OLD GUESTBOOK
In January 2012 I moved the website to a new server but was unable to keep the guestbook from the old site. As many people had taken the time to kindly write their comments over a 7 year period I decided to transfer it all onto this page so that it can still be read. Sadly a number of the people who posted have now passed away and I think it is nice to remember them still on here. The new guestbook is up and running and you can post in there by using the link in the left hand column.
Juan Jose Guerrero
July 04, 2005
it was great to see those pictures of your ancestors and even more if you know how much time it has taken you to get all the family details.
Regards from sunny Spain
Juanjo
chaitanya
July 05, 2005
Thanks Tony for share these beautiful pics and the story of the WW2 heroes !
Thanks to them forever !!!
Caryl
July 05, 2005
Hey Tony this website is very nice.
Now you have inspired me to do one for my own ancestors and also one for my dad's wartime photos.
Never forget them, no we mustn't ever
Best wishes
Caryl
FPSHOT
July 06, 2005 Hi Tony
It was very special to read this story-so far about your granddad and your family. Via the world wide sources of the web and networking I am sure you will find out more information in the coming time.
Thanks for letting me read this.
Rob
Kate
July 06, 2005
Great site Tony, was an interesting read, nice one
Tom C
July 06, 2005
Excellent site Tony, you must be very proud of you ancestors.
Ann S
July 06, 2005
Great Site Tony...
'Lest we forget'...
Hope more info turns up for you.
BBB
July 08, 2005
Great website Tony. It's easy for people to forget all that has come before us, this will certainly help.
Linda
July 09, 2005
A great web-page Tony, well worded and with beautiful photographs, - very interesting to read and also very thought provoking.
Thanks for sharing your family history, I too am a great believer in not forgetting those that have gone before us.
Nikki
July 09, 2005
Thanks for sharing your grandad's story - it's a great website, well done.
Libby
July 11, 2005
Thankyou Tony for sharing your website with us I found it very moving and poignant you must be so proud of your Grandad and its clear you have a special bond with him. I remember my Gran telling us about the blitz in WW2 in Liverpool, the city suffered terrible losses of human life but also there were many stories of couragous people who risked their lives to save others. My dad served with the" Kings Own" and was at the D Day landings, he also was at Arnhem where he was badly injured only him and a couple of others survived out of his unit and he carried shrapnel in his body until the day he died. Two of my uncles were in the navy and they were torpedoed a couple of times and drifted for days on life rafts until they were picked up, one of them lost his hearing through that and remained deaf for the rest of his life.
We owe so much to that generation, without them we wouldnt have the freedom and liberty that we now enjoy.
God Bless them.
Caz
July 17, 2005
I found your website very moving, infact it made me want to find out more about my late fathers family. They came from Bolton, Lancs and one of my dads sisters married someone called Hogan! I think that his name was Bill Hogan.
I hope that your continuing quest is successful and thank you for sharing your storey
God Bless all our servicemen, passed and present.
We owe them so much.
_Steve Farrugia (www.my-malta.com)
August 20, 2005 Dear Anthony
It's such a good job you've done here. In fact, I am really glad to have listed your grandfather in my-malta.com's Stationed at Malta pages, especially now that I have seen what you yourself have done in his honour.
You and your visitors, sharing an interest in Malta and its history, are more than welcome to visit www.my-malta.com anytime.
Thanks/Steve
Pippa
September 04, 2005
Hi Anthony,
I really enjoyed your site, it's very moving and a lovely tribute. You've obviously put a lot of work into it.
Coincidentally my great Grandparents Philip and Mary Byrne lived at 98 St Martins Cottages from 1921 and there was a witness at their wedding called Thomas Hogan !
Cheers
(My Byrne family tree is at http://byrne-bradbury.rootschat.net/)
Anthony Hogan
September 04, 2005
Thanks Pippa
whats the chance of them both living at the same address? and the Thomas Hogan connection
AndrewR
September 06, 2005
Nice site, I'm wondering how to do one and you have gave me the idea of baseing it on my dad
Andrew
goggy
September 07, 2005
Good one,keep it up!Have you a copy of" Liverpool,it all came tumbling down"?
Many good pic's+info to match Scottie Press!
Pam
September 16, 2005
its a lovely tribute.
Tony Ryan
September 30, 2005
A very interesting site, and well researched.
Brilliant Tony
Dave Smith
October 26, 2005
Excellent site. Whilst I don't have any relatives,(to my knowledge) that were in any campaigns.I have often visited the battlefields in belgium and france with the West Yorkshire Fire Service WW1 Section. The Menin Gate is one of the most spooky places to be in the evening, and the hairs on my neck stand up and a lump comes to the throat on every occassion without fail.What an interesting site. Found Through Benalforum.
Dave Smith
August 20, 2005 Dear Anthony
It's such a good job you've done here. In fact, I am really glad to have listed your grandfather in my-malta.com's Stationed at Malta pages, especially now that I have seen what you yourself have done in his honour.
You and your visitors, sharing an interest in Malta and its history, are more than welcome to visit www.my-malta.com anytime.
