cospicua.
- 10 Mar Frederick George Winton born 26 Dec 1896, son of Louisa Jane and Sgt Thomas Winton of Floriana.
- 4 June Endoia Rachel Dingle born 30 Apr 1897, daughter of Emma and Sgt William Everett of Floriana.
- 15 July Ivy Florence Smith born 29 June 1897, daughter of Ellen and Cpl William Henry Smith No 24 Coy RE of Floriana.
- 20 July James Frederick Gardiner born 24 June 1897, son of Ada and QM Sgt William Gardiner of Sliema.
- 31 Aug Violet Spicer born 7 Aug 1897, daughter of Frances Lamma and Cpl James Henry Spicer No 28 Coy RE of Floriana.
- 2 Sep Alice Mabel Giddy born 12 Aug 1897, daughter of Alice and Coy Sgt Maj Charles Giddy of Valletta.
- 18 Nov Alfred Withers Bacon born 5 Oct 1897, son of Sarah and Coy Sgt Maj Alfred James Bacon Foreman of Works RE of Sliema.
Burials at Rinella Military Cemetery in 1897:
- 21 Aug Margaret Ann Williams aged 29 years 8 months, wife of Sgt Albert James Williams died at Kalkara.
- 4 Oct Frederick Ernest Williams aged 5 months, son of Sgt Williams died at Rinella (Kalkara).
- 9 Nov Winifred Annie Foster aged 11 months, died at Kalkara.
- 29 July James Frederick Garner, aged 1 month, son of QMSgt Garner was buried at Pietà Military Cemetery.
1898 Royal Engineers
Average Strength | Admissions Hospital | Deaths | Admissions/1000 | Deaths/1000 |
---|---|---|---|---|
285 | 136 | 4 | 477 | 14.03 |
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. |
Its average constantly sick was 5.81 (20.39/1000 mean strength). The average sick time to each soldier was 7.44 days. The average duration of cases of sickness was 15.59 days.
The RE was quartered at St Francis Barracks Floriana with a detachment at Crete. There were three companies of RE serving in the command throughout the year.
- HQ Coy: At St Francis Barracks Floriana.
- No 24 Coy: Arrived at Malta Oct 1894. Strength (1 June 1898) 92 men.
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining): Arrived Oct 1894. At Hay Wharf Floriana. Strength (1 June 1898) 79 men.
- No 42 Coy: Arrived Dec 1891. Left for South Africa 10 Oct 1899. Strength (1 June 1898) 95 men.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1898:
- 2 Mar Ada Elizabeth Smith born on 10 February 1898, daughter of CSM Frank Smith and Martha Jane, resident at Mtarfa.
- 24 Mar John Henry Newbery born on 13 February 1898, son of Cpl John Newbery and Anne Catharine, resident at Floriana.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1898:
- 31 Mar Mrs Harriet Lilley, aged 38 years, wife of QMSgt Lilley.
- 2 July Ada Smith, aged 5 months, daughter of CoySgtMaj (CSM) Smith.
- 16 Sep L/Cpl William B Smith aged 25 years 4 months.
- 7 Nov Arthur Charles Rainy aged 9 months, son of Cpl Rainy.
- 25 Nov L/Cpl William Satchell aged 28 years.
1899 Royal Engineers

(Pieta' Military Cemetery)
Strength (June 1899) 324 men (3 Coys). An outbreak of enteric fever broke out at St Francis Barracks during the latter part of the year.
- No 24th Coy (Fortress). Strength: (1 June 1899) 79 men.
- No 28th Coy (Submarine Mining). Strength: (1 June 1899) 92 men.
- No 42nd Coy – 4 officers, 1 officer's wife, 2 officers' children and 1 officer's female servant, 6 Sgts, 2 Buglers, 84 Rank and File, 2 wives and 3 children, embarked on the SS Arubis on 18 Oct 1899. They disembarked in Liverpool on 28 October 1899.
- Milita Submarine Mining (Malta Division).
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1899:
- 27 Mar Mrs Eliza Ashton, aged 28 years, wife of CSM Ashton.
- 7 Apr Spr Harry Sharlock, aged 32 years, 28 Coy RE who died at the Valletta Station Hospital.
- 10 June Neonate Albert Morris Beckett, aged 4 hours, son of Cpl George P Beckett RE.
- 10 Oct Cpl Eugene James Bear, aged 33 years.
- 21 Dec Spr William Huggins, No 28 Coy aged 22 years, died at Valletta Station Hospital on 19 December.
- 26 Dec Spr Frederick William Phillips, aged 23 years.
- 7 Oct 1899 Annie Melita MacKay aged 13 months, daughter of John MacKay RE died at Casal Paola.
1900 Royal Engineers

