78th FIGHTER WING, ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
MALTA HISTORY 1952-1954
By Colonel Mark Said AFM Ret’d
AUSSIE SHIELD sheds light on the Australian Air Force’s 78th Fighter Wing Malta story throughout the period 1952 to 1954. Operating‘Vampire’ and ‘Meteor’ fighter aircraft from Hal Far, Ta’ Kali and Luqa, the Aussies left their mark on Malta’s military, social and sports events. Mission accomplished, the airmen returned home as experienced veterans and heroes.
Colonel Said’s research began more than fifteen years ago as a spare time project but on his retirement, Mr Charles Mizzi, a veteran journalist and close friend, encouraged him to put it on the book shelves. Printed by Union Print, the book is available from leading Bookshops for the price of Euro 20.Publication was made possible thanks to the generous financial support of Kordin Grain Terminal Co Ltd with all proceeds from the sale of the book going to ‘Id-Dar tal-Providenza’ at Siggiewi, a home for persons with disabilities.
AUSSIE SHIELD is etched as a proud chapter in the outstanding Royal Australian Air Force history and a reminder of Australia’s contribution towards world peace. A fitting memorial to a little-known overseas deployment accomplished by a proud Force.