“So will we guard us now

As sooner shall they drink the ocean dry

Than conquer Malta, or endanger us.

So march away, and let due praise be given

Neither to Fate nor Fortune, but to Heaven”

Christopher Marlow
( extract from ‘Grace under Malta’, 1943, by Sybil Dobbie)

"Sorry to inform you that my dad passed way on 12.02.05. He had just had a cancer op which seemed to have gone well. After five days he had a lung infection developed which he couldn't overcome. He and I (as his helper) were looking forward to the Sept 2005 Malta visit but it was not to be. He had also been invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace and had lots of plans for events in his classic MG during 2005.

Thank you for all you have done for the veterans of the Malta Convoy. You and the residents of Malta made my dad very welcome on all the events. He enjoyed them all and always spoke very highly of you all. "

Yours
Jeff Reid"

"Simon I hope to make it in September for the reunion and I am also heading back to the wreck of HMS Manchester in August we also intend to dive and film the Merchant ship S.S.Glenorchy whilst we are there.

We intend to place a plaque on the wreck site and I have been given a Red Ensign flag to fly over her decks this is where we shall leave it, I thought it was about time a merchant shipwreck got some kind of remembrance by us divers like we did with Manchester.

I was wondering if you would be able to inform any Merchant Men that may still be with us of our trip and intensions and if any of them would like us to take floral wreaths out there to place over the site we would be more than delighted to do so, I have been given a small prayer to read out by Mr Frederick Treves."

I would like to thank you for all the messages and e-mails that you have sent my Grandfather over the past few years.

My Grandad, John "Jock" Crawford from HMS Wilton sadly gave up his final fight last night in his favourite place in the world, his beloved Scotland.

After searching for details on his ship and his "escapades" and finally getting in touch with you, he was never happier than when he received his certificate arranged for all the Malta vets - thanks again! Please continue sending news as my grandmother will take comfort in that I am sure.

Thanks again for everything

Jane Byron

Dear Simon

It is with sadness that I have to report that my father (John Nixon HMS Ledbury) passed away last Friday evening 8th April, after a short illness.

It was very peaceful and he had seen and was surrounded by all his children. Whilst preparing to write this to you I have looked at many previous such notifications and observe a very similar wish of those who have gone before him, to remain active and as full of self determination for as much of their time as possible. This my father did until the last days of his life and was very proud of his daily walk and active participation in the lives of his children, grand children and great grand child.

I was privileged to accompany my father to the Re-union in Malta in 2002. He enjoyed meeting again many of his comrades from H.M.S. Ledbury, and attending the services for his Captain Roger Hill and the private service for his great friend Anthony Hollings who had died very shortly before the re-union. Perhaps however it was a greater reflection of my father's outlook on life that after meeting his old Ledbury pals his main interest in the Malta re-union was to explain and pass on to me the concern and respect he had for all the Merchant seamen, and the brave and vulnerable roles that they played on the Malta Convoys and the Russian convoys that my father was also on. He always said that they were the ones who really deserved the credit; this view he always maintained, perhaps reinforced by the many seamen that he had to treat in his role as Doctor on HMS Ledbury.

Accordingly I was delighted to be present at the chance meeting between my father and Doug McDonald (whom I remember as being the Radio operator on the Melbouurne Star) at which, 60 years on, Doug was obviously pleased to have the opportunity to thank my father for his medical treatment of the injured from SS WAIMARAMA and those injured from Doug's ship SS Melbourne Star. To me this was a fitting reciprocation of my father's respect for the Merchant Seamen.

My father would have wanted me to pass on his thanks to Robin Owen (HMS Ledbury), whom he thankfully met three weeks ago,for his role in maintaining the contact between the remaining "Ledburys", and for his friendship over many many years. Theirs was a bond the origin of which few now can understand.

Yours sincerely

Andrew Nixon

Remembrance Day, As Seen By A Child

What does it mean to me so young,
These tales of battles told or sung.
Or places we must not forget,
Where rows of soldiers lie there yet.

