Officers of 2nd Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, 1st Battalion The King's Own Scottish Borderers and Royal Air Force at Kalafrana Sea Base (1935)
Throughout the British military presence in Malta (1800-1979), several British regiments visited the Maltese islands. It is fitting that the experiences of these troops both in times of war and peace are compiled and made available for future generations. More so, when this regiment celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1935
The Abyssinian crisis
Early in 1935, Italy's attitude towards Abyssinia became threatening and small frontier incidents were made the pretext of utterances on the part of Benito Mussolini, head of the Italian government, which led to a considerable movement of Italian troops during the first half of 1935. Abyssinia was a country located in eastern Africa. Technically, the name Abyssinia was used by outsiders to describe Ethiopia, though generally Abyssinia is still used to describe the Empire of Ethiopia, which lasted from 1270 until 1974.
In August 1935, it became apparent that Italy intended to embark on military operations on a large scale; six or seven divisions - fascist, military and native - had been concentrated on the Italian territories adjoining Abyssinia.
The 2nd Battalion The Lincolnshire Regiment, in September 1935 formed part of the 14th Infantry Brigade, which was in camp at Tow Law in County Durham. Subsequent Divisional Manoeuvres took the Battalion by march route back to Catterick. It was during the final phase of the operations on the night of 13/14 September that the Commanding Officer (Lieutenant Colonel E. P. Loyd, D.S.O.) was sent for urgently by 5th Division Headquarters and was informed that the War Office had decided to send three Battalions - The 2nd Battalion The Lincolnshire Regiment; The 2nd Battalion The South Wales Borderers and the 1st Battalion The King's Own Scottish Borderers - to Malta as extra reinforcements in view of the delicate international situation.
On 14 September the Commanding Officer passed on the information to the men, the news being received with great enthusiasm. Four days later, on 18 September, the Battalion was played down by the band of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Scots Fusiliers to Richmond Station, where it entrained in the drizzling midnight rain. The Battalion embarked on H.M.T. Somersetshire at Southampton on the following morning.
The troopship sailed at about 3pm on 19 September with three Battalions on board.
Gibraltar was passed on 24 September; the troopship being accompanied on its passage through the Mediterranean by H.M.T. Neuralia (with the 7th Hussars on board) and escorted by H.M.T. Exeter.
On 25 September 1935, the Italian advance in Abyssinia began. War had commenced!
Arrival in Malta
The Battalion reached the Grand Harbour, Valletta, in beautiful weather on the morning of 27 September. Two other troopships also lay at anchor - H.M.T. Neuralia and H.M.T. Nevasa - making three troopships in all, a unique spectacle and one not seen since the Great War. Few warships were to be seen, the Mediterranean Fleet having been ordered at short notice to Port Said, Alexandria and Suez.
Sports and other activities
During their stay in Malta the troops led a very peaceful existence and indulged in several sporting activities which included horse-racing, sailing and tombola to help to pass the time. During the winter months marching was maintained and visits to places of interests on the island were made to Buskett Gardens, Haġar Qim and Mnajdra, among others. The Battalion also took part in the Malta Command Boxing Tournament.
Full use was made of the exceptional facilities, which Malta offered for swimming with every soldier feeling quite at home in the water with many gaining the Royal Humane Society silver medals. At the Aquatic Sports Club, St Julian's, sports were organised by this club in 100 yards back stroke and medley relay races.
The Battalion was also kept busy visiting towns and villages on the island and giving band performances. The many thousands who attended testified to their love of music and approved their appreciation of good playing, under the able direction of the bandmaster. Performances were given at Żejtun, Għaxaq, Birżebbuga, Gudja and Cospicua.
Death of King George V
Malta, with the Great Family of British Peoples, deeply mourned the loss of His Majesty George V (3 June 1865 - 20 January 1936). At the Memorial Service at St. Paul's Cathedral in Valletta, Second Lieutenant H. J. C. Thomas solemnly carried the King's Colour.
Gas use by the Italian army
The Italian Armies in Abyssinia made a forward move, but it was not until gas was introduced that an advance was made. Due to the ongoing Abyssinian crisis air-raid practice tests were announced in the Maltese newspaper, Il-Berka and three test blackouts were made between September and October 1935. Since Italy had used gas in Abyssinia, greater emphasis was placed on gas warfare, leading to the establishment of an anti-gas training school at Corradino on 23 September.
A poorly armed and unprepared nation quickly succumbed to the mechanised Italian columns, which achieved such swift success that Addis Ababa soon fell into Italian hands. The Italians had won the Italo-Ethiopian War in 1936 and set up an occupation for the next five years but were defeated by a combined force of Ethiopian resistance fighters and allied forces in 1941.
Crisis in Palestine and departure of the regiment
In Palestine, The Arab High Committee of Palestine declared a general strike. This popular uprising by Palestinian Arabs in Mandatory Palestine against the British administration, was later known as the Great Revolt.
The Palestinian movement sought independence from British colonial rule and the end of British support for Zionism, including Jewish immigration and land sales to Jews. As the situation worsened, additional troops were required to assist in keeping order. Eventually the call came to Malta and on 10 July orders were received for the Lincolnshire Regiment and 2nd Battalion Borderers to proceed to Palestine. During their stay in Malta, the 2nd Lincolnshire Regiment were accommodated at R.A.F. Station Kalafrana. After days of packing up, the Battalion left Kalafrana
The Royal Air Force at Kalafrana sent a flight of flying boats of about 70 to bid the final farewell to the Battalion. On departure the Battalion consisted of 23 officers and 500 other ranks.