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Auction: 26002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 156

The superb 'Siege of Malta 1942' B.E.M. awarded to Shipwright Diver E. Abela, H.M. Dockyard, Malta, who took his award from the hands of King George VI in his famous visit to 'The George Cross Island' in April 1943

British Empire Medal, G.VI.R., Civil Division (Edward Abela), officially engraved naming, in its Royal Mint box of issue and outer card box, good very fine

B.E.M. London Gazette 18 December 1942. A joint citation with Saviour Mahoney (Chargeman of Shipwright, Divers, H.M. Dockyard, Malta), Carmel Guliliano (Chargeman of Shipwrights, H.M. Dockyard, Malta), Edward Abela (Shipwright Diver, H.M. Dockyard, Malta):

'Mahoney has shown fearless leadership of a gang of divers working on the examination and repair of damaged craft under exceptionally trying conditions of enemy air attacks.

A vessel that had been abandoned was still afloat and, despite the threat of air raids, Mahoney, accompanied by Guliliano and Abela, boarded the ship to obtain particulars of her condition.

A heavy bombing attack developed but, with great courage, they continued their work until the examination was completed.

Guliliana and Abela have consistently set an excellent example and performed very important work in dangerous circumstances.'

Edward Abela was born at Mellieha, Malta on 30 October 1926 and was presented with his hard-won B.E.M. from the hands of King George VI on the Palace Square, Valetta, Malta on 24 April 1943.

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Estimate
£300 to £500

Starting price
£240