They say remember at all cost,
But for whom -- the ones who won or lost?
Should I be proud, or should I be sad.
I found the answer with my Dad.

We went, he said, because of pride
For something we could feel inside
'Twas worth the chance of death or pain,
To stop forever a tyrant's gain.

It was our time, with a job to do,
Now we pass this heritage on to you
He said, remember those who died,
Be they ours, or those on the other side.

Feel sadness yes, but still be proud
And never fail to shout aloud
Freedom is Ours! - and now I know,
That those who died, helped make it so.

- Ronald Tee and Robyn Dowsett
(Written with his Daughter Robyn in 1975 when she was 12.)

It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of the passing of my father, Michael McHale, after suffering a stroke earlier in the year. He battled courageously but gave up his fight last Friday, surrounded by his family, as he would have wished. He was immensely proud of the recognition he received in his final years, of his wartime efforts and the certificate you sent him had pride of place on his wall. We will treasure it for him now that he is gone. He loved to hear of the plans for the reunions and to see the photos. May I thank you for all your good wishes over the years. Please pray for the repose of his soul. The debt we owe to him and others like him cannot be underestimated. Thank you for all you do, and have done.

Pauline Campbell

That Something

It's funny, how one can lie,
and remember things of days gone by.
And in perhaps one short minute,
recapture a past year and all thats in it.

It's funny, how a quiet room, gives chance to ponder,
sending our thoughts back through time to wander
Perhaps a tune, or even a funny phrase,
will recall something that happened in by-gone days.

Everyone stores up things that have past,
some are forgotten, others will always last.
But a soldier who has been to war,
has in life's memory book, something more.

"Something" that can only be,
in the memories of men, like you and me.
"Something" that is born midst shot and shell,
develops and grows in times of bloody hell.

This "comradeship" as it is known by us,
of which we never make much fuss.
Is this "something" which in our minds was set
in lands where many are lying yet.

And so I remember from the start,
the lads I knew, now far apart
my soldiering is finished, I leave it all behind,
but that "something" comes with me in my mind

- Ronald A.Tee 56th Reconnaisance Regiment

Sad news about Old Ledbury Leading Seaman Albert Hitchcocks. Doreen Rawlings phoned us yesterday to say he had died on 1st May after being taken ill suddenly the previous evening. He had been in rather poor health for several months and had a mild stroke about three weeks ago which she thought she had got him through. She was a good and loyal friend of his old age and was very distressed. She is to let us know about the funeral arrangements and we shall go if we can.

"When the last all clear has sounded over these ravaged lands,
and the victory parades follow the sound of marching bands.
You will not be there.
You will be lying here asleep,
in England's all protecting keep,
and the ever moving waves will wash gently oe'r your grave.
In such honourable company.
In the years that follow, on each remembrance day
the mourning multitudes will stand silently to pray.
The plaintive notes of the last post will echo through the land,
and the waves will sound your threnody over the golden sand.
Then you will be there. "

Harry Hargreaves

Dear Simon

My beloved Dada passed away 17 April 2005. I would like to thank you for your patience and help in getting his Certificate last summer. His last wish was to have his ashes thrown in the sea of Malta.We shall honour this wish in October.

Many Thanks

Tara Kelly

Dear Simon,

Thank you for the letter we received today regarding my father Albert Knight, sadly my father passed away after a long period of illness after suffering a severe heart attack on the 3rd of May 2005, he was cremated last week on the 13th of May and on Monday the 23rd of May at 2:45pm his ashes will be buried with his mother in Manchester Southern Cemetery.

As a family we are extremely proud of the honour of Honary Citizen of Valetta bestowed on my father by the Maltese government and people, the certificate has pride of place on the wall above the fireplace and the minister spoke of my fathers role in operation Pedestal at his funeral. Unfortunately my father could not accept the invitation in 2002 to Malta for the celebrations, but I hope to be able to visit one day.

