Military 2011

Verdala Castle Grounds Multi-period re-enactment event

Sunday 25th September 2011

under the auspices of

H.E. The President of the Republic Dr. George Abela The Military Re-enactment Federation - Malta (MRFM) was founded in 2010 by four leading re-enactment associations (read about these organisations overleaf).

The scope of MRFM is to increase awareness of Malta’s rich historical heritage, to improve the quality of re-enactment displays and co-operation, and enhance the level of safety and professionalism during events.

Participation of MRFM members at Verdala is voluntary and all proceeds shall go towards the Community Chest Fund.

Legio Decimae Fretensis Malta

A cultural/historical Organization founded in October 2006 dedicated to re-create the way of life of the Roman Legionary of the early 1st Century AD. The arms and armour used today are similar to those which equipped the glorious legions that gave so many victories to the Roman Empire, enabling it to become the greatest Empire the world had ever seen.

This equipment is depicted on a number of famous Roman monuments, some of which commemorate outstanding victories over the enemies of Rome.

A strong connection existed between Malta and the Roman Empire. These islands became part of the Empire in 218 BC during the 2nd Punic War, and remained so for hundreds of years until the demise of the Byzantine Empire.

Our members, currently eighteen in number, re-live the rigorous daily routine of the Roman Legionnaires, performing sessions of the military drill and battle formations so clearly described by famous authors of that era.

Therefore the aim of this Organization is to present to modern society a historically accurate display of Roman Legionnaires, as well as some members of the civilian population of the same period.

For more information visit our website at www.legioxfretensismalta.com

SHOW OF ARMS

The Society was founded in 2006 by a group of re-enactors and archers sharing a common interest in Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods, and also an interest in the study of the art of the use of swords under a fully qualified Maestro delle Armi.

The objective of Show of Arms is to recreate well-researched, diverse displays and educate people on the way our ancestors lived and fought. To enable a proper depiction of past facts and customs, serious studies are carried out in a quest to find the right materials used for costumes and equipment, while men-at-arms and knights endure long and strenuous training on period combat techniques involving weapons like the sword, mace, and battle-axe.

The Society’s main focus is the medieval period in central Europe, which of course reflects on Medieval Malta from the arrival of Count Roger to the end of the Feudal era on the Island.

Since its inception in 2006, Show of Arms currently with some 20 male and female members has been a very active group having taken part in prestigious activities such as Medieval Mdina Festival and other local councils’ events.

For further information contact: showofarms@gmail.com or find us on Facebook

Historical Re-enactment Group of Malta

“The Historical Re-enactment Group of Malta” (HRGM) has been set up in 1998 to represent military units of the past. Made up of some 70 volunteers, the officially registered Voluntary Organisation strives to bring our rich, by-gone cultural heritage to life via living history displays it carries out regularly throughout the Maltese Islands, and sometimes even abroad. Initially set up to represent the French Period (in Malta) and the last days of the Order of St John, HRGM evolved to also cover the late Medieval times.

Late 18th Century The period of the last days of the Order is vividly portrayed by three distinct military units: the Regimento di Malta, a line infantry unit made up of European mercenaries and Maltese professional soldiers, the Regimento dei Cacciatori a light infantry unit enlisting Maltese, and the various town and village militias in terms of numbers being the backbone of the army.

The two-year period of the French presence in Malta is portrayed by the Maltese Congress Militias, the British naval force made up of marines and sailors, and the French Republican garrison represented by the 19e demi-brigade d’infanterie de ligne.

These troops are further complimented by civilian men, women and children also accurately dressed and equipped.

Late 15th Century This period portrays Malta, but especially Mdina during the latter part of Aragonese presence. Re-enactors depicting the civil garrison militia of the Citta’ Notablie as well as Mdina’s citizens provide a rich and colourful insight of what is perhaps one of the least well-known periods of the Island’s history.

A passion for authenticity All uniforms, costumes, equipment, weapons as well as music, cuisine, customs and behaviour of the people that populated Malta in those days are accurately researched by the Society’s own members. Detail and authenticity are almost religiously, rigorously paramount and this can be noted from little things used in displays such as buttons, cutlery and crockery, coinage, tools and so on. This translates into the making of near-perfect recreations that give a first-hand educative insight of the past to the modern viewer. www.hrgm.org

World War 2 Reenactment Group Malta

Officially founded on 1st September 2009, the Group focuses on the Malta and the Mediterranean theatres of conflict, from North Africa to Southern Italy.