Died at Valletta Hospital 7 Nov 1900, 29 yrs. (Pieta' Military Cemetery)
- No 24th Coy (Fortress). Strength: (1 Jan) 82 men.
- No 28th Coy (Submarine Mining). Strength: (1 Jan) 88 men.
- No 51st Coy (Fortress) arrived from England Apr 1900, on its formation. Strength: (1 May) 94 men.
- Militia Submarine Mining (Malta Division). Strength: (1 Jan) 43 men.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1900:
- 10 Jan Ernest Robert Davis born 21 December 1899, son of Mary Jane and Sgt Alfred Davis.
- 18 Feb Hector James McDonald born 22 January 1900, son of Rose and Sgt Henry Bower McDonald, resident at Sliema.
- 24 Oct Maurice George Beckett born 27 September 1900, son of Alice and 2nd Cpl George Polhill Beckett, resident at Floriana.
- 31 Oct Herbert William Field born 21 September 1900, son of Emily Kate and QM Sgt John Cecil Field, resident at Pieta.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1900:
- 12 Jan Spr Edward John Lewis No 28 Coy, aged 24 years, 3 months who died at Valletta Station Hospital.
- 14 Jan Agnes Browning, aged 2 days, daughter of QMSgt Browning.
- 20 June Bernard Neale Smith aged 9 weeks, son of SSgt Smith RE died at Kalkara and was buried at Rinella Military Cemetery.
- 17 Sep Edna Dine, aged 7 months, daughter of Sgt Dine.
- 8 Nov Spr Murdo Gillies aged 29 years 7 months, 28 Coy RE died at Valletta hospital on 7 November.
- 8 Nov Dorothy Melita Nash, aged 1 year, daughter of Sgt Herbert Nash.
1901 Royal Engineers
- No 24th Coy (Fortress). Strength: 79 men.
- No 28th Coy (Submarine Mining). Strength: 105 men.
- No 51st Coy (Fortress) arrived from England Apr 1900, on its formation. Strength: 95 men.
- Militia Submarine Mining (Malta Division).
The Militia Regt and the Malta Militia Division of the Royal Engineers were established under Ordinance XII of 1901, by which previous ordinances with regard to the Militia were repealed. This empowered the Governor to raise a Militia by voluntary enlistment to be embodied in time of war.
The Militia Engineers received training in submarine mining. The Infantry Militia attended training in musketry and a number of days training in camp and barracks.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1901:
- 1 Sep John Frederick Smith born on 1 August 1901, son of Martha Jane and SSgt Frank Smith, resident at Mtarfa.
1902 Royal Engineers
- No 24th Coy (Fortress).
- No 28th Coy (Submarine Mining).
- No 51st Coy (Fortress) arrived from England Apr 1900, on its formation. Left December 1902
- No 31st Coy (Fortress) replaced No 51st Coy (Fortress).
- Militia Submarine Mining (Malta Division).
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1902:
- 16 Mar Norah Dunn born on 24 February 1902, daughter of Annie and SSgt John Dunn, resident at No 27, Strada Prigione Vittoriosa.
- 21 Mar Elizabeth Gertrude Beatty born on 4 March 1902, daughter of Gertrude and L/Cpl William Edward Beatty, resident at Floriana.
- 21 Dec May Cockram born on 20 November 1902, daughter of Emily and Sgt William Robert Cockram, resident at Fort Chambray Gozo.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1902:
- 6 Jan Spr George Ducker, aged 29 years of St Francis Barracks died at Valletta Hospital.
- 13 Dec Still born child of CSM Hogg.
Burials in Gozo Military Cemetery in 1902:
- 8 Dec Emily Cockram aged 32 yrs, wife of Sgt RE was buried at Gozo Cemetery.
1903 Royal Engineers

Head Quarters RE was at the Auberge d'Italie. Officers Mess was at the Auberge de Castille.
- RE at St Francis Barracks Floriana
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining)
- No 31 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia Engineers — Office at Haywharf
- Submarine Mining RE Malta Division
The Royal Engineers (Militia) Submarine Mining was composed of one division of 60 NCO's and men. In addition there was a permanent staff of one lieutenant and two sergeants Royal Engineers.
- Companies RE — Orderly Room Auberge d'Italie.
- Military Telegraph Division RE — Office St James Cavalier.
- East Sub-District RE — Office Auberge d'Italie.
- East Division RE — Office St Angelo.
- Central Division RE — Office Auberge d'Italie.
- West District RE — Office Strada Tigne Sliema.
- St Andrew's Division RE — Office St Andrew's Barracks.
- West Division RE — Office 16 Strada Tigne Sliema.
- Imtarfa Division RE (including Gozo and Comino) — Office Imtarfa.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1903:
- 3 Apr Hilda Potter born on 14 March 1903, daughter of Sophia and Cpl William David Potter, resident at Floriana.
- 12 Apr Clifford Walter George Smith born on 13 March 1903, son of Isabel and SSgt Walter George Smith, resident at Fort Tigne.
- 14 Apr John Ernest Sleightholm born on 13 April 1903, son of Florence and Foreman of Works SSgt Ernest Sleightholm, resident at the Royal Engineers Quarters Mtarfa was baptised privately.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1903:
- 17 Feb Mrs Isabel Mackay, aged 41 years, wife of QMSgt Mackay.
- 8 July Still born female child of L Hatch.
- 15 Apr John Ernest Sleightholm aged 1 day, son of SSgt Ernest Sleightholm, was buried at Mtarfa Military Cemetery.
1904 Royal Engineers