Strange Islands

I have seen strange islands rising from the sea
Like fingers through a shining lake of silver.
Great mountains, such as shy giants, hiding their heads in vapour,
And gentle spring meadows, spreading green aprons in the drying sun.
Flying spray torn into mist by strong sea winds
And fiery sunsets tamed by waveless wastes of water.
All these I have seen, and stranger still, but yet,
I live for just one glimpse of beauty still more fine

...and the finest sight Albert Knight now sees as those who love him mourn his passing.

Farwell and God Speed dear Albert.

Malta thanks you and salutes you and may you forever rest in eternal Peace.

Simon Cusens
Malta G.C.

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Date: July 18, 2005
Subject: Crossed the Bar- Neville Wynne Rogers RN, ex HMS Furious (Operation Bellows in support of Operation Pedestal-Aug '42)

Dear Veterans and Friends

I am informed today that my dear friend Neville W. Rogers RN is dead. He passed away some days ago.

We last met in April during the GCIA annual Reunion over at the Preluna Skylounge in Sliema, Malta during which time we caught up on past, present and future affairs.

To his dear wife Joyce and in Neville's memory, I dedicate this piece:

The Last Voyage

Some time at eve when tide is low,
I shall slip my moorings and sail away.
With no response to the friendly hail
Of kindred craft in the busy bay.
In the silent hush of the twilight pale.
When the night troops down to embrace the day.
And the voices call, and in the waters flow
Some time at even when the tide is low.
I slip my moorings and sail away.
Through the purple shadows that darkly trail
O'er the ebbing tide of the Unknown Sea.
I shall fare me away, with a dip of a sail
And a ripple of waters to tell the tale
Of a lonely voyager, sailing away
To the Mystic Isles where at anchor lay
The crafts of those who have sailed before
O'er the Unknown Sea to the Unseen Shore.
A few who have watched me sail away
Will miss my craft from the busy Bay:
Some friendly barks that were anchored near.
Some loving soul that my heart held dear.
In silent sorrow will drop a tear.
But I shall have peacefully furled my sail
In moorings sheltered from storm and gale
And greeted the friends who sailed before
O'er the Unknown Sea to the Unseen Shore.

Malta mourns his passing but his contribution did not go unoticed and therefore, he shall not be forgotten!

Neville Rogers needs no introduction to those who follow WWII Veteran related issues because he is well known having rendered great service to the George Cross Island Association over in the UK, where in his last assignment, he chaired the GCIA's North West Branch until just before his death.

He will be missed by his many friends in Malta especially one Maltese family I helped put him in touch with in 2002- Both families now grieve at their common loss but their friendship and bond and many pleasant, vivid memories will live on within their children and grand children going forwards.

My dear friend Neville! Your work is finished. It is done and you may report before your Heavenly Master with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

May perpetual light shine upon you and may you forever rest in peace.

Simon Cusens
Malta GC

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Date: July 20, 2005 Subject: John 'Jonny' McCaffrey REME -- RIP

Dear Veterans and Friends

A sad message received today from John Matthew McCaffrey's daughter Marian:

I am the grand daughter of John Matthew McCaffrey REME. Known to us as Mattie but his Maltese friends as Jonny. My grand father was due to attended the celebrations in Malta in September but had to cancel his trip to due illness. Sadly he passed away peacefully on the 7th July in hospital. I know he was very disappointed that he couldn't make it to Malta one last time as I know Malta held a very special place in his heart.

He returned to Malta many times during his life and had some very dear friends: the families who looked after him during the war and their children (and grand children). I travelled to Malta with him 12 years ago where he received his George Cross Medal from the palace and also 9 years ago after he lost his wife, my grand mother Edna. I saw how special the island is and how wonderful the Maltese people are. I am hoping to visit Malta with my brother who has not experienced the wonder of Malta later on in the year. He was to accompany my grandad in September and we hope that the journey will be a fitting tribute to a wonderful man who loved Malta and his people so much.

Thank you for the help you gave my grandad and email updates.

Dear Jonny (as you were known here)…I may not have known you but am sorry to have missed your acquaintance. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to shake your hand to say 'Thank You' first hand even after all this time, for you know dear Jonny boy, I am too young to have been there with you but if it wasn't for you and your kind, I would not be here writing an epitaph for you.

