Malta’s enormous contribution

strengthened when I discovered, in a conversation with my dad not long before he died, that both my maternal and paternal grandfathers and my maternal great grandfather had all served with the British Armed forces at Gallipoli and Cape Helles This was indeed a revelation and one that forged the links forever.

Anzac Day this year found me in Malta and I had rather coincidentally come across the Anzac Day commemoration at the Pietá Cemetery in 2018 and decided to go there again this year. The last time I was there I wandered around the graves singing 'Matilda' to the lads buried there and followed it up with another of Bogle's magnificent songs 'Willie McBride', to try and let the spirit of these lads know that there were those who followed them who not only appreciated what they had done but who also protested their loss.

This year I wondered if I would be able to contribute to this magnificent tribute here in Australia, which is quite unknown to the majority of Australians and New Zealanders and indeed Turks who may not even be aware of the enormous contribution made by Malta during that conflict.

I consequently contacted my friend Joseph Cutajar, editor of this great publication, to see if he had any connections who could help I followed up the lead he gave me at the Australian High Commission and spoke with Chris Steed from the HC's office He discussed the offer with the High Commissioner and she so graciously accepted it and asked if I could sing the two songs I had proposed at the function following the service at the Pietá Cemetery I was absolutely delighted and I will be forever grateful to Joe for facilitating this.

The performance went well with two songs performed; ‘And The Band Played Walzing Matilda’ by Bogle, and Çanakkale, the significant Turkish song about the conflict. The audience include the Australian High Commissioner, the Charge d'Affairs a i of New Zealand and, of great importance, the Turkish Ambassador.

*Continued on page 4