Engineer Companies in Malta were:
- RE at St Francis Barracks Floriana
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining)
- No 31 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia Engineers — Office at Haywharf
- Submarine Mining RE (Malta Division)
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 Engineers the admission, mortality and constant sick rates were 388.7, 3.13 and 22.79 per 1000 of Strength.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1904:
- 8 July George William Hughes born on 9 June 1904, son of Florence and SSgt William Hughes, resident at Lower Castile Bastion, Valletta.
- 31 July Clarence Alfred Wood born on 13 July 1904, son of Rosiana Mary and Cpl Clarence Augustus Wood, resident at Fort Tigne.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1904:
- 20 Mar Still born female of Cpl Herbert Mason.
- 30 Sep Mrs Florence Eliza Mason, aged 33 years, wife of CSM Herbert P Mason of St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
1905 Royal Engineers
- RE at St Francis Barracks Floriana
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining)
- No 31 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia Engineers — Office at Haywharf
- Submarine Mining RE (Malta Division)
St Francis Barracks Floriana consisted of a small range of barracks partly on one, partly in two stories which was occupied by a company of the Royal Engineers. The rooms on the ground floor accommodated 45 men in each.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1905:
- 18 July 2nd Cpl Alfred Fox, aged 34 years, of St Francis Barracks Floriana.
- 30 Sep Civil Clerk George Valentine Knight, aged 31 years Royal Engineers Staff.
- 27 Nov Unnamed male child of John Hamilton.
1906 Royal Engineers
- RE at St Francis Barracks Floriana
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining)
- No 31 Coy (Fortress) Left for Ceylon between 1 Apr and 1 July 1906
- Militia Engineers — Office at Haywharf
- Submarine Mining RE (Malta Division)
Baptisms in 1906:
- 21 Jan Emily Gertrude Griffiths born on 30 December 1905, daughter of Annie Julia and QM Sgt Frederick John Griffiths, resident at the Ravelin Floriana.
- 8 Feb William Rowe born on 21 December 1905, son of Ada Paulina and SSgt William Carriwick Rowe RE Office Margherita.
- 11 Feb Walter George Lee born on 4 January 1906, son of Mary Lily and SSgt Samuel George Lee, Military Foreman of Works RE, resident at Mtarfa Barracks.
- 15 Aug Winifred Dorothy Stone born on 28 July 1906, daughter of Harriet Elizabeth and SSgt William Stone Foreman of Works RE, resident at Verdala Married Quarters.
- 2 Sep Lily Grace Brooker born on 10 August 1906, daughter of Annie Grace and Cpl William Jesse Brooker, resident at No 24 Strada Nuova Floriana.
- 10 Nov Edward Rowe born on 9 November 1906, son of Ada Pauline and SSgt William Carrivick Rowe Foreman of Works RE, resident at Margherita.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1906:
- 17 June Still born child of Henry Helcrow of St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
- 22 June William Meiklejohn, aged 4 years 3 months of St Francis Barracks Floriana.
- 6 July Dorothy May Smith, daughter of Sgt Smith RE Floriana.
- 10 July Rose Fanny Haines, aged 2 month 2 weeks, daughter of Spr Haines.
- 24 July Joseph Archibald Purchase, aged about an hour, son of 2nd Cpl Purchase.
- 1 Sep Still born child Alice Beckett, of SSgt Beckett.
- 25 Dec Female child of SSgt Castleton aged 15 minutes.
- 11 Nov 1906 Edward Rowe aged 12 hours son of SSgt RE Office was buried in Rinella Military Cemetery.
1907 Royal Engineers
- RE at St Francis Barracks Floriana
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Submarine Mining)
- Militia Engineers — Office at Haywharf
- Submarine Mining RE (Malta Division)
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia (Submarine Mining)
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1907:
- 17 Feb Joseph Hamilton aged 5 months, son of Spr J Hamilton.
- 12 Aug Annie Margaret McCourt, aged 7 months 5 weeks, daughter of Sgt McCourt.
- 15 Aug Winifred May Chandler, aged 14 days, daughter of SSgt Chandler.
- 5 Nov William J E Mahoney, aged 6 months, son of Spr Mahoney.
1908 Royal Engineers

(Pembroke Military Cemetery)
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia (Malta Division Engineers)
Baptisms in 1908:
- 29 Nov Minnie Gwendoline Dodd born on 6 November 1908, daughter of Eleanor Minnie and Sgt William Dodd, resident at Msida Bastion married quarters, Floriana.
- 20 Dec Eva Rosetta Sherman born on 21 October 1908, daughter of Rosetta Mary-Ann and SSgt William Thomas Sherman, resident at Msida Bastion married quarters, Floriana.
- 20 Dec Elsie Alderson Reeder born on 7 December 1908, daughter of Margaret Holden and SSgt Edward Arthur Reeder, resident at Fort Ricasoli.
Burials in Pietà Military Cemetery in 1908:
- 6 Apr Doris Stella Ford, aged 6 years, daughter of Sgt W Dodd.
1909 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia (Malta Division Engineers)

