Members and friends of The Royal Naval Officers’ Association - Malta GC gathered at Villa Arrigo, Naxxar, on 18 October, to celebrate the 212th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

On 21 October 1805 a fleet of 27 ships from the Royal Navy under the command of Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, inflicted a crushing defeat on the combined French and Spanish fleets, at Cape Trafalgar off the coast of south-west Spain.

The British devastated the enemy fleet, destroying 19 enemy ships. No British ships were lost, but 1,500 British seamen were killed or wounded in the heavy fighting. During the battle, a French sniper shot Nelson in the shoulder and chest. Admiral Nelson died about 30 minutes before the end of the battle.

The guest of honour for the dinner was British High Commissioner Stuart Gill OBE, who was accompanied by his wife Maggie Gill.

The President of the Association, Lt. Andy Davies RN, thanked all those present and also extended the Association’s thanks and gratitude to the Farsons Group, who are the sole sponsors of this event. Lt. Davies later invited Mr. Gill to deliver the traditional Trafalgar Night speech which led to a toast to “THE IMMORTAL MEMORY ". 

 

Photo caption: H.E. Mr. Stuart Gill OBE with RNOA President Lt. Andy Davies RN and Mrs. Gill