Thanks/Steve
Pippa
September 04, 2005
Hi Anthony,
I really enjoyed your site, it's very moving and a lovely tribute. You've obviously put a lot of work into it.
Coincidentally my great Grandparents Philip and Mary Byrne lived at 98 St Martins Cottages from 1921 and there was a witness at their wedding called Thomas Hogan !
Cheers
(My Byrne family tree is at http://byrne-bradbury.rootschat.net/)
Anthony Hogan
September 04, 2005
Thanks Pippa
whats the chance of them both living at the same address? and the Thomas Hogan connection
AndrewR
September 06, 2005
Nice site, I'm wondering how to do one and you have gave me the idea of baseing it on my dad
Andrew
goggy
September 07, 2005
Good one,keep it up!Have you a copy of" Liverpool,it all came tumbling down"?
Many good pic's+info to match Scottie Press!
Pam
September 16, 2005
its a lovely tribute.
Tony Ryan
September 30, 2005
A very interesting site, and well researched.
Brilliant Tony
Dave Smith
October 26, 2005
Excellent site. Whilst I don't have any relatives,(to my knowledge) that were in any campaigns.I have often visited the battlefields in belgium and france with the West Yorkshire Fire Service WW1 Section. The Menin Gate is one of the most spooky places to be in the evening, and the hairs on my neck stand up and a lump comes to the throat on every occassion without fail.What an interesting site. Found Through Benalforum.
Dave Smith
Eileen
October 28, 2005 I followed the link from BG Forums and have so enjoyed reading about your family. My late husband served in North Africa and Italy and in fact had the same medals as you show. Sadly, our son buried them in the garden and they were lost ! Although he was twice wounded he did survive. I have visited northern Europe and grieved over the acres of burials, and also visited Monte Cassino where my husband fought. Sadly, he died in 1972 and never served in Malta so I regret that I cannot help you in your quest.
Eileen
dave clev
October 30, 2005
Read your site- had to bite my lip a few times-great sentiments, your grandpa would have been proud of you Joette <[email protected]> 05:09 AM on November 01, 2005 What a wonderful Memorial to your Grandfathers/Father. My Grandfather fought in the Boer War(lied about his age.) He was one of the first out when 1914 came around. He was wounded in action, losing a leg, gassed & severe head injuries. His brother Sergeant William Scott was KIA in 1917 aged 29. Two of my other Great Uncles were killed also, Thomas Waddel KIA 1917 & David Ross 1919 died of War Wounds recieved in Ireland 1916- he was only twenty & had been paralysed since he had been shot in the back during the Easter Rebillion in Dublin- he was only 16 when he enlisted.
I am grateful for their bravery & for the Widows/Mothers /children who grew up without their men.Also a generation of young women who never had the chance of marriage and/or children. What sorrows of the heart are hidden. Davids Mother "foresaw" his funeral- about three years before WW1 she awoke from a dream hearing horses in the street & peeped out of the window.There she saw a Flag-Draped carriage with a coffin shape.
_anonymous
November 29, 2005
Nice presentation. Well done
garyem1 November 29, 2005
Hi Anthony, Great site, Great Pics, Fantastic story.
Good luck with your research, I will come back for updates.
gary.
BT
January 14, 2006
Very poignant and well presented site. Thank you for sharing this with us.
My father served in Italy and Palestine during the WWII, in the Signals, but said very little about his experiences. His father had served in the Boer War, and I have his service medal from that time.
wendy
February 03, 2006
your website is lovley and the pictures are great, well done and best wishes
wendy
February 03, 2006
Does anyone know of Frank Hogan? he was born in 1917 and he was raised in hopwood street, scotland road. during the war he was a despatch rider and his face was blown up it had to be built up again, he later worked for the Liverpool Echo, he married may shannon/scink and they had 2 children tessa, who will now be 63 and henry, 61
I would love to hear from Henry and Tessa
thank you
Bobby Mac
March 01, 2006
Excellent site. One to be proud of.
October 28, 2005 I followed the link from BG Forums and have so enjoyed reading about your family. My late husband served in North Africa and Italy and in fact had the same medals as you show. Sadly, our son buried them in the garden and they were lost ! Although he was twice wounded he did survive. I have visited northern Europe and grieved over the acres of burials, and also visited Monte Cassino where my husband fought. Sadly, he died in 1972 and never served in Malta so I regret that I cannot help you in your quest.
Eileen
dave clev
October 30, 2005
Read your site- had to bite my lip a few times-great sentiments, your grandpa would have been proud of you Joette <[email protected]> 05:09 AM on November 01, 2005 What a wonderful Memorial to your Grandfathers/Father. My Grandfather fought in the Boer War(lied about his age.) He was one of the first out when 1914 came around. He was wounded in action, losing a leg, gassed & severe head injuries. His brother Sergeant William Scott was KIA in 1917 aged 29. Two of my other Great Uncles were killed also, Thomas Waddel KIA 1917 & David Ross 1919 died of War Wounds recieved in Ireland 1916- he was only twenty & had been paralysed since he had been shot in the back during the Easter Rebillion in Dublin- he was only 16 when he enlisted.
