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Maltese Regiments of the British Army

The Royal Malta Fencible Regiment, 1815-1861.

Following Napoleon's defeat and the peace which came over Europe and the Mediterranean, various changes were implemented in the defense of Malta and troop deployment. Practically all the previous corps and regiments were disbanded and in their place was raised a Regiment of Infantry with Royal patronage, titled The Royal Malta Fencible Regiment. The men were subject to the Articles of War and enjoyed all privileges as the other King's Troops in Malta. Although phased out of use in the British Army, the term 'Fencible' was more in reference to a local militia unit in defense of particular districts and limited service.

In 1829, the Regiment was placed upon the establishment of the Regular Army. Its Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Colonel Count Rivarola of the King's Sicilian Regiment of Light Infantry or as better known, Reggimento Siciliano, and who was also Inspector of Police and Foreign Corps in Malta. The uniform was as for the British infantry regiments, red with blue facings and gold lace.

In 1836, the Regiment was nearly disbanded in order to be absorbed in policing and coast guard duties, but the idea was never accepted, while in 1855, Colonel Barnes as commander of the Regiment, had applied to the Secretary of State for the approval to General Service status. This intention was to have the Fencibles serving in the Crimea but as the war was nearing its end, this request was refused. Due to the Regiment's outstanding performance in the manning of the various gun emplacements around Malta, in 1861 Queen Victoria decreed that the Regiment is to be converted into an artillery corps.

Extract from a brief by  Denis A. Darmanin.