I likely would have never been born at all, for my dear Grandads and Grandmas may very well have been herded off on some horrid cruise to a dubious destination.

I am therefore very grateful to you dear Jonny, for this opportunity to be writing about you and I promise you I have already begun to tell my kids about your type so that they will know about you and be grateful for your existence and life contributions too.

Hopefully, they may match your record in touching so many lives as you have done three generations on and boy oh boy, would Daddy be so proud of them too!

A grateful Maltese,

Simon Cusens
Malta GC

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Date: Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Subject: Battle for Malta Reunion

Dear Veterans and Friends

This is my last piece before I meet up with the approximate 360 WWII veterans joined by an additional circa 300 relatives and family friends travelling to Malta to commemmorate the 60th Anniversary of the end of the war with us. The bulk of our dear visitors will arrive tomorrow.

On Thursday evening at 1800hrs, the sounds of two Merlin engines will be heard flying over Grand harbour for the last time in history as a WWII Spitfire and Hurricane arrive on an unrepeatable visit from Duxford to be part of the celebrations.

I will be there to watch in awe and admiration accompanied by my dear grandfather, formerly with the 7th HAA Royal Artillery regiment (1940-1945) and Dunkirk veteran who seldom speaks of the war, but at which moment, no words should be uttered nor would any be necessary.

My thoughts today are with all those amongst you who wished very much to be here with us, but due to various sad reasons, were unable to make the trip.

Our thoughts will be with you all again on Sunday 25th when we solemnly mark and remind of all those not present at the War Memorial during which moment, the Spitfire will fly overhead again and drop 10,000 poppies…one for every victim in the defence and gallantry shown for my beloved Island of Malta.

Thinking of you all at this time and may God Bless you all and bless Malta G.C. whom you have so selflessly served and so successfully, that we shall always remember your valour and endurance till the end of time.

God Bless you and your families and may they stand for ever proud in your memory when it is time.

A grateful Maltese

Simon Cusens
Malta G.C.

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Date: Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Subject: 'Go in Peace' song- a tribute to WWII Veterans

Dear Veterans

Jan Larsen, son of the late Fred Larsen, a highly decorated 'Yank' for his role aboard the SS Santa Elisa in Operation Pedestal, has sent me this great weblink for your enjoyment. Just click on the link below but you will need Broadband connection, Internet access and sound to appreciate the video clip and song:

www.managedmusic.com/beforeyougo.html

It does have an american slant due to its being produced in the States but you will notice many images of Commonwealth War veterans in the pictures.God bless and enjoy. You deserve all the praise and tributes within and we are all so honored to know you,

Simon Cusens
Malta GC

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Date: Tuesday, January 3, 2006
Subject: Crossed the Bar- Tom Chapman RN, Ex HMS Lookout, Operation Pedestal

Dear Veterans and Friends

Some sad passings just before Christmas…

A dear friend, Tom Chapman (see picture of him signing my Book last year ), who I had the pleasure of meeting quite recently here in Malta.



Also, Reg Coaker (HMS Bramham, Operation Pedestal) and Allan Shaw (SS Ohio, Operation Pedestal) are in my thoughts due to the recent demise of their most dear Spouses and soul mates for so many years. Theirs was the first 'Christmas' without their dearly loved ones since the war itself.

My thougths are with them at such time.

For Tom Chapman, a Poem:

Virtue

By Wallace Stevens

Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so bright!
The bridal of the earth and sky—
The dew shall weep thy fall to-night;
For thou must die.
Sweet rose, whose hue angry and brave
Bids the rash gazer wipe his eye,
Thy root is ever in its grave,
And thou must die.
Sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses,
A box where sweets compacted lie,
My music shows ye have your closes,
And all must die.
Only a sweet and virtuous soul,
Like season'd timber, never gives;
But though the whole world turn to coal,
Then chiefly lives.

May God provide the fortitude and strength to those left behind the loss of a loved one and may they notice more and find consolation by being inspired by their loved ones' goodness and life's achievements that is in the air and all around them.

