Degree Miniatures

INTRODUCTION

CASTINGS

RE-ENACTMENT

HISTORICAL
SUMMARY

REFERENCES

LINKS

CONTACT

HISTORICAL SUMMARY

Maltese Regiments of the British Army

The Royal Malta Fencible Artillery, 1861-1889.

The Corps knows its origin when the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment was converted into an artillery corps. All but two men from the Regiment had accepted to continue serving. The uniform was as that worn by the Royal Regiment of Artillery but with the distinction of having the Maltese Cross on its appointments.

In 1882, a unit consisting of 100 volunteers commanded by Captain Portelli and Lieutenants Mattei, Cavarra and A. Trapani departed Malta for service in Egypt following the rebellion by troops loyal to Arabi Pasha. They were deployed in the defense of Alexandria and quartered at Fort Mex with detachments at the Rosetta and Damietta Gates. In October the detachment was returned to Malta and following a recommendation by Sir Evelyn Wood, all officers and men were awarded the Egypt Medal and the Khedive's Star in recognition to their service. The Regiment was also granted the Battle Honour "EGYPT 1882" on its appointments.

Because preparations were under way for the raising of the Royal Malta Regiment of Militia in March 1889 Horse Guards had ordered the word "Fencibles" be dropped from the title which gave birth to the Royal Malta Artillery.

Extract from a brief by Denis A. Darmanin.