Menu

Search
Close this search box.

1979: THE END OF AN ERA

The year 1979 is an important milestone in Maltese history when Britain’s military connection to Malta came to an end. British forces representing NATO left the island when their contract for the use of Malta as a military base ended. It was a combination of decolonisation, party politics and economic measures that left the negotiating parties no choice but to quietly end a colourful 179-year long stay. The Royal Navy destroyer HMS London left the Grand Harbour on 31st March, in bleak weather, to the tune of Rod Stewart’s Sailing played by the Royal Marines band on board. On board HMS London that day was Rear-Admiral Sir Nigel Cecil, the last Royal Navy commander of British naval units based in Malta. Along with the end of the British military base in Malta and the end of foreign occupation of the island, 1979 brought with it a number of changes in Maltese society and foreign policy.

ArtEfacts

Size

42cm x 29cm

Date

1809

Location

Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor

Reference Code

MMM 005209

Date

20th century

Location

Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor

Reference Code

MMM 004632

1 Royal Navy Summer Commodore Jacket, 3 White peaked caps, 2 Black ties.

Size

57cm x 3.7; 3cm

Date

20th century

Location

Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor

Reference Code

MMM 005073

Size

16cm x 22cm

Date

20th century

Location

Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor

Reference Code

MMM 005074.3

Size

21cm x 30cm

Date

31 October 1978

Location

Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor

Reference Code

MMM 005078

Size

131 x 96cm (framed)

Date

1980

Location

Malta Maritime Museum, Third Floor

Creator

Raymond Pitre

Reference Code

MMM 005112

No more artefacts to show in this section

THE FUTURE?

Still at the crossroads, as the European Union’s southernmost frontier in the Central Mediterranean, Malta

TOURISM AND LEISURE

In medieval times, travelling was either limited to the wealthy classes, or done for religious

WE’RE GONNA NEED A BIGGER BOAT! – FISHING IN MALTA

Coastal resources have been used by mankind globally as means of economic and social development

THE SECOND WORLD WAR

During the Second World War, Malta played a vital role in the Battle for the

THE ADMIRALTY DOCKYARD – THE INDUSTRIAL AGE

During the Industrial Revolution, the Royal Navy invested in Malta, building an Admiralty Dockyard and

GOLDEN AGE OF SAIL – SHIPBUILDING IN MALTA

The 19th century was the pinnacle of Maltese shipbuilding, building vessels to import material such

PATRIA LIBERATA – THE FRENCH BLOCKADE

With war in Europe spreading like wildfire, France became embroiled in a war across the

FOREIGN > LOVE AFFAIRS

By the summer of 1798, Britain and France were locked in an epic struggle which

LIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ, FRATERNITÉ – THE FRENCH IN MALTA

Malta in 1798 went into shock. The once overlords of the island principality were overrun

PRINCIPALITY BY CORSAIRS FOR CORSAIRS

Prior to the arrival of the Order of St John in 1530, many Maltese noblemen

LEPANTO: A FINAL CLASH?

The Holy League of 1571 was not the first to band Christian forces against the

POMP, WAR AND CEREMONY

The rambata, a distinctive feature of Mediterranean galleys between the 16th and 18th centuries, represented

1565 – THE GREAT SIEGE

An island at a crossroads will eventually become involved in major conflict, and in the

SUSTAINABILITY, RECYCLING AND THE ECONOMY

The limited locally available resources of the Maltese Islands, and their huge dependency on Sicily,

ST PAUL: FATHER OF THE MALTESE NATION?

When a Moorish army broke the siege of Mdina for winter in September 1429, the

Navigation

The Mediterranean expanse, which in antiquity was defined as “The Great Sea”, has for centuries