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Thread: The Malta Story

  1. #1

    Default The Malta Story

    Well, packed and ready to go we were introduced to our pilot and navigator and plane, a Martin Maryland. It was one of 3 being sent to Malta to assist with air reconnaissance missions.

    Adrian Warburton the navigator, known by his nickname Warby, kindly instructed me on the use of the photographic equipment on board as it was hoped to take some aerial photo's over Sardinia and Sicily for Admiral Cunningham, or ABC as his inner circle called him.

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    We hopped over France but daybreak found us over the Rhone Valley.

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    A little further on we took some good shots of an airfield on Sardinia and port on Sicily..

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    Warby kept up the refreshments...

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    We spotted some enemy ships moving towards Tunisia out of Sicily

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    landfall over Marsaxlokk Bay

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    landing at Luqa Airfield, big enough and permanent enough to take medium and heavy aircraft.

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    Valetta at dusk...

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    Last edited by Lt. S.Kafloc; 05-03-2015 at 03:04.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  2. #2

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    On parade Wing Commander Kyte takes the salute at Kalafrana Sea Plane Base.

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    Our transport around the island awaits, courtesy of the WingCo!

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    Now I wonder just who this Mk IX is dedicated too...any guesses?

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    the star of the show for me...

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    All my pics from the museum are here:


    http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/album.php?albumid=3329
    See you on the Dark Side......

  3. #3

    Default

    Once I get my other pictures sorted I'll post the older historical ones.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  4. #4

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    One for Rob.....this is all that's left of her I'm afraid.

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    See you on the Dark Side......

  5. #5

    Default

    Some do's and don'ts in Malta:

    1. Do not drive; the Maltese especially bus drivers drive like maniacs.
    2. Do check any site you wish to visit is open on public holidays...some close.
    3. If you want to visit the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni check before you fly. Only 80 people/day are allowed in and it's booked up months in advance.
    4. Do try the local buses. They are good (day ticket is only Eur 1.50 and that's hop on hop off all routes all buses). Waiting times can be just as long as the tour bus hop on hop off routes but invariably there are more local buses.
    5. Do take the night trip of Valetta/Mdina. Well worth the money.
    6. Do take advantage of the Maltese helpful nature. They are friendly, will give advice, bus drivers will tell you where to get off and they speak good English.
    7. Do your research before you go. There are plenty of festivals, firework displays etc all over the island. Some roads can be closed!
    8. Don't take everything your tour rep says as gospel.
    9. Tarxian Temple 2 hours max to see everything.
    10. Mdina at least half a day and include the Domus Romanus which is within 10 minutes walk of the main Mdina gate.
    11. Hagar Qim temple site 2 hours to see everything.
    12. Limestone Experience (waterfall and Gardens) 20 minute walk from town centre.
    13. Gozo is worth a visit so we were told (not enough time to go). Take a full day for this.
    14. Ta'Qali: Craft village and Airfield. Get off in craft village, air museum 5 minutes walk. Also nice park nearby. Half day + to see everything.
    15. Mosta Church dome; 1 hour + to see round and see replica of bomb that didn't go off.
    16. Naxxar: A must see is the Palace Parisio. DO NOT MISS this hidden gem!
    17. Valetta: From bus terminus its down hill, from Fort St Elmo it's uphill!
    18. Do visit the museums in Valletta, 5D experience (part of night tour if you take it), visit the war rooms, St Johns church and the Grand Masters Palace. At least 1 full day to see everything.
    19. 3 Cities (across Grand Harbour from Valetta) hard to walk all three due to the inlets. a full day for all 3. (Maritime museum on this side.)
    See you on the Dark Side......

  6. #6

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    Default

    It is great to hear that you are having a good time in Malta - I admit that it is one of my favourite holiday destinations too.

    'On parade Wing Commander Kyte takes the salute at Kalafrana Sea Plane Base' ... LOVE IT!

  7. #7

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    Very jealous Neil, think I need to add Malta to the 'Grand Tour' lol.

    Maybe we should organise an Aerodrome Road trip? could be good SWMBOs permitting, lol

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  8. #8

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    Glad you enjoyed Malta Neil - SWMBO and I loved Gozo when we visited all of 20 years ago (although the RoRo trip was "interesting" )

  9. #9

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    We hopped over France but daybreak found us over the Rhone Valley.

