The history of the Malta G.C. Branch of the Royal British Legion
Our records show that the first Branch of the Royal British Legion (or the British Legion, as it was then known), was formed on the 12th February 1922. A certain Capt. Thomas S. Chalmers, formerly of the Lancashire Fusiliers, being appointed as its first Chairman on the 4th January of the same year. Little is known about his origins or when he actually set foot on the island, apart from the fact that he was commissioned from the ranks and invalided out in 1919 on account of tuberculosis, contracted whilst on active service in WWI. In all probability he decided to take up residence in Malta (due to its ambient climate). He married into a local family and had 3 children. Sadly, Capt. Thomas S. Chalmers succumbed to his condition in 1925 and was buried with full Military Honours in the Ta’Braxia Cemetery in Malta. His Obituary bears testament to the esteem in which he was held within the Maltese islands at that time.
As a result of his demise (and for more explicit reasons unknown), the first Branch of the British Legion in Malta was deemed closed on the 1st May 1929, only to officially reopen on the 22nd January 1950, and still going strong till this very day.
During this twenty-one-year absence of a fully fledged Legion Branch in Malta, the Association of Ex-Servicemen was formed in 1930, with its aims being very much aligned with those of the Legion. Whilst not recognised as a branch of the British Legion, in 1937 the Association became affiliated with the British Empire Service League. It is estimated that there were in excess of 20,000 Maltese and British ex-servicemen and their dependants on the island, who received welfare and material support together with help locating suitable employment. An ex Servicemen Benevolent Fund was created, with funds being derived from the British Legion and the British Red Cross in Great Britain, to supplement the funds being collected locally on Poppy Day for this purpose.
At the end of the second World war with the devastation as a result of the continuous bombings, and the need to readjust the economy from a war theatre to a post war economy, the welfare needs of ex-servicemen on the Island became more acute. Extensive negotiations between the ex-servicemen organisation and the British Legion commenced in July 1947, with the inauguration of the British Legion – Malta Branch taking place at the Hotel Phoenicia on 22nd January 1950. This was a high-profile ceremony with the attendance of the Governor, his Excellency Sir Gerald Creasy, senior Legion officials from London, officers of the Malta Branch and many local dignitaries being in attendance.
The Branch has never looked back, continuing in its traditional role of offering welfare support to its needy members and their dependants. With the vast reductions of ex - servicemen coming to the island, our membership has dwindled from around 3000 at its peak to around 300 in present times. Our efforts with the Poppy Appeal fund continue unabated, culminating with Remembrance Sunday, which is a very high-profile event with attendance by the President of Malta, foreign Ambassadors, the Judiciary and leaders of all Political Parties paying their respects. It is also well attended and popular with local and visiting personnel.
