Climbing in Malta

Hi I am specifically looking for any information or pics anyone might have about cliff climbing in Malta as I am researching the subject for a book/ article. Thanks!
Simon Alden
President
Malta Climbing Club

Hello Simon,
Welcome to the CVA.
Is there any particular era that you are researching? Are you looking at during or post WWII?

Nick

HI Nick and thanks for the welcome. I'm actually interested in the history of rock climbing in Malta in general, however the pioneers seem to have been the commando cliff assault squads who were active in Malta in the 50s and 60s ie, Zeke Deacon, Mike Banks, Viv Stevenson etc. I've been in touch with both Zeke and Viv however I'm sure there's others out there who could provide more info. best regards Simon

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 16/12/2011 00:35:38

Hi Simon,
I have read two of Mike Bank's fascinating books, "Snow Commando" and "Commando Climber," and I seem to recall him writing a bit about Malta in Commando Climber.

As I'm sure you're aware, the post WWII Royal Marines have very strong ties with Malta and, although we'll do our best to answer your query, I would certainly suggest you visit some of the excellent RM Websites as there must be guys there who remember Cliff Climbing in Malta.

http://www.royalmarinesassociation.org.uk/

http://www.royalmarinesonline.com/

Nick

Hi Nick, Yes I have a copy of Commando Climber and also Vertical Assault which both have some info about Malta. I've been informed Mike Banks is nt contactable at the moment due to ill health unfortunately. Thanks for the links...I've put requests on some of the forums like this one so hopefully I'll get a response. Thanks once again for all your help :)

Hi Simon,

I'm sorry to hear that Mike Banks is not in good health at the moment.

Here's hoping you get some response to your query.

Nick

The Royal Marines Historical Society - Special Publication 34, published in 2008 - was 'Vertical Assault: The Story of Royal Marines Mountain Leaders' Branch' by Mark Bentinck. I believe there are some references to climbing in Malta and certainly I recall a group of Climbing Instructors at St Andrew's Barracks, Malta, and the 'Flying Angel' demonstrated in Malta in 1959 are illustrated on page 30. However, much of the content concerns locations in the United Kingdom, development of equipment and techniques, and various expeditions. Copies of the 127 page booklet may be available through the RMHS Office at the Royal Marines Museum - Tel (023) 9236 1617 - manned 10.00am to 12.30pm - Thursdays.

Andy Miles previously posted these links to film footage of the RM Cliff Assault Wing in Cornwall and Malta :

The first (in 2 parts) is about RM Commandos training on the cliffs of Cornwall. It was made with the aid of the Cliff Assault Wing Instructors

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-FOzQmxV8I
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4aHBfkxLcA

The second is similar with the Commandos training on the cliffs in Malta watched by Lord Mountbatton and the Duke of Edinburgh and includes a scene of someone "riding" a motorcycle up a cliff.

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=30624