Captain Ken McIntosh and Major Dave Stone have taken part in a very different act of remembrance. While visiting Malta, the pair carried out a dive to the wreck of HMS Maori and attached a Royal British Legion Memorial Cross to the ship.

HMS Maori was a Tribal-class destroyer in the Mediterranean Fleet and was sunk on 12 February 1942 at her moorings in Malta Grand Harbour by enemy aircraft. The ship was then raised and scuttled off Malta and came to rest just offshore from Valletta.

Captain McIntosh described his shock at the number of the ship’s features that were still clearly visible.

“I was surprised how easily recognisable the ship was. The forward guns had been removed but the anchor winches and gun placements were clearly identifiable.”

Captain McIntosh and Major Stone fitted the memorial cross to an area of the ship’s bridge, before pausing for a moment’s silence.

Captain McIntosh said: “During the course of my 24 year career I have attended many acts of remembrance but this was very different. The serenity of being under the sea with colourful fish alongside, the sun piercing the green-blue water and only the sound of our bubbles to disturb the moment was utterly surreal and only added to the poignancy of remembering those who were killed and wounded when the Maori was hit.

“It was a real privilege and an honour to be involved.”

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission commemorates seven casualties from HMS Maori. Two are commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, one on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial and four are buried at Malta (Capuccini) Naval Cemetery.

While in Malta, Captain McIntosh and Major Stone also visited Imtarfa War Cemetery, where they laid a wreath and a number of remembrance crosses.

Press Release, October 22, 2012; Image: cwgc