Service to mark relief of Malta

The operation to relieve Malta cost the lives of 400 people

Veterans from across Britain are commemorating the relief of Malta in 1942, with a special ceremony in Devon.

A memorial at St Mary's Church in Wolborough, Newton Abbot, will take place at 1430 BST on Sunday.

The arrival of the Santa Maria convoy, code named the Pedestal, meant survival for the people on Malta, who had only a few weeks of supplies left.

Malta's High Commissioner and members of the George Cross Island Association will be among those attending.

Had not the convoy relieved the siege, the whole course of the war would have been altered Peter Heale, St Mary's church warden

The attempt to run the 80-ship convoy past bombers, minefields and U-boats was as one of the most important Allied victories of World War II.

But it was at the cost of more than 400 lives.

Don Clist from Newton Abbot was on board the aircraft carrier Eagle when it was torpedoed on its way to Malta.

He says it is a tribute to everyone involved that people travel far and wide for the service.

Mr Clist said: "It's a bit down in numbers now, but those who come are very enthusiastic.

"They come from everywhere and good for Devon."

It is the fourth year the service has been held at the Devon church.

Church warden Peter Heale says the service is a tribute to the courage of those who took part.

Mr Heale said: "In 1942 they'd been under siege for two years, with nothing getting through but submarines from Alexandria.

"Had not the convoy relieved the siege, the whole course of the war would have been altered."