Baptisms in 1909:
- 2 Jan Rachael Henrietta Insty born on 9 December 1908, daughter of Flora and L/Cpl Francis Rowland Insty, resident at Msida Bastion married quarters, Floriana.
- 11 Apr Frances Isabel Kybett born on 27 February 1909, daughter of Jane and Spr Harry Kybett, of no 8 St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1910 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia (Malta Division Engineers)
Baptisms in 1910:
- 22 May Percival Claude Turner born on 24 April 1910, son of Elizabeth Jane and SSgt Frederick John Turner, of Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 12 June Dorothy Kate Cottle born on 26 April 1910, daughter of Alice Maud Mary and Sgt James Arthur Cottle No 8, Tigné Street, Sliema.
- 18 June Queenie Frances Melita Hopper born on 12 April 1910, daughter of Matilda and SSgt William Henry Hopper of No 16, Tigné Street, Sliema.
- 30 Oct Gweneth Winifred Himbury born on 26 September 1910, daughter of Holly Henrietta and Sgt Samuel Himbury of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1911 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia (Malta Division Engineers)
Baptisms in 1911:
- 5 Mar Betty Dolores Lowe born on 10 February 1911, daughter of Louisa and Sgt John Archibald Lowe, of No 18 St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 5 Mar Norah Mary Jubb born on 6 February 1911, daughter of Louise and 2nd Cpl George Jubb, of Vittoriosa Barracks, Cottonera.
- 5 Mar Alfred Morris Brown born on 29 December 1910, son of Bertha and Sgt Albert Brown, of Vittoriosa Barracks, Cottonera.
- 22 May John Talbot Shakespear born on 4 April 1911, son of Sophia Georgina and Lt Arthur Talbot Shakespear, of No 2 Piazza Miratore, Floriana.
- 11 June Cecil Edward Gordon Toogood born on 17 May 1911, son of Eunice and Sgt Frank Toogood, of No 20, St Nicholas Married Quarters, Cottonera.
1912 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia (Malta Division Engineers)
Baptisms in 1912:
- 19 May Marjorie Constance Richards born on 20 March 1912, daughter of Deborah and SSgt David Richards, of Lower Barracca, Pembroke.
- 27 Oct Phyllis Kathleen Walder Giddy born on 5 October 1912, daughter of Alice and Cpl Charles Giddy of Vittoriosa Barracks, Cottonera.
Burials in 1912:
- 20 July 1912 Olive Grace Craig aged 25 years, wife of SSgt Craig in Pietà Military Cemetery.
1913 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia (Malta Division RE)
Baptisms in the Zejtun Gate Church Room in 1913:
- 11 May George William Williams born on 5 April, son of Spr Cecil James and Daisy Williams of 13 Via Cappucini Kalcara.
- 20 May Walter Graham Pierce born on 18 April, son of Cpl Walter Stanley and Annie Pierce of Vittoriosa Barracks.
- 8 June Maurice Herbert Pipkin born on 12 May, son of Cpl William and Helena Edith Pipkin of No 2 Salvatore Gate Quarters.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church 1913:
- 18 Jan Doris Cecilia Jubb born on 22 December 1912, daughter of Mary Louisa and Cpl George Jubb, of San Lorenzo Quarters.
- 21 Jan Constance Eleanor Lewis born on 22 September 1905, daughter of Blanche and CSM Arthur Ernest Lewis, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 2 Feb Edward John Wiltshire born on 16 January 1913, son of Amie Elizabeth and Sgt Alfred Edward Wiltshire of Hamrun.
- 9 Mar Charles Sherman born on 22 January 1913, son of Rosetta Mary Ann and QM Sgt William Thomas Sherman, of St Francis Ravelkin, Floriana.
- 16 Mar Edna Frances Beckett born on 7 February 1913, daughter of Emily Jeanette and 2nd Cpl Benjamin Jonah Beckett, of Mtarfa.
- 24 Aug Joseph George Patrickson born on 27 July 1913, son of Phyllis and QM Sgt Joseph William Patrickson, of Married Quarters, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 27 Aug George Alexander Watt born on 21 May 1913, son of Louisa and Cpl George Watt, of No 24 Strada Nuova, Floriana.
- 12 Oct Robert Herne Chambers born on 10 September 1913, son of Elizabeth and Sgt Harry Chambers, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1914 Royal Engineers
29 July 1914 A
Field Coy RE was ordered to mobilize. On 31 July, it moved to Bir-id-Deheb where it set up camp. The engineers set up wire entanglements at Sliema Point Battery and Tigné Battery. They prepared sangars and constructed sun shelters and wooden platforms for sentries.
A
Field Coy RE was bivouacked at Fort Benghajsa.
23 Dec 1st/3rd Lancashire Works Coy RE disembarked at Malta.
- No 24 Coy (Fortress)
- No 28 Coy (Fortress)
- Militia (Malta Division RE)
Baptisms in the Zejtun Gate Church Room in 1914:
- 24 May Nesta Gweneth Sarah May Phillips born on 5 May, daughter of Cpl William Thomas and Lottie Phillips of St Nicholas Married Quarters.
- 14 June Patricia Elizabeth Green born on 27 May, daughter of Cpl Joe and Ada Elizabeth Green of St Nicholas Married Quarters.
- 5 July Percy Alfred Richards born on 16 May, son of SSgt James and Margaret Richards of Margherita Married Quarters.
Baptisms in the Garrison Church in 1914:
- 10 June Constance Minnie Trumper born on 17 May 1914, son of Rose and Sgt Richard Charles Trumper, of Floriana.
- 22 July Walter Booton born on 22 May 1914, son of Lily Rosetta and Cpl James William Booton, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 2 Sep Vera Frances Green born on 2 August 1914, daughter of Rose and Sgt William Thomas Green, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
Burials in 1914:
- 2 Aug Funeral of Sgt Hampson.
1915 Royal Engineers

