Our Island Headquarters
Historical notes from "Scouting in Malta - An illustrated history" by J. A. Mizzi (1989)

The present Congreve-Bernard Memorial Hall inaugurated in 1948 serves as the Island Headquarters of the Association. It stands on the same site of the former Congreve-Bernard Memorial Hall that was originally inaugurated on the 8th May 1932, but which was totally destroyed by enemy action on the 7th April 1942 during World War II.

In fact it was precisely in late afternoon of the 7th April 1942 during an air-raid by the German Luftwaffe that together with other targets, as reported by Rome Radio "all military objectives attacked in Malta during the evening's raid were ruthlessly destroyed". One of these targets was the Scout Headquarters at Floriana. The first to witness the destruction was Father Bernard Hersey, the then Island Secretary who could only describe the scene as a "heap of rubble and twisted iron joists - all that remained of the Congreve-Bernard Memorial Hall".  

The original building was erected as a memorial to the memory of Sir Walter Norris Congreve, who was the Governor of Malta and the Chief Scout of the Association from 1924 to 1927, and of Colonel Sir Edgar Bernard, who held office as Island Commissioner from 1924 to 1931.

The rebuilt premises were eventually formally inaugurated as the Congreve-Bernard Memorial Hall on September 1st, 1948 by the then Governor, Sir Francis Douglas. The new Headquarters were blessed by Monsignor E. Galea, the Vicar General and Bishop of Tralles in the presence of various distinguished guests that included the Prime Minister, Dr Paul Boffa, the Naval Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir Arthur Power, Mr Dahl, representing the Chief Scout of the Commonwealth and Empire and Colonel Vella, acting Island Commissioner.

Over the entrance of the main hall at Island Headquarters stands an inscription carved in stone by German prisoners of war saying :

"This Congreve-Bernard Hall was erected on the site of the original
building which was destroyed by enemy action on the 7th April 1942.
The necessary funds were provided by Imperial Headquarters,
Scouts of South Africa and Australia, and by public subscription in Malta.
The original building was erected as a memorial to the memory of
General Sir Walter Norris Congreve VC, KCB, MVO, ADC,
Governor and Chief Scout of Malta 1924-27
and of Colonel Sir Edgar Bernard KBE, CMG,
Island Commissioner of Boy Scouts Malta 1924-31". 

Ideally situated close to Valletta, the capital city, the premises are used for various purposes, including those for accommodation and camping purposes by several foreign Scout Groups who visit Malta on a regular basis. Moreover, the premises are ideal as a venue for receptions and conferences.  If  you would like to check out booking possibilities, follow this link for details.