A Second World War Battle of Malta, Mediterranean and Palestine photograph album group attributed by family descent to one Sergeant George Fleming, 8th Battalion, King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. Fleming who appears to have survived the torpedoing of the cruiser H.M.S. Manchester, then saw service with his battalion during the defence and siege of Malta, and later passed through Italy on his way to Palestine in late 1943. His photograph album presents a fine wartime memory.
Group of 4: 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Defence Medal; War Medal. Mounted swing style as worn.
Condition: Good Very Fine.
Provenance: acquired from the family of the recipient.
Together with the recipients cap badge of the Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment and a regimental blazer badge and tunic button yhne=], and a good personal photograph album, this detailing the recipient’s time at Malta, and out in Italy and in Palestine. The album, of which a number of the photographs are annotated on the reverse, comprises some 79 images, the majority original through some touristic printed ones, though all wartime. Contained within an album cover that bears a Middle Eastern theme of camels.
George Fleming served in World War 2, throughout the Mediterranean. In July 1941, he, alongside the 8th battalion, attempted a journey aboard the HMS Manchester from Gibraltar to Malta. The ship was hit by Italian torpedoes, killing 11, 1 by drowning. The 8th battalion would eventually find safe conveyance to Malta, and would land on August 2, 1941.
He sent a photo card letter home on 10 May 1942. He also took a photo of the Rotunda of Mosta. Malta remained an island under siege from 1941-43, and supplies were scarce. One photo features a mule with it's ribs visible. The proof is two fold: there was no fuel so they had to use mules, and there was no food so the mules were starving. Pictures also seem to portray generally good relations between the soldiers and the locals, with soldiers holding babies and the like. Photographs feature tanks and artillery being loaded, as well as a painted mortar shell affectionately emblazoned 'Adolf' being held by one young soldier. There also seems to have been time for recreation, as they are pictured playing football.
After the siege of Malta was lifted, with the final airstrike on July 20, the 8th battalion departed for Forlimpopoli. Photos also show they passed through Faenza. After Italy, it's likely they would have gone to Palestine around November 1943. There, they joined up with the remnants of the 1st Battalion, who had been effectively shattered by a heavy German attack on the Greek Island of Leros. In late spring the reconstituted unit returned to Italy. They saw action on 30 June 1944 near to Umbertide. The Germans made a stand at Montone, and in the vicious house to house fighting that ensued, the Britons were the victors. Fighting would continue in Italy throughout the war. Whilst his battalion certainly partook in the fighting in Italy, it is unclear as to whether the soldier partook in the fighting, given that he never received an Italian star, but he certainly was there, the only question remains as to whether he partook in operations there. He has a collection of about 65 pictures of his time during the war, some of which appear to show him solely wearing the ribbon of the Africa Star