25 Apr 1915 Major Campbell RE left for Alexandria.
27 Apr 3 officers and 93 men of 1st/3rd Lancashire Works Coy RE left for the east in the store ship Immingham.
Baptisms in 1915:
- 28 Feb William John Pomeroy born on 10 February 1915, son of Emily Elizabeth and SSgt William Pomeroy, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 14 July Helen Mabel Jubb born on 29 April 1915, daughter of Mary Louisa and Cpl George Jubb, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 25 July Twin John Robert Jolley born on 16 June 1915, son of Sarah and Sgt William Jolley, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 25 July Twin William George Jolley born on 16 June 1915, son of Sarah and Sgt William Jolley, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 12 Sep Marjorie Pike born on 27 July 1915, daughter of Bertha Caroline and 2nd Cpl James William Pike, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 17 Oct Muriel Lilian Hostler daughter of Lilian Mabel and Cpl Alfred Hostler, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 17 Nov Twin Ida Norah Corbett born on 29 September 1915, daughter of Minnie and Sgt Arthur William Corbett, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 17 Nov Twin Sybil Ellen Corbett born on 29 September 1915, daughter of Minnie and Sgt Arthur William Corbett, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
Burials in the New Pietà Military Cemetery in 1915:
- 13 June Lt Malcolm William Noel aged 27 years, was buried in Pembroke Military Cemetery.
- 16 Sep Spr Brunsden A F aged 26 years, Postal Section RE.
- 25 Sep Spr Frederick Woodcock aged 23 years.
- 26 Sep Spr Woodcock F aged 23 years, 72nd Field Coy RE.
1916 Royal Engineers
Baptism in Mtarfa Church Room in 1916:
- 4 Nov L/Cpl Frederick Joseph May of Ghajn Tuffieha born on 21 May 1888, son of Mercy and Gideon May of 34 Ashgrove Avenue, Bristol.
Baptisms in 1916:
- 23 Feb Maj Clarence Horatio Chapell, born on 20 August 1867, of No 43 Strada Mezzodi, Valletta, son of Mary Eliza and Richard Eddey Chapell.
- 23 Feb Marion Fanny Chapell nee Adams, wife of Major Clarence Horatio Chapell, born on 2 January 1870, of No 43 Strada Mezzodi, Valletta, daughter of Lydia and John Stripling Adams.
- 17 July Francis Jeffrey Ireland born on 9 June 1916, son of Emily and Capt Frank William Ireland, of No 106, Strada Francesco, Floriana.
1917 Royal Engineers
Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1917:
- 16 May Joan Noëlle Etherington born on 25 December 1916, daughter of QMS William George Ide Miers Etherington RE and Sarah Elisa resident at St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
- 27 May Constance Bertha Tucker born on 6 May 1917, daughter of Cpl Ernest Phillip Tucker and Annie Bertha resident at 8 St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
- 25 Nov Ethel Maddock born on 7 November 1917, daughter of Cpl John Arthur Maddock and Lilian resident at 6 Married Quarters St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
1918 Royal Engineers
1919 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress) – Arrived July 1919
- No 28 Coy (Fortress) – Arrived Oct 1894
Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1919:
- 25 June Audrey Joyce Page daughter of Sgt Major Harry Page and Lucy May, resident at WO's Quarters St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
- 2 July Beryl Norah Allan born on 15 June 1919, daughter of Sgt Robert Lloyd Allan and Norah Anita, resident at 7 St Francis Ravelin Married Quarters Floriana.
1920 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress) – Strength (1 Nov 1920) 65 rank and file.
- No 28 Coy (Fortress) – Strength (1 Nov 1920) 85 rank and file.
Baptisms in the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1920:
- 1 Feb Ernest Philip Tucker born on 7 January 1920, son of Acting QMS Ernest Philip Tucker and Annie Bertha, resident at No 27 St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 30 May Ronald Wilfred Holdom born on 13 May 1920, son of SSgt Reginald Parsons Holdom and Lilian Mary, resident at No 25 St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 21 July Patricia Margery Withey born on 23 June 1920, daughter of SSgt Albert William Withey and Margery Emily, resident at Margherita.
- 29 Aug Bryan Hilton Burd born on 7 August 1920, son of SSgt Frank Burd and Ethel May, resident at No 31 St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
1921 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress) Strength (1 Jan 1921) 62 rank and file.
- No 28 Coy (Fortress) – Strength (1 Jan 1921) 72 rank and file. Left between 1 Oct and 1 Dec 1921.
Baptisms at St Oswald's Chapel Mtarfa in 1921:
- 26 Jun Geoffrey Hitchen born on 30 May 1921, son of Annie and Sgt Gerald Hitchen RE of Mtarfa.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1921:
- 9 Feb Joyce Willmore born on 22 January 1921, daughter of QMS Arthur Bertie Willmore and May, resident at St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 13 Feb Charles William John Hughes born on 3 January 1921, son of Cpl Charles Edwin Hughes and Norah, resident at St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 27 Feb Robert Cornelius Jones born on 23 January 1921, son of Spr Robert Joseph Jones and Amy, resident at St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 22 June Roberta Joan Thompson born on 29 May 1921, daughter of Sgt George William Thompson and Bertha, resident at St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 15 Aug Ronald Lloyd Allan born on 25 July 1921, son of Sgt Robert Lloyd Allan and Norah Anita, resident at St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 8 Dec Terence Francis Burd born on 11 Nov 1921, son of QMS Frank Burd and Ethel May, resident at St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1922 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress) Strength (1 Jan 1922) 10 officers, 158 rank and file.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1922:
- 27 Feb Margaret Ida Dollery born 18 January 1922, daughter of Queenie Georgina Irene and Sgt Maurice William Dollery of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 25 Sep Cynthia Melita Stevens born 5 September 1922, daughter of Jessie Phoebe and Sgt George Stevens of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 1 Nov Enid Patricia Bramley born 8 October 1922, daughter of Mary and SSgt Charles Douglas Bramley of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 5 Nov John Cecil Morgan born 20 September 1922, son of Lucy Alford and Cpl Cecil George Morgan of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 15 Nov Eileen Nora Morris born 27 October 1922, daughter of Catherine Edith and L/Sgt Bertie Thomas Morris of No 12 St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1923 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength (1 Jan 1923) 7 officers, 70 rank and file. Strength (1 July 1923) 1 officer, 52 rank and file.
- Establishment for Eng. Services: Strength (1 July 1923) 5 officers.
- Garrison Services Clerks
- Military Mechanists
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1923:
- 11 Feb William Denis Long born 20 September 1922, son of Beatrice Annie and L/Cpl William Henry Long of Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 18 Feb Frank Clark born 1 February 1923, son of Ada Mary and Cpl Frederick Henry Clark of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 27 May Thelma Irene Smyth born 7 May 1923, daughter of Dorothy Dobel and Cpl Frank Reginald of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 20 Sep Patricia Muriel McKenna born 15 August 1923, daughter of Beatrice Nellie and Spr Maxwell James McKenna, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
Burials in 1923:
- 27 Aug Spr Bott J H 24th Coy RE aged 35 years was buried at Pietà Military Cemetery.
1924 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength (1 Jan 1924) 5 officers, 152 rank and file.
- Establishment for Eng. Services: Strength (1 Jan 1924) 6 officers.
- Garrison Services Clerks: Strength (1 July 1924) 1 clerk.
- Military Mechanists: Strength (1 July 1924) 1 man.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1924:
- 29 Jan Leonard Victor Hill born 6 December 1923, son of Caroline Harriett and Spr George Richard Hill of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 27 Feb Evelyn Betty Burd born 16 January 1924, daughter of Ethel May and QM Sgt Frank Burd of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 23 July Joan Millicent Clark born 22 June 1924, daughter of Ada Mary and SSgt Frederick Henry Clark of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 5 Sep Gladys May Benn born 8 December 1898, daughter of Emily and Lt Walter Benn RE of Sliema.
- 27 Nov Eleanor Mabel Jenkins born 10 April 1911, daughter of Rose and Mechanist Sgt Maj Herbert Llewellyn Jenkins of Floriana.
1925 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength (1 Jan 1925) 4 officers, 172 rank and file.
- Establishment for Eng. Services: Strength (1 Jan 1925) 7 officers.
- Garrison Services Clerks.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1925:
- 30 Dec Maureen Ellen Walker born 23 November 1925, daughter of Ethel Maud and Cpl John Samuel Walker of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1926 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength (1 Jan 1926) 4 officers, 182 rank and file.
- Works Services.
- Garrison Services Clerks.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1926:
- 12 Nov Raymond Whiting born 20 October 1926, son of Mary Ellen and WO II Henry Robert Whiting of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1927 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength (1 Jan 1927) 6 officers, 148 rank and file.
- Works Services.
- Garrison Services Clerks.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1927:
- 7 Aug Kenneth George Newton born 23 July 1927, son of Dorothy Amy and Pte George Harry Newton of No 18 St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1928 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength (1 Jan 1928) 5 officers, 140 rank and file.
- Works Services: 3 officers.
- Garrison Services Clerks.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1928:
- 22 July Dorothy May Hayter born 17 August 1927, daughter of Mildred Beatrice and Spr Charles William Hayter, of No 13 St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 18 Nov Dorothy Elsie Doew born 2 April 1928, daughter of Elsie Eliza and Spr Norman Basel Weeks Doew, of No 10 C Block, Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
1929 Royal Engineers

- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength (1 Jan 1929) 6 officers, 157 rank and file.
- Works Services: 3 officers.
- Garrison Services Clerks.
Baptisms at St Matthew's Church Fort Ricasoli in 1929:
- 18 Aug Sheila Mary Hulme born 15 July 1929, daughter of Elsie May and Spr Thomas Edward Hulme of Fort Ricasoli.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1929:
- 21 Apr Bernard Esteffe born 27 February 1929, son of Beatrice May and CSgt Albert Esteffe, of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 28 Apr Winifred Blanche Spyers born 3 April 1929, daughter of Ivy Winifred Dora and Sgt Aubrey George Spyers of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 14 July Alan William White born 23 June 1929, son of Edith Florence Elizabeth and L/Cpl William Ernest Browning White of No 9 Married Quarters, Corradino.
1930 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength (1 Jan 1930) 6 officers, 164 rank and file.
- Works Services: 3 officers.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1930:
- 6 Apr Alan Alfred Edwin Norris born 4 March 1930, son of Gladys Dulsea Mona and Spr Edwin Reginald Norris, of No 30, Camerata Married Quarters, Valletta.
- 31 Aug June Marjory Newton born 13 June 1930, daughter of Dorothy Amy and Spr George Harry Newton, of No 18, St Francis Ravelin Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 5 Oct Betty Kathleen Hall born 28 August 1930, daughter of Margaret Dorothy and L/Sgt Reginald Albert Hall, of No 20, St Francis Ravelin Married Quarters, Floriana.
1931 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength (1 Jan 1931) 7 officers, 152 rank and file.
- Works Services: 3 officers.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1931:
- 8 Feb Ernest Edward Pearson born 5 May 1930, son of Catherine Margaret and CSM Ernest Pearson, of No 15 D Block, Msida Bastion, Floriana.
- 15 Mar Derek Allen Thomas Jarratt born 19 January 1931, son of Edna Crystal and QM Sgt Reginald Cecil Jarratt, of No 28, St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 26 Apr Joyce Valerie Wright born 25 February 1931, daughter of Ada Sarah and SSgt William Ernest Wright, of No 3 D Block, Msida Bastion, Floriana.
- 12 July Reginald William Harry Layne born 31 May 1931, son of Eugenie Alice and Spr Reginald Layne, of Fort Ricasoli.
- 19 July Doris Emily Spyers born 1 June 1931, daughter of Ivy Winifred Dina and Sgt Aubrey George Spyers, of No 3 B St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 19 July Kenneth John Firman born 25 June 1931, son of Edith May and L/Cpl Henry John Firman, of No 48 Camerata Married Quarters, Valletta.
- 23 Aug Joan Phyllis Spencer born 1 August 1931, daughter of Nellie and Spr Albert Victor Spencer, of No 27 Camerata Married Quarters, Valletta.
- 11 Oct Hilda Thecla Gladys Doreen Roseward born 27 January 1929, daughter of Hilda Mary and Cpl Frederick Charles Roseward of No 22 Camerata Quarters, Valletta.
- 11 Oct Freda Mary Trevelyan Roseward born 20 September 1931, daughter of Hilda Mary and Cpl Frederick Charles Roseward of No 22 Camerata Quarters, Valletta.
1932 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 139 rank and file.
- Works Services: 3 officers.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1932:
- 21 Feb Joan Hazel Kingsland born 27 January 1932, daughter of Catherine Annie and L/Cpl Frederick Thomas Kingsland, of No 6 Married Quarters, Corradino.
- 3 Apr Evelyn Mary Maynard born 20 August 1927, daughter of Mary Ann and Spr Alfred Maynard of No 34 B St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 22 May Clifford Hector Thayer born 2 January 1928, son of Clara Jane and Sgt Clifford Adam Thayer of No 25 St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1933 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 158 rank and file.
- Works Services.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1933:
- 19 Feb Thomas Edward Hulme born 31 January 1933, son of Elsie May and L/Cpl Thomas Edward Hulme of 11 A, Married Quarters St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 26 Feb May Ellen King born 21 January 1933, daughter of Clarice Louise and Sgt Edward Tournai King of No 3 Corradino Married Quarters.
- 7 May Pamela Mary George born 23 March 1933, daughter of Florence May and QM Sgt Herbert James George of No 5 B, St Francis Ravelin Floriana.
- 12 June Mary Elizabeth Botting born 17 September 1932, daughter of Grace Mary and Capt Ernest Leopold Botting of St Mark's Bastion, Floriana.
- 13 Aug Allen Willis Tansley born 3 August 1933, son of Laura Louise and Sgt Herbert Goff Tansley of St Francis Ravelin Barracks, Floriana.
1934 Royal Engineers
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 7 officers, 144 men.
- 16 Anti Aircraft Search Light Coy: Strength 3 officers and 141 men. Became No 16 (Fortress) Coy by June 1935.
- Works Services.
- Royal Engineers (Militia) Malta Division.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1934:
- 18 Feb Barbara Jane Buck born 31 December 1933, daughter of Peggy Elizabeth and L/Cpl Henry Dascombe Buck of No 13, Married Quarters St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
- 20 May Joan Pamela Williams born 6 December 1933, daughter of Esther and Spr Edward Arthur Williams of Illinois, Gzira.
- 23 Aug James William Melly born 6 Aug 1934, son of Florence and Cpl John Patrick Melly of No 9 C Block, Msida Bastion Quarters, Floriana.
- 16 Nov Hugh Reid born 31 Aug 1902, of No 36 Married Quarters, Camerata, Valletta.
- 28 Nov Anne Heywood Waddington born 28 June 1934, daughter of Constance Violet Lucas and Lt John Benedict Haywood Waddington of St Francis Ravelin, Floriana.
1935 Royal Engineers
- HQ Fortress RE: Strength 2 Officers, 3 men.
- No 16 (Fortress) Coy by June 1935.
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 8 officers, 144 men.
- Works Services.
- Royal Engineers (Militia) Malta Division (Colonial Troops).
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1935:
- 10 Feb Enid Irene Tansley born 21 January 1935, daughter of Laura Louisa nee Willis and Sgt Herbert Goff Tansley of No 4 D, Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 21 Apr Robert James Grist born 11 November 1934, son of Edith May and SSgt Fredrick Percival Grist of No 3 B Block, Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