I am grateful for their bravery & for the Widows/Mothers /children who grew up without their men.Also a generation of young women who never had the chance of marriage and/or children. What sorrows of the heart are hidden. Davids Mother "foresaw" his funeral- about three years before WW1 she awoke from a dream hearing horses in the street & peeped out of the window.There she saw a Flag-Draped carriage with a coffin shape.
_anonymous
November 29, 2005
Nice presentation. Well done
garyem1 November 29, 2005
Hi Anthony, Great site, Great Pics, Fantastic story.
Good luck with your research, I will come back for updates.
gary.
BT
January 14, 2006
Very poignant and well presented site. Thank you for sharing this with us.
My father served in Italy and Palestine during the WWII, in the Signals, but said very little about his experiences. His father had served in the Boer War, and I have his service medal from that time.
wendy
February 03, 2006
your website is lovley and the pictures are great, well done and best wishes
wendy
February 03, 2006
Does anyone know of Frank Hogan? he was born in 1917 and he was raised in hopwood street, scotland road. during the war he was a despatch rider and his face was blown up it had to be built up again, he later worked for the Liverpool Echo, he married may shannon/scink and they had 2 children tessa, who will now be 63 and henry, 61
I would love to hear from Henry and Tessa
thank you
Bobby Mac
March 01, 2006
Excellent site. One to be proud of.
Maureen
April 08, 2006
Just looked at your website and think it's great. Thanks
Caroline
May 17, 2006 I saw an advert regarding Bernard Hogan. I just would like to let you know that a friend of mine who was in the same class as me at school her name was Anita Hogan. She came from a family, the only family with the surname Hogan in malta. She also mentioned to me once that a grandfather of hers was English or Scottish can't remember exactly. If you'd like more info please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards
Caroline
mario dingli
May 17, 2006
i read with interest your letter in the Times. It might be of interest to you, that we had two service hospitals in Malta. One naval and one Military - I suppose the last is the one of interest to you. It was named DAVID BRUCE MILITARY HOSPITAL and it was situated at Mtarfa (Malta) If your granddad was hospitalized, it must have been at DBMH.
mariodingli
June 03, 2006
Malta is indebted to all soldiers,sailors and airmen who heroically gave their lives to save our little island from the Nazi grip. Of course, the great courage of the maltese population cannot be forgotten either.
Carole Legge
June 07, 2006
Tony, What an excellent job you have done here. This is a family record to be proud of.
Thank you
Carole
Mary Hogan Geis
June 07, 2006
Dear Anthony, You did a really great job on your research, and I actually have the same picture of granma and grandad with the 3 children hanging in my bedroom, a copy from auntie Win. I will promise to email you and tell you some about my family.
your cousin from Texas
Mary Geis
Gerard Fleming.
July 08, 2006
Anthony. Great reading..Came across this while wandering around the web as yer do!!!..I live on Comus Street and lived in Gerard Gardens before that and and went to Holly Cross and St Joeys as a Kid..
You never Realise do you just what went on in the Streets and area where you grew up!!..Thanks Anthony for Enlightening me.
Ged.
Andrew Evans
August 05, 2006
Hey cousin, The internet's amazing, I was up at my Auntie Teresa's yesterday and she was telling me the story about her Uncle John who died in the Great War and about how he was sent a letter with a picture of the daughter he would never see and etc. Awhile ago I had taken photo's of all my ancestors graves at Ford Cemetery and after hearing this story I looked through them and sure enough on a Flaherty gravestone there is a John Hogan, R.G.A. My Auntie Teresa said the family wanted to put his name on the grave even though he was buried in France. She even lent me a photo of Winifred Hogan as a young woman to scan and add into my family tree. And now I've found your website and know everything I could want to know about him! I'm actually going to Ypres on the 25th so I'll stop by and visit him, he is my Grandad's uncle after all. My Great-Grandmother was Anne Flaherty, her sister was the Mary Flaherty who married John Hogan. Small world, thank you for the website.
Andrew Evans.
Joey Lynch
September 12, 2006 makes great reading mate
Crissouli
September 17, 2006
Thank you for a wonderful story. It gives me heart to continue with my research.
Ken Berry
October 30, 2006
Hi Tony,Not quite sure what to say,your site is brilliant and at 74 I got quite a few drops of Mersey mist in my eyes.My Mum's Dad was C/Eng in WW1 lost both lower limbs after being torpedoed or mined.Over the years he became bitter and all my mum's brothers and sisters came to live with us.Nobody would talk to me about him.Sad part is my Dad's Dad who we lived with never had a harsh word or spoke harshlly with any of them during or after the war.He was a tug captain before during and after the war and they all loved him heaps.All his records were destroyed during the Blitz.I have tried very hard but to know avail to find info but its all gone.I can only say I am envious in a way you have achieved so much but so very glad that you have let a lot of people share with you what I and they have lost.with your website we have come to know maybe some of the same things that happened in our families.Thank You Tony God Bless and Best Regards
Ken B
amariecolin
November 22, 2006 Hi,
this story is great. My surname is Hogan and I was born in Comus Street in 1966. I have only started to trace my family tree you never know we could be related. I do not really know much yet my grandfather was John Hogan born in the late 1800s? I never met my grandparents so I know very little?
wend
November 25, 2006
Your webpage is so intersing, well done and keep up the good work.
jessica
December 02, 2006
this is a really good site, i am researching my family history and have found this very helpfull
Dorothy
January 20, 2007
What a womdfull site.very please to see it.I came from liverpool when i was younger.I am also so doing the family tree.It would be lovely to find some think you aver done. Wll done.