    Cannot think of a better place to be at dawn.


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    On parade Wing Commander Kyte takes the salute at Kalafrana Sea Plane Base.

    Name:  Malta trip 2015 045 (640x480).jpg
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    Our transport around the island awaits, courtesy of the WingCo!

    Name:  Malta trip 2015 050 (640x480).jpg
Views: 157
Size:  205.1 KB

    Now I wonder just who this Mk IX is dedicated too...any guesses?

    Name:  Malta trip 2015 073 (640x480).jpg
Views: 158
Size:  166.9 KB

    the star of the show for me...

    Name:  Malta trip 2015 102 (640x480).jpg
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    All my pics from the museum are here:


    http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/album.php?albumid=3329
    No chance of bringing them home then.


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  11. #11

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    Nice pictures, Neil. I am glad that you are enjoying your holiday.

  12. #12

  13. #13

    Thumbs up

    Great pics Neil!
    Mr Kyte would certainly approve of the in flight drinks choice!

  14. #14

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    Kyte approves of the whole shooting match!
    That is an excellent report from the Squadron Leader, and I have just received a telegram from ABC. to congratulate him on the aerial recon which will be of inestimable value to the fleet.
    An air strike has been carried out on the enemy shipping, and it is reported that two have been sunk and one badly damaged.
    I add my thanks to you for your efforts.
    Have a peaceful return flight.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  15. #15

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    Hopefully Rob you will have identified the carcass remains shame that's all they have of her. See post 4.
    See you on the Dark Side......

  16. #16

    Default

    Barry I have one more pic I would like to post. Came across it purely by chance hidden in the corner of the botanical gardens. Unfortunately, for two reasons, I cannot post yet.
    1. I'm away from the computer and shall be for some time as
    2. I'm in hospital as my wife took seriously ill yesterday and I'm sat with her in hospital.

    To that end I'll not be posting for a bit and apologies to all but Carronade might not be a possibility for me.

    Hope to see you at Triples.

    Neil

    Quote Originally Posted by gully_raker View Post
    Great pics Neil!
    Mr Kyte would certainly approve of the in flight drinks choice!
    See you on the Dark Side......

  17. #17

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    Blimey Neil ! Wish her a speedy recovery from us all.

    "He is wise who watches"

  18. #18

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    Very sorry to hear of your latest news.

    Marion and I would also like to wish your Wife a speedy recovery.

  19. #19

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    Eileen and I are very upset at this news Neil.
    So sorry that your holiday should end like this.
    We wish Karen all the best for a speedy recovery.
    Look after her and yourself well dear chap.
    Rob and Eileen.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  20. #20

    Default

    Get well soon Mrs Skafloc!
    Best wishes for a quick recovery.

  21. #21

    Default

    Sorry to hear about Karen Neil. Our thoughts are with you both.
    Paul & Mary


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  22. #22

    Default

    A quick update. Karen now back home. In bed giving out the orders. Swmbo will be obeyed. Thanks for all the support and get well soon messages. Now does anyone know how a digital washing machine works and does spin cycle have something to do with a propeller?
    See you on the Dark Side......

  23. #23

    Default

    Great news Neil.
    I an very pleased to hear your news.
    Give Karen our love.
    Rob and Eileen.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  24. #24

    Default

    Great news Neil . Give her our best. As for washing machines I find Google to be the saviour of the day


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  25. #25

    Default

    Good and bad news! Bah...
    Thanks for the pics Neil, you are a lucky guy!
    Best wishes for your wife. Take care both of you.
    <img src=http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=2554&dateline=1409073309 border=0 alt= />
    "We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."

  26. #26

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    [Wil he/she come and do the washing for me...great news. Anyone know where I can book this Google?

    QUOTE=tikkifriend;348639]Great news Neil . Give her our best. As for washing machines I find Google to be the saviour of the day [/QUOTE]
    See you on the Dark Side......

  27. #27

    Default

    Great news, Just don't give her a bell ... !

  28. #28

    Default

    It does mean I can get some more painting done though...mini's this time not walls.

    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    Great news, Just don't give her a bell ... !
    See you on the Dark Side......

  29. #29

    Default

    It is good to hear that your wife is improving, Neil. I hope that she will soon recover fully.

  30. #30

    Default

    Great news Neil.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!



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