May they forever rest in Peace and our prayers are with them.

Simon Cusens
Malta GC

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Date: Thursday, February 16, 2006
Subject: Crossed the Bar Andrew Forrest, ex HMS Penn Operation Pedestal

Dear Veterans and Friends

Today we salute our dear friend Andrew Forrest who was aboard HMS Penn on the morning of Saturday, August 15th 1942 -- which ship, together with HMS Bramham and HMS Ledbury helped steer SS Ohio and her cargo, priceless to the GC Islanders, to her journey’s indomitable end.

Our thoughts are with Doug and Andrew’s family at this time. May he rest in Peace.

(Emails of support and sympathy may be sent to his son Doug’s email address Dougcforrest@aol.com)

16.02.2006

Dear Simon,Peter and Sam,

Bad news I am afraid. Dad died in the early hours of yesterday morning (15th February) in hospital from pneumonia.

On behalf of my family I would like to thank you for your efforts with regard to supplying the ms to Sam's book and all things related to Malta and the convoy.

He was very proud of his involvement in Operation Pedestal and I know Malta had a special place in his heart and he was so happy that he visited for the celebrations last September.

Thanks again guys.

Regards

Doug Forrest

From: Simon Cusens
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006 12:20 PM
To: 'Dougcforrest@aol.com'
Subject: RE: Andrew Forrest

Dear Doug

Your dear Dad has lived a life that matters. ...

It is now your job and my job to tell the world of him and his like.

I am proud to have known Malta’s Hero and Valletta Son, Andrew Forrest, and I promise him and you that I will continue to fly ‘his flag’ with both the pride and the privilege to do so.

It will be my great honour to tell my kids of him and that I knew him and God willing, their kids too, so that his valour that gained me and my kids our Freedom will never die but continue to live on in our hearts.

God speed Andrew Forrest and we will always remember you.

A grateful Maltese from the invinceable George Cross Island of Malta.

Simon Cusens
Malta GC

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Date: Thursday, December 21, 2006
Subject: Christmas Greetings

Dear Friends of Malta,

This is just a short note to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happier New Year full of Life’s blessings.

For those of you who may not be in the best of health, my thoughts are with you at this time.

The following Sons of Valletta will not be sending out Christmas cards this year for they have crossed the Bar during 2006 and since my last communication several months back. With the exception of my Kiwi friend, I had met them all in 2002 and I salute them from here -- my dear Island of Malta:

J H McGregor Cocks of Ontario, Canada – Ex HMS Manchester

Allan Walker of Saxilby, Lincoln, UK – Ex HMS Manchester

Albert Hitchcocks of Shipley, West Yorks, UK – Ex HMS Ledbury

Fred Silk of Cantebury, Kent, UK – Ex HMS Phoebe

Anthony Westwood Worth of Auckland, NZ - Ex HMS Bramham

Robert Roberts of Alton, Hants, UK,- Ex Ithuriel ( the last known man alive from this ship)

Ron Hall of Liphook, E. Hants, UK – Ex HMS Manchester

Douglas McDonald of NSW, Australia -- Ex Melbourne Star

For all those amongst you who rendered service to my beloved Island under siege during those dark days between June 1940 and 1943, my appreciation again and it truly is a great honour to count you amongst my friends.

May your loved ones continue to be proud of you, as are all the grateful George Cross Islanders of Malta and all their fellow Maltese.

God Bless you always

Simon Cusens
Malta GC

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CONTACT INFORMATION FOR SIMON CUSENS: Tel: +356 21 344345 (office) Fax : +356 (21) 343952 (office) E-mail: scusens@technoline-mt.com

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Return to Simon's Earlier Letters Part One (BEFORE the 2002 Reunion) or Part Two (AFTER the 2002 REUNION).

Simon Cusens' E-mail: scusens@technoline-mt.com Tel: +356 (21) 344345 Fax : +356 (21) 343952

Go to Danny Omara's website Malta Convoy August 1942

To go to "Allied Merchant Navy's" TABLE of CONTENTS Please Click Here.

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