1936 Royal Engineers
- HQ Fortress RE: Strength 2 Officers, 3 men.
- No 16 (Fortress) Coy: Strength 3 officers, 141 men.
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 8 officers, 145 men.
- Works Services.
- Royal Engineers (Militia) Malta Division (Colonial Troops).
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1936:
- 11 Aug Gloria Jean Edwards born 7 January 1935, daughter of Amy and QM Sgt Alexander Edwards of No 8 D, Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 13 Oct William Edward Fishenden born 17 June 1935, son of Ivy May and Spr Renard Douglas Fishenden of No 30, Camerata Married Quarters, Valletta.
- 2 Feb Beryl Elizabeth Buck born 19 December 1935, daughter of Peggy Elizabeth and Cpl Henry Dascombe Buck of No 28, Camerata Married Quarters, Valletta.
- 14 June Patricia Ann Mallon born 19 April 1936, daughter of Mary Lillian and Cpl Thomas William Mallon of No 14 B, Strada Cappuccini, Floriana.
- 13 Sep Ralph Leslie Chick born 6 August 1936, son of Louisa Helen Chick and Spr George Amos Chick of No 22, Camerata Quarters, Valletta.
- 18 Oct Peggy Ann Uden born 4 June 1936, daughter of Sarah and QM Sgt Percy Anne of No 4 B Block, Married Quartres, Floriana.
1937 Royal Engineers
- HQ Fortress RE: Strength 2 Officers, 3 men.
- No 16 (Fortress) Coy: Strength 3 officers, 208 men.
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 8 officers, 136 men.
- Works Services.
- Royal Engineers (Militia) Malta Division (Colonial Troops).
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1937:
- 25 July Ronald Charles Ling born 8 June 1937, son of Marjory Evelyn and Sgt Charles Robert James of No 10 B Block, Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 25 July Rita Elizabeth Rosamond Wicks born 14 May 1937, daughter of Kathleen and L/Sgt Hubert John Wicks of No 22, Camerata Quarters, Valletta.
1938 Royal Engineers
- HQ Fortress RE: Strength 2 Officers, 3 men.
- No 16 (Fortress) Coy: Strength 163 men.
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 140 men.
- Works Services.
- Royal Engineers (Militia) Malta Division (Colonial Troops).
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1938:
- 8 May Cedric Hetley Smith born 7 April 1938, son of Elsie and WO I Reginald Forbes Gataen Smith of No 3 C Block, Warrant Officer's Quarters, Msida Bastion, Floriana.
- 17 July George Gordon Gale born 20 June 1938, son of Marjorie Ann and SSgt George Ernest Gale of No 35, Camerata Married Quarters, Valletta.
- 17 July May June Chick born 22 June 1938, daughter of Louisa Helen and L/Cpl George Amos Chick of No 12 B Block, Msida Bastion Married Quarters, Floriana.
- 17 July Frederick Ernest Kernick born 5 June 1938, son of Eileen Gertrude and L/Cpl Frederick Charles Kernick of No 23, Camerata Married Quarters, Valletta.
1939 Royal Engineers
- HQ Fortress RE: Strength 2 Officers, 3 men.
- No 16 (Fortress) Coy: Strength 4 officers and 177 men.
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 4 officers and 123 men.
- Works Services.
- Royal Engineers (Militia) Malta Division (Colonial Troops).
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1939:
- 20 August Eileen Patricia Long born 5 July 1939, daughter of Doris Matilda and Cpl Percival Nelson Long, of No 43 (b), Camerata, Valletta.
- 15 Oct Judith Anne Over born 25 August 1939, daughter of Eleanor Florence and L/Cpl Arthur Howard Over, of No 5, B Block, Msida Bastion Quarters, Floriana.
- 26 Nov Janice Rosamond May born 21 September 1939, daughter of Dorothy Bessie and L/Sgt Edward Ernest George May, of No 17, B Block, Msida Bastion Quarters, Floriana.
1940 Royal Engineers
- HQ Fortress RE.
- No 16 (Fortress) Coy: Strength 4 officers and 140 men.
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 4 officers and 193 men.
- Works Services.
- Royal Engineers (Militia) Malta Division (Colonial Troops).
The Colonial Troops were a peace time unit in Malta responsible for maintaining the AA Search Light.
In November 1940, they became part of 4 Search Light Regt RA/RMA.
Baptisms in St Oswald's Chapel Mtarfa in 1940:
- 27 Oct Anthony Richard Fowler son of Minnie Ada Elizabeth Fowler and Maj Edward Fowler RE of No 3 Officers Quarters, Hospital Imtarfa.
Baptisms at the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta in 1940:
- 20 July Sylvia King born 2 June 1940, daughter of Phyllis Margaret and L/Sgt George Henry King, of No 8 F Block, St Andrew's Barracks, Pembroke.
- 20 July William Eric Sargison born 15 March 1940, son of Eileen and Spr William Francis Sargison, of No 8 F Block, St Andrew's Barracks, Pembroke.
1941 Royal Engineers
- HQ Fortress RE.
- No 16 (Fortress) Coy: Strength 3 officers and 191 men.
- No 24 Coy (Fortress): Strength 8 officers and 146 men.
- No 1 (Works) Coy Malta RE: Strength 6 officers and 210 men.
- No 2 (Works) Coy Malta RE: Strength 4 officers and 207 men.
- No 1 (Bomb Disposal) Coy RE: Strength 1 officer.
- No 2 (Bomb Disposal) Coy RE: Strength 1 officer.
- No 173 (Tunnelling) Coy RE: Strength 7 officers and 224 men.
- No 178 (Tunnelling) Coy RE: Strength 6 officers and 217 men.
- No 180 (Tunnelling) Coy RE: Strength 6 officers and 211 men.
28 Mar 1941 Lt Col Fox RE was treated at MAP Mellieha for a fractured wrist following a motor cycle accident.
Baptisms in St Oswald's Chapel Mtarfa in 1941:
- 23 Mar Colynne Gray born 18 January 1941, daughter of Phyllis May and QM Sgt Frederick Henry Alfred Gray of No 4 O Block Married Quarters Mtarfa.
1942 Royal Engineers
- HQ Fortress RE.
- No 16 (Fortress) Coy: Strength 3 officers and 191 men.
- No 24 (Fortress) Coy (Defence Electric Light Coy ): Strength 8 officers and 146 men.
- No 1 (Works) Coy Malta RE: Strength 6 officers and 210 men.
- No 2 (Works) Coy Malta RE: Strength 4 officers and 212 men.
- No 127 (Bomb Disposal) Coy RE: Strength 1 officer.
- No 128 (Bomb Disposal) Coy RE: Strength 1 officer.
- No 173 (Tunnelling) Coy RE: Strength 7 officers and 217 men.
- No 178 (Tunnelling) Coy RE: Strength 6 officers and 217 men.
- No 180 (Tunnelling) Coy RE: Strength 6 officers and 137 men.
In June 1942, RE personnel from No 173 Tunnelling Company dug the shelters for No 45 General Hospital St Patrick's Barracks.
1943 Royal Engineers