The Group endeavors to depict as accurately as possible the military scenarios of WW2, including the daily life of the troops in their encampment or on the battlefield. The period uniform in all its variations, the weapons, drill and military tactics are brought to life through Living History.

‘Malta Command WW2 Living History Group’ has been in existence since 2006, depicting in detail the hardships, valour, and fighting spirit of Maltese soldiers serving in the Royal Malta Artillery and the King’s Own Malta Regiment during the Island’s darkest hour.

Members are fully kitted out with both summer and winter uniforms, personal weapons and equipment used at the time in both Artillery and Infantry roles.

The fact that the group possesses a Bofors 40mm Light Anti-Aircraft gun enables the unit to portray a gun detachment from 22 battery, 3rd LAA Regiment RMA. In the Infantry role a section from C Company, 2nd Battalion KOMR is represented, complete with rifles and machine guns.

Members have regular training sessions and participate in several public events and weekend camps. Visits are also organised to local sites of historical military interest, as well as overseas to represent the WW2 Maltese soldier in reenactments with similar groups from all over Europe.

More details can be found at www.maltacommand.com ‘Kampfgruppe Sud’ represents elements of the German Army which were originally deployed in 1941 in North Africa as part of Rommel’s Deutsche Afrika Korps (DAK) and following the evacuation to Italy were reformed as the 15th Panzergrenadier Division. The unit saw active service in the defence of Sicily against the Allied invasion which took place in 1943.

Members are all equipped to reenact roles of both units. Activities include both static and dynamic displays.

The static displays depict camp life, weapons and equipment used, while the dynamic part comprises drill, battle scenarios and demonstrations of weapon firing using blanks.

Regular meetings are held to keep up the level of training, as well as to foster the exchange of information between members.

Contact could be sought through this e-mail address:- mferr@maltanet.net

The French attack This is a hypothetical scenario designed to illustrate combat techniques employed in late 18th century Europe. During the two-year French presence in Malta no fighting has been recorded around Verdala Castle.

It is summer of 1798 and troops of the Order of St John are stationed in the Verdala Castle grounds for a training camp. The force includes the small Verdala Castle garrison made up for the Regimento di Malta (wearing white coats with red facings), elements of the Regimento dei Cacciatori responsible for guarding the Boschetto hunting reserve (wearing green coats), and a detachment from the Rabat Militia Battalion.

Meanwhile French forces land on the Island. They include Revolutionary infantrymen (wearing blue coats and often irregular uniforms), and detachments of sailors (wearing blue jackets and top-hats). A scouting party heading towards Mdina suddenly emerges from the woods and a vicious skirmish ensues.

Sicily - Operation Ladbroke On the night of the 9th July 1943, the 1st Airlanding Brigade took off from their bases in Tunisia for the Invasion of Sicily.

The 1st Battalion’s main role, the Border Regiment, was to capture the town of Syracuse. Unfortunately many of the gliders came down in the sea and those which did make it to Sicily were widely scattered. However, in their small groups they caused problems for the enemy.

This scenario depicts a skirmish between the Borders and elements of the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division which lay in ambush.

Programme

Sunday, 25th September 9.30am

Gates open

10:00am – 10.20am

Official opening parade & flag up ceremony

Parade ground

10.45am – 11.15am

Roman drill display

Parade ground

11.30am – 12.00pm

Medieval combat display

12.00pm – 12.30pm

Late 18th century skirmish display

18th Century battlefield

12.30pm – 2.30pm

Living history displays

in each unit’s respective campsite

2.30pm – 3.00pm

Roman drill display

Parade Ground

3.15pm – 3.45pm

Medieval campsite

WWII Battle display

WW2 combat area

3.45pm – 4.15pm

Medieval combat display

Medieval campsite

4.30pm – 5.00pm

Late 18th century skirmish display

18th Century battlefield

5.10pm – 5.25pm

Saluting drill display

Anglo-Maltese WW2 campsite

5.30pm – 5.50pm

Official closing parade & flag down ceremony Prade ground

6.00pm

Gates close

Sponsors: Saftey Equipment by Firetech; Still Photography by www.tufigno.com; Video Filming by Talon House Pictures; Transport by Attrans; Tents by St. Aloysius Scout Group