The Royal Army Medical Corps
And the Malta Garrison
1975

Villa Portelli over looking Kalkara Creek was built by Sir Agostino Portelli, founder of the Malta Chamber of commerce, as his summer residence. The villa became the residence of Commanders-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Station. In 1961, Admiral Sir Deric Holland-Martin was the first to take up residence.

From 1968, Villa Portelli was occupied by Flag Officers Malta, the last of whom was Rear Admiral O N A Cecil who had arrived in 1975.

On 14 Oct 1975, a Vulcan Bomber on a training flight from its base at Waddington near Lincoln, exploded over Malta. The wreckage fell over the outskirts of Zabbar killing a female and injuring 15 civilians.

Two of the crew ejected but five were reported missing. Helicopters from the Commando Carrier HMS Hermes searched for the missing crew.