The Royal Naval Officers’ Association commemorated the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the 1942 Santa Marija Convoy with a memorial service at sea on board the wooden gullet Fernandes II today.

The merorial service was conducted by Rev. Fr. Colin Westmarland MBE and the President of the RNOA, Lt. Andy Davies, and was attended amongst others, by the British High Commissioner Stuart Gill OBE and Mrs. Gill, Deputy Australian High Commissioner Tim Davies ASM, and representatives from various other associations.

Towards the end of the service, wreaths were cast at sea just off Grand Harbour by Mr Gill, Mr Davies, Lt. Cdr. Clive Bennington RN on behalf of the RNOA, Lt. Andy Davies on behalf of Radio Officer Roger Davies from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary,  Captain Paul Warren on behalf of the Merchant Navy, Commander Corey Moore USN on behalf of the United States Navy, and Colonel Bob McConnell USAF (Retd.) on behalf of the United States Air Force.

The evening proceeded with a buffet dinner for all on board whilst the Fernandes anchored at Rinella Bay before proceeding to a Grand Harbour cruise and eventual return to sliema. The service was attended by over 80 members and friends of the RNOA.