Dorothy
Mike Stanley
January 30, 2007
Enjoyed your family history. Great research and well set out.
I was born and bred in Leinster road Old Swan. Now living in Perth Australia.
Regards
Mike Stanley
Sue
February 15, 2007
Your website is so interesting, our older generations gave us so much didn't they and i am honoured to learn about your family, who gave their lives, we must never forget.
_Anne Dawson
February 16, 2007
Fantastic website, really enjoyed reading your family history and the photos were fantastic. Feel quite sad when I think about how people lived then. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all.
September 12, 2006 makes great reading mate
Crissouli
September 17, 2006
Thank you for a wonderful story. It gives me heart to continue with my research.
Ken Berry
October 30, 2006
Hi Tony,Not quite sure what to say,your site is brilliant and at 74 I got quite a few drops of Mersey mist in my eyes.My Mum's Dad was C/Eng in WW1 lost both lower limbs after being torpedoed or mined.Over the years he became bitter and all my mum's brothers and sisters came to live with us.Nobody would talk to me about him.Sad part is my Dad's Dad who we lived with never had a harsh word or spoke harshlly with any of them during or after the war.He was a tug captain before during and after the war and they all loved him heaps.All his records were destroyed during the Blitz.I have tried very hard but to know avail to find info but its all gone.I can only say I am envious in a way you have achieved so much but so very glad that you have let a lot of people share with you what I and they have lost.with your website we have come to know maybe some of the same things that happened in our families.Thank You Tony God Bless and Best Regards
Ken B
amariecolin
November 22, 2006 Hi,
this story is great. My surname is Hogan and I was born in Comus Street in 1966. I have only started to trace my family tree you never know we could be related. I do not really know much yet my grandfather was John Hogan born in the late 1800s? I never met my grandparents so I know very little?
wend
November 25, 2006
Your webpage is so intersing, well done and keep up the good work.
jessica
December 02, 2006
this is a really good site, i am researching my family history and have found this very helpfull
Dorothy
January 20, 2007
What a womdfull site.very please to see it.I came from liverpool when i was younger.I am also so doing the family tree.It would be lovely to find some think you aver done. Wll done.
Dorothy
Mike Stanley
January 30, 2007
Enjoyed your family history. Great research and well set out.
I was born and bred in Leinster road Old Swan. Now living in Perth Australia.
Regards
Mike Stanley
Sue
February 15, 2007
Your website is so interesting, our older generations gave us so much didn't they and i am honoured to learn about your family, who gave their lives, we must never forget.
_Anne Dawson
February 16, 2007
Fantastic website, really enjoyed reading your family history and the photos were fantastic. Feel quite sad when I think about how people lived then. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all.
joan
February 19, 2007
Dear Mr Hogan
I have read your tributes to your family. They are lovely and they would all be very proud of what you have had to say.. Good luck in your efforts I amd still struggling with mine.
chippie
February 27, 2007
what an honour to view this memorial. If it wasn,t for people like this we may not be looking at great stuff like this on the internet.
Helen Turner
March 02, 2007
Tony your father and grandad would be so proud knowing you made the journey and then produced this amazing collection for us all to see. THANK YOU.
Jill hurst
March 20, 2007
Lovely story ,so glad you found him.
I was looking for his photo too.
joan
March 23, 2007
very interesting and touching history
Jacky
July 25, 2007
Hiya, It has been so nice reading this, i can see just how proud you are and how proud they would be of you too !!
Hope you get more info,
Thank you for sharing this with us
Valentine Sullivan
September 14, 2007
Dear Mr Hogan
I have just read you story about your Grandfather. My late husband's brother was a sapper in WW2 and was blown up on the beach in Norfolk. Like your Father my husband never lived to see the memorial that was erected to them in Mundesly in Norfolk. Like you I went to the ceremony for him, accompanied by my son who is named after his Uncle. None of us knew him. He was just 19 years of age. Your Malta pages also were of great interest. My partner's much older brother (he is now 88 yers of age) served in the Malta convey in WW2 on HMS Victorious. We were in malta in May and are going there again later this month. We found a photograph of his ship in the Lascaris War Rooms (which he awas pleased to receive) and are hoping to visit the Museum in Vittoriosa this time to find out more. You must have put an immense amout of time into your website and I would like to commend you on it.It was wonderful to read, all the old photographs were especcialy poignant. Thank you for sharing this.