Total Strength (30 June 1943): 50 officers and 876 men.
- HQ Fortress RE.
- No 16 (Fortress) Coy.
- No 24 Coy (Defence Electric Light Coy ).
- No 1020 Port Op Coy RE .
- No 2 (Works) Coy Malta RE.
- No 1 (Bomb Disposal) Coy RE.
- No 171 (Tunnelling) Coy RE.
- No 173 (Tunnelling) Coy RE.
1944 Royal Engineers

Total Strength (30 June 1944): 34 officers and 429 men.
- HQ Fortress RE.
- No 3 Boring Section.
- CRE Works Section.
- No 1 Tunnelling Engineers.
- Dock Control Unit.
- No 171 (Tunnelling) Coy RE.
1945 Royal Engineers

Total Strength (31 Mar 1945): 24 officers and 156 men.
- HQ Fortress RE.
- 128 Bomb Disposal Platoon
- No 171 (Tunnelling) Coy RE.
- No 1 Tunnelling Engineers.
- Dock Control Unit.
- CRE Works Services.
1946 Royal Engineers

- 128 Bomb Disposal: Platoon.
- CRE Works.
- 1 Tunnelling Coy RE .
- 171 Tunnelling Coy RE.
- 2 Works Coy.
- Docks Control Unit.
1947 Royal Engineers

- 128 Bomb Disposal: Platoon.
- CRE Works.
- 1 Tunnelling Coy RE.
- 171 Tunnelling Coy RE.
- 2 Works Coy.
- Docks Control Unit.
1948 Royal Engineers
1949 Royal Engineers
Total Strength: 18 Officers and 92 men.
- CE Works Section.
- No 1 Fortress RE
- Docks Control Unit.
1950 Royal Engineers
1951 Royal Engineers
1952 Royal Engineers
1953 Royal Engineers
1954 Royal Engineers
1955 Royal Engineers
1956 Royal Engineers
1957 Royal Engineers

1958 Royal Engineers
1959 Royal Engineers
1960 Royal Engineers
1961 Royal Engineers

10 Oct 1961 16 servicemen of No 16th Malta Fortress Squadron RE were killed when the aircraft returning them home from Libya burst into flames on take off at El Adem.
1962 Royal Engineers
1963 Royal Engineers
The Malta Fortress Company was officially formed by Captain M D P Young RE at the end of the war, comprising mainly of Maltese sappers.
In 1964, was formed the Malta Park Squadron, later retitled 72 (Malta) Support Squadron RE. With the disbandment of HQ RE, Fortress Squadron and 72 (Malta) Support Squadron RE on 30th September 1970, the soldiers of RE Malta, ceased to serve with the Royal Engineers and joined the Malta Land Force.
Bibliography
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- Chesney A G. Historical Records of the Maltese Corps of the British Army. London 1897.
- 1Obituary Colonel Henry Anderson Morshead. United Service Journal and Naval and Army Magazine 1832, Part 1; pp142-143.
- TNA:WO 334/62, Army Medical Department Sick Returns and Reports, Infantry Regiments and Hospitals abroad (1 Jan 1869 – 31 July 1870).
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- TNA:WO 156/122; List of gravestones at the Military and Civil Cemetery 1801–1865 and the Quarantine Bastion Cemetery 1819–1867 compiled by the Rev D B L Foster Assistant Chaplain General Western Mediterranean in May 1939.
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- TNA:WO 156/595. No 3, Marriage Register 11 July 1839 to 14 May 1859.
- TNA:WO 156/594. No 2, Baptism Register 2 January 1820 to 29 June 1839.
- TNA:WO 156/602. Baptism Register of the Church of St Matthews Ricasoli from 9 March 1913 to 18 August 1929.
- TNA:WO 156/598. Baptism Register No 16; Malta from 20 February 1898 to 17 July 1916.
- TNA:WO 156/599. Baptism Register of the Barracca Garrison Church Valletta from 18 August 1916 to 6 November 1949.
- Register No 13. Burials No 8, Pietà Cemetery 1887–1908.