RAFA Malta GC Branch Memorial
A comprehensive documentary record of the Royal Air Forces Association Monument and the Allied Squadrons honoring personnel who served and defended the Maltese Islands.
📍 RAFA Malta GC Branch Memorial
Location Map Coordinates 35.893454, 14.416265
Historical Background & Significance
Located within the historic grounds of the former RAF Ta' Qali airfield—now home to the Malta Aviation Museum—the RAFA Malta G.C. Branch Memorial serves as a permanent testament to the airmen, ground crews, and support echelons who operated throughout the strategic air campaigns over the Mediterranean theater. From the initial defensive dogfights of 1940 through to the cessation of colonial military operations, this site captures the deep-rooted historical bonds shared between the Royal Air Force and the George Cross Island.
1. The RAFA Malta G.C. Branch Monument
Primary Monument Inscription
RAFA MALTA GC BRANCH COMMEMORATES ALL PERSONNEL WHO SERVED IN MALTA WITH THE ROYAL AIR FORCE (1918 - 1979) AND ROYAL AIR FORCE (MALTA) (1949 - 1979)
Inauguration Base Plaque
Royal Air Forces Association Malta G.C. Memorial Official Inauguration by Air Marshal Sir Baz North KCB OBE MA FRAeS President of the Royal Air Forces Association Malta Aviation Museum Ta' Qali 21st September 2023
2. Allied Squadrons Roll of Honour (1939-1945)
Shield Header Inscription
IN MEMORY OF ALL WHO SERVED IN THE FOLLOWING ALLIED SQUADRONS OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE DURING THE 1939-45 WAR FLYING FROM VARIOUS AIR FIELDS IN THE DEFENCE OF THE ISLANDS OF MALTA G.C.
Transcribed Squadron Index
The display features rows of authenticated official crest seals of the operating elements. They represent the active units stationed across crucial historic landing grounds including RAF Luqa, RAF Hal Far, RAF Ta' Qali, and Calafrana seaplane base:
• No. 22 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 39 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 40 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 69 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 105 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 126 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 1435 Flight / Squadron (RAF)
• No. 185 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 242 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 249 Squadron (RAF)
• Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Embedded Elements
• Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Units
• Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Units
• Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Units
• No. 39 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 40 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 69 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 105 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 126 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 1435 Flight / Squadron (RAF)
• No. 185 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 242 Squadron (RAF)
• No. 249 Squadron (RAF)
• Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Embedded Elements
• Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Units
• Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Units
• Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Units
Donation Note Panel: Donated by JOHN WOODS (Chairman: Salisbury Militaria Society, Member: Malta Aviation Museum Foundation) From a list supplied by the R.A.F. Museum, Hendon.
Memorial Metadata & Logistics
| Location | Malta Aviation Museum, Ta' Qali, Malta |
| Memorial Type | Stylized Architectural Marble Obelisk (Jet Profile Cut) |
| Materials | White Carrara Marble Structure, Maltese Limestone Plinth |
| Accessibility | Level outdoor courtyard setting, fully wheelchair accessible during museum operational hours. |