Valentine
Kevin Griffin
December 27, 2007
Hi, I'm much impressed with your information and would thank you for it. I'm going to Malta on the 13th Jan 08 for a few days to research my Dad Lnce Bmbdr Harry (Bill) Griffin. He was heavy AA around Tigne Point. He returned to Malta for the 50th Anniversary (and promptly came home and died). I've a photo of him laying a wreath at the remembrance service. The plaque commemorates the dead of the RA 10th Heavy AA (later known as the 68th). The church it's in has a circular dome but I don't think it's Mosta. Any info would be gratefully received.
Regards
Kevin Griffin
Ken Pople
anuary 02, 2008
Your moving website brought back memories.
I was the Survey Officer at Regimental Headquarters of 51st Medium Regiment RA from 1940 to 1945. Your Grandfather would have been in one of the two Batteries. As I was at RHQ I would not have known him personally,nor have details of his death.
I can however offer background info about what was happening at the time if you are interested.
With Best Wishes
Ken Pople
(formerly Capt.RA)
Lilian Bennett January 13, 2008
A lovely heartwarming tribute to your ancestors."Lest We Forget"
Lilian
Stephanie, Malta
March 04, 2008
The poem for your grandad brought tears to my eyes beacuse it makes me realise how many people like your own grandad died and suffered in war. Never to be forgotten!
Tom Davies
July 03, 2008
Lovely pictures of Malta. You really wouldn't think a place that peaceful, full of people so nice, could ever have experienced such horror. My grandfather was in Malta in WW2, he worked as a doctor in Bighi hospital.
I'll see if i can get some pictures some time.
Your poem was very sad, but good at the same time.
Rhonda Demarco
August 11, 2008
Hello thank you for the lovely pictures and your story it was very much enjoyed by my husband and myself Please email me as i have a picture of floriana barricks from 1940 with soldiers on parade kind regards
Rhonda
Anthony Donkin
August 15, 2008
Would like a photo of R.J.P Frost of the Devonshire Regiment of War Grave.This is my uncle.
Regards J. Donkin
Emma
August 28, 2008
A fitting tribute to the fallen. You have done justice to the memories of your forbears.
Denis (Malta)
September 09, 2008
A fantastic website, an excellent Malta page and a great tribute to all the fallen.
People like yourself will always keep their memory alive, as it seems to be slowly dying.
Kenny
September 16, 2008
thanks for your moving tribute to those who fought on Malta during WWII. I was there recently and like yourself, I will definitely return one day.
V.Sherlock
September 27, 2008
You site brought back memories of Malta and your poem tears to my eyes. I was lucky my dad Fernley Langson a gunner and his brother Jim both returned from Malta. My Dad married a malteese girl and they lived in England.I now have photos from the past and need to know my roots. Thanks for sharing your.
William John (ex Birzebbuga Malta)
October 16, 2008
This must be one of the very best Sites about Malta. Excellent presentation. I was 10yrs old when the 1st Air raid took place on Malta. I remember every day of the blitz. The daily bombing of my Island. At 15 y I worked with the RAF at Kalafrana & Tal Handaq RAF underground workshops. 1949 onwards I worked with R.E.M.E. carring out work at every army installation and Forts all over Malta. Your photos showing the gun positions around Grand Harbour brings many memories to me. I spent many months working there. My parents are from beautiful Floriana, the town with so much history. I love your pictures of Floriana.
You deserve lots of credit for creating this wonderful Site. Good luck.
William J. (Melbourne)
Gill
November 10, 2008
This site is a wonderful tribute to your family. My gr grandfather lived at St Martins Cottages in 1871, aged 6 with his mum (his dad ws at sea). I have never seen photo of this building before before, thanks for including it in your story.
Frank McCormick
December 16, 2008
A moving and affectionate family history. Well done.
catherine kavanagh
January 18, 2009
hello anthony. just read your web page about your grandad,it was so moving it made me4 cry. i new about a lot of the information because my dad was dick suddy , your grandads and dads best mate . i have alot to tell you about the cains side of the family. will be in touch.
Edith Evans
January 27, 2009
A remarkable tribute to your fore- fathers. A very moving narrative. I have researched the army career of my grandad in WW1 and have had a lot of help from very generous people to whom I am truly grateful. But, sadly, it amounts to very little and I feel I have not done justice to his memory. I have done my best and he will never be forgotten. I feel inspired by you to try to find more.
With best regards,
Eddy.
Tony Redmond
February 22, 2009
Good read. The bit about Kew Street struck home as my mum was brought up there and my gran and grandad lived there for years. I remeber going there as a child in the late 60,s. My nan and grandads, names were Kenny and Freeman. Thanks
Ged Fagan
March 17, 2009
Tony, a fantastic site and brilliantly put together. So many great memories of what it was like for your rellies during wartime with those brave soldiers fighting the cause. You should be proud of them, I know you are and I think they would be proud of you for this. Well done.
Ged.
_Steve Farrugia
March 19, 2009
We must honour those who gave their lives, and some even 'gave up their lives', to preserve the free world. I honour them - as I did Bernard Hogan - in the website: my-malta.com.
You have done a great job here Anthony. A credit to your G'dad!
