THE annual battlefield tour by part-time sailors from HMS President saw the Londoners pay homage on some of the Navy’s most hallowed ground.

A group of 31 reservists from the Royal Naval Reserve unit on the Thames headed to Malta, the island at the eye of the Mediterranean storm in 1941 and 1942 especially as Hitler and Mussolini tried to defeat British forces in North Africa.

The efforts of the Royal Navy, above and below the waves, and the bitter Malta convoys, coupled with the islanders’ resolve narrowly kept the enemy at bay.

The reservists’ visit to the Mediterranean island coincided with the 65th anniversary of the award of George Cross to the Maltese for their steadfastness in the face of the Axis Powers’ siege.

The President men and women laid wreaths at Kalkara Naval Cemetery and the Royal Naval Memorial, and also at the Siege Bell, where fallen comrades and fallen Maltese were honoured while the bell itself tolled hauntingly for three minutes.

Newly-appointed RNR chaplain Rev James Francis was invited to preach at the Anglican cathedral in Valletta during the Sunday service on the very day of the George Cross anniversary; after the service the reservists, all in uniform, chatted with locals.

Throughout their four-day stay on the island, the sailors were hosted by the Maltese Armed Forces, who gave them a tour of their naval base and patrol craft.

The visitors crammed in a host of historic sites and museums during their brief stay, including the Lascaris War Rooms, the Malta at War Museum and the National War Museum.

“It was a privilege and an honour to be part of this very special and moving occasion,” said Lt Tony Scott who organised the battlefield tour. “The bravery of the people of Malta during those turbulent years is an example to us all.

“Being there on anniversary day with my colleagues was an experience I will never forget.”