Monica
March 21, 2009
Memories of Malta,and a great tribute website. Wish to share my youtube video
Malta the George Cross Island ( link on main page )
Anthony Hogan
March 22, 2009
Hi Monica. I have added a link to your video on the main page. I have just viewed it myself and would like to congratulate you on a fine piece of work. It shows the courage of the Islands people to fight on in impossible circumstances and against all odds. I am proud that my Grandfather was part of this defence. On my trip to Malta and Gozo I met some wonderful people who helped point things out for me. They took a real interest in my research and said some wonderful things about my Grandfather and the other service personel who stood alongside the islanders during those trying times. I am still in contact with some of the people I met on the Island and will return again one day.
ann greenhorn
March 25, 2009
john & mary hogan photo liverpool 1915 from your home page, dear anthony I visited Minturno Was Cemetry Mar 2007 in honour of my grandfather Lance Corp William Brown (Cameronians) and found the above photo in the guestbook, have you noticed a face in the top left corner of your photo, we were amazed at this, I took a photo of yours and everyone who has seen it has noticed this too, take a look, ps congratulations on a beautiful tribute
ron moore
May 20, 2009
i served in floriana barracks 1952/1954 it was called lintorn barrack, your pics are great i enjoyed your site thanks for sharing, good luck
John(Z)
May 28, 2009
Just read Italy 2007 and found it really interesting. Well done Spike, the effort and hours you've put in shows. It is a very fine site and you should be proud.
Bill, Speke
September 10, 2009
Excellent site Spike, interesting and so well researched. Many thanks.
March 19, 2009
We must honour those who gave their lives, and some even 'gave up their lives', to preserve the free world. I honour them - as I did Bernard Hogan - in the website: my-malta.com.
You have done a great job here Anthony. A credit to your G'dad!
Monica
March 21, 2009
Memories of Malta,and a great tribute website. Wish to share my youtube video
Malta the George Cross Island ( link on main page )
Anthony Hogan
March 22, 2009
Hi Monica. I have added a link to your video on the main page. I have just viewed it myself and would like to congratulate you on a fine piece of work. It shows the courage of the Islands people to fight on in impossible circumstances and against all odds. I am proud that my Grandfather was part of this defence. On my trip to Malta and Gozo I met some wonderful people who helped point things out for me. They took a real interest in my research and said some wonderful things about my Grandfather and the other service personel who stood alongside the islanders during those trying times. I am still in contact with some of the people I met on the Island and will return again one day.
ann greenhorn
March 25, 2009
john & mary hogan photo liverpool 1915 from your home page, dear anthony I visited Minturno Was Cemetry Mar 2007 in honour of my grandfather Lance Corp William Brown (Cameronians) and found the above photo in the guestbook, have you noticed a face in the top left corner of your photo, we were amazed at this, I took a photo of yours and everyone who has seen it has noticed this too, take a look, ps congratulations on a beautiful tribute
ron moore
May 20, 2009
i served in floriana barracks 1952/1954 it was called lintorn barrack, your pics are great i enjoyed your site thanks for sharing, good luck
John(Z)
May 28, 2009
Just read Italy 2007 and found it really interesting. Well done Spike, the effort and hours you've put in shows. It is a very fine site and you should be proud.
Bill, Speke
September 10, 2009
Excellent site Spike, interesting and so well researched. Many thanks.
Steve metcalfe
October 22, 2009
My grandfather (cpl 4749724 Arthur Stevens) of the York and Lancaster regiment was killed in action in minturno on the 21st Jan 1944 and is buried in the same cemetery (1.L.2) and i enjoyed reading the page you put on as i am having great difficulty in finding any information about him and what happened at minturno in the short time the men where there, all i know is it was a bloody battle with a lot of casualties and unfortunately my grandfather was one of them, with thanks steve metcalfe from york
Madeleine
November 07, 2009
Thank you for such a beautiful website. I am Maltese and know all the places you mentioned and how much the Maltese suffered during WWII but your tribute still brought tears to my eyes. Thank you also for the beautiful photographs.
helen turner
November 09, 2009
Remembrance week, so took another look at your photos....lovely tribute you have put together Tony.
Jim Aldridge
November 18, 2009
What a wonderfull,evocative and emotional account you have conveyed.You mentioned Spike Milligan and I wonder if you have read his diaries,as although hysterically funny,also seem to relate very closely to the life of a gunner in the RA.
Thank you for shareing this story.
M.pierce
December 20, 2009 Thankyou for the wonderful photos they must be great momories
for you
john Lamperd.
January 05, 2010
Hi, You have created a brilliant website ,in remembrance of your family, I was particularly interested in The Malta connection as my father was an anti aircraft gunner there from 1941-44 I think based at/near Tigne. I am always searching photos, hoping to find one with him in it. My father told me of the convoy experience of Junkers 88 ,shore baterrys, subs and more being thrown at the convoys. He also mentioned the constant airial bombardment of Malta and how the sky was black with bombers coming in to drop their loads on Malta. I would love to hear from anyone who has any stories to tell, that have been passed on by relatives of the personnel based there. My father died back in 1966 but his memory lives on in me and I long for him to be here today.
Best wishes,.
John.
Austin Owens
January 11, 2010
HI Tony thank you for all the hard work you have done it put a lot of our family history in place.My Dad was your grans brother ,and I was a great friend to your dad who was my cousin.It would be nice to talk to you, send me your number.
thanks Austin
Jackie
January 12, 2010
Dear Mr Hogan,
I came across your site while doing some more research on my father and his wartime experiences as a gunner with the 51st Medium North Staffs Regiment . I have in my possesion ,a rather dogeared little book ,which was given to soldiers at the end of the war to remind them of their exploits .In the front of it is a roll of honour ,and your grandfather is listed there . You may have seen it already ,but if you haven't ,I would be very happy to copy it for you .
Jackie
Ant Hogan
January 13, 2010
john Lamperd. says...
Hi, You have created a brilliant website ,in remembrance of your family, I was particularly interested in The Malta connection as my father was an anti aircraft gunner there from 1941-44 I think based at/near Tigne. I am always searching photos, hoping to find one with him in it. My father told me of the convoy experience of Junkers 88 ,shore baterrys, subs and more being thrown at the convoys. He also mentioned the constant airial bombardment of Malta and how the sky was black with bombers coming in to drop their loads on Malta. I would love to hear from anyone who has any stories to tell, that have been passed on by relatives of the personnel based there. My father died back in 1966 but his memory lives on in me and I long for him to be here today.
Best wishes,
John.
Hi John
Have you seen this site?
http://www.killifish.f9.co.uk/Malta%20WWII/Index.htm
debbie kitto
January 18, 2010
Today I 'googled' Pembroke Military Cemetery as my grandfather is buried there, and found a link to your site. I was fortunate enough a couple of years ago to visit Malta, and my grandfathers grave, I actually visited twice , the second time on the anniversary of his death. His name was Walter Millington, and I noticed that his is one of the graves which you photographed... I wonder if my 'Remembrance Cross' was still there as I had only visited about 3 or 4 weeks earlier. I really enjoyed looking at your site and am sure others will too. Thank you
Ant Hogan
January 18, 2010
Hi Debbie Yes it was still there, I have a photo of it.
If you would like a copy email me
Josie Schicker (nee Owens)
January 18, 2010
I was very impressed reading your history. Your Nan Ellen Graley was my Godmother she was my Dads sister .One correction Austin did not have a glass eye he fell on a cup as a young lad and injured his eye' I remember your Dad when he was little we all used to play together and we would visit Ninnie Owens in Kew Street.
Garry
February 11, 2010
Hi, Well done on the website. A good way to remember your Grandfather. My Grandfather was also in Malta in WW2 and was in the Royal Artillery based in Maltra from 39-44. His name was Henry Scutcher and survived the war. I am reading a good book at the moment by James Holland called Fortress Malta. A good read to learn about the war in Malta.
Best regards, Garry
joyce
February 18, 2010
hi, i have just come across your site and i thought it was a lovely way to remember your family.
my dad was in the royal artillary as a gunner too, his name was albert sadler, he was captured by the japanese and was a pow for over 3 years. well done for your site
joyce
mike
April 26, 2010
I found reading your family war history very interesting and thank you for sharing it. My uncle arthur Moore was with the royal artillary during ww2 and my uncle William moore was with the liverpool scottish : they both lived in cubbon street off scotland road. I have not got much info at the moment only a few stories me dad told me and pictures
Maureen
May 17, 2010
Hello Anthony
I have just read your very moving tribute to your family on your web site which I found by pure chance, but I was astonished to find that we are related all be it distantly. I have been researching my family tree for some time, and must admit I got a wee bit stuck. You have no idea how much of a treasure trove you have given to me. I was dumbfounded to find that my Granddad Bernard Flaherty Was the brother of Great Aunt Mary Hogan And Great Aunt Annie Shirley.
My maiden name was Flaherty and I am the youngest daughter of Thomas Flaherty and Sarah Molloy. My father was the only son of Bernard, but sadly he lost his mother when he was about ten years old, and from what I know of his life he actually lived with his Aunty Mary for a long time in Comus Street. In fact that is the address on his marriage certificate to my mother Sarah Burke.
We were bombed out of our home in Lace Street when the war was on and came out with just the clothes on our backs, but we were lucky we came out alive. However we lost every piece to paperwork including all our records and photographs so you can't imagine how it felt to get some of that information back, and much more than I could ever hope for. I have printed some of the photographs if you don't mind and would like to thank you for fill in some of the blanks.
Good luck with all your endeavours from your distant cousin Maureen Flaherty
Anthony Hogan
May 17, 2010
Hi Maureen.
You are welcome to the photographs. Its good to hear from family members.
I will be in contact.
Marion Sanders
June 23, 2010
My husband and myself are retired and now live in Malta (Well, actually we live on Gozo, sister island to Malta). I am in the process of tracing my Polish father's younger years before he ended up in UK fighting alongside the British Army. My dad married a Scottish girl from his Resettlement Camp village. Hence, I am his youngest child child trying to find out what I can on the internet. I came across your site by chance, and no matter how many times I said to myself, "This site is not going to offer any information relating to the Polish Resettlement Army", I could not tear myself away from all your stories and wonderful photos relating to your family members. I have never come across such a wonderful, captivating, and often 'comical' recollection of war times. Our parents and grandparents must have had a strong sense of humour or just sheer perseverance to see them through these years. I just want to thank you for your wonderful site and hope that I can eventually compile my father's war years in the same manner as yours. Thank you for enlightening my afternoon, your parents and grandparents would be proud that you have shared your family history worldwide.
Regards, Marion Sanders
joanswamber
August 04, 2010
Hi Bernard , my name is joan flaherty bernard flaherty born in 1879 was my great grand father my fathers name james but was known as jimmy i have already been in contact tony and he has given a lot of imformation regarding the flaherty family as i have only just started my family tree better late than never. my dad told me a few stories about g, granddad i have a long way to go researching , i knew i came from a large family bvut i did not realise just how large it is i have really enjoyed looking at the photographs i was really glad to see the photo of father flaherty as i do know of him from my dad anyway i must close for the time being hope to hear from you kind
regards
joan flaherty/ swamber
joanswamber
August 04, 2010
hi tony its joan flaherty again i have just noticed i called you bernard instead of tony, i have bernard on the brain silly me anyway sorry about that kind
regards
joan flaherty xxx
David and Linda Joan Medland
October 20, 2010
Thank you Anthony for being so kind to pass on to us your Family website. We found it so very touching. And thank you for all you have done for our families on the Liverpool and Merseyside Remembered website. http://liverpoolremembrance.weebly.com/index.html
They are Remembered.
David and Linda Joan Medland appreciate all you do.
kathleen f
November 07, 2010
I HAVE JUST FINISHED READING THIS AMAZING STORY. HOW PROUD YOU MUST BE! HOW VERY SAD, THE PART ABOUT THE TELEGRAM NEARLY HAD ME IN TEARS.i WAS GLAD MATHEW KELLY REPLIED , I THINK HE IS A FINE MAN. SO MANY STORIES, WE MST HAVE BEEN SITTING BESIDE OLD MEN IN PUBS YEARS AGO WHO COULD RECALL THESE TIMES, SADLY THEY ARE ALL GONE NOW. ONE VERY FINE STORY. XXX (BOSSYBOOTS)
kathleen f
November 12, 2010
Well, I have just finished the story called "family",,,I am so happy to have read your expression of thanks at the end, I loved the whole story, I still think you have a book in you Tony, I have paid good money for many a book that wasn't half as good as these memories. starting on" Malta" next.
best regards. "Bossy".x
Kathy(bossy)
November 18, 2010
just finished "Malta",,,the pictures are lovely, no wonder you used up all your memory!!!! You guard that Crucifix with your life tony. what memories your family have.I only have Italy to read now. PS Malta is one of the few places I have not been to, I would look on it with different eyes after reading this.
S A M Hudson
January 10, 2011
Hi . By 1939 Lintorn Barracks, Floriana (as shown in your pictures) was the HQ of the Royal Engineers and remained so through the siege of WW2. Perhaps the Royal Artillery moved into Casemate Barracks (now the police headquarters, next door to Lintorn). I can recommend the DVD "Guns for Malta" - featuring moving personal accounts by gunners who manned coastal batteries during the war. You might also be interested in reading my book UXB Malta (see www.uxbmalta.blogspot.com) which tells the story of Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal in Malta during World War 2, set against the background of bombing throughout the siege. Best regards.
Mark Simmons
April 06, 2011
Congratulations on an excellent website, which provides a fitting tribute to the bravery of and sacrifices made by both your Grandfather and Great Grandfather. I am in the process of trying to uncover further information about my Grandfather (Bombardier G H Land) who served in the 49th Battery of the 12th Field Regiment during the Malta siege. He then moved over to North Africa for a rest and refit where the 12th Field Regiment became the 17th Medium Regiment, transferring to the larger 5.5ins guns. He then landed at Salerno and fought his way up through Italy in support of the American 5th Army, I believe that he was, like your Grandfather, involved in the fighting around MonteCassino. You refer to various Malta and Italy forums which you found extremely useful in helping you with your research - would you be able to provide me with further information on these?
Kind Regards, Mark.
ian connolly
April 23, 2011
Its funny mate, when we were young we didnt think about their sacrifice, now they are gone - its true! We will remember them! Lovely site mate!
Helen Smith
May 06, 2011
what a fantastic tribute.
John warr
October 22, 2011
Very impressive web site, well done and thank you for sharing.
Lida Bourne
November 17, 2011
A lovely tribute to brave men. Very heart warming to read.
Regards Mrs Lida Bourne.
Gord harrison
December 27, 2011
I am currently compiling, in book form, my dad's Canadian Navy memoirs WW2, and came across your site while looking for Hill 10 Hospital, Malta in which he recovered from dysentery via a strict regimen of 'not eating.' Your photos and commentary are inspiring. Well done. I could so easily use your site as my guide on a future trip!