Always wanted to visit Malta,after I joined the Navy in 1964 ;after about three weeks as a raw recruit,we saw an "insructional film" ( one of but dozens !), which showed the carrier HMS Hermes in the Mediterranean,operating her aircraft and visiting Malta (Valetta). The film was really to see who might be interested in specialising in electrical and engineering work with naval aircraft,in the Fleet Air Arm , for which I happily volunteered,along with a few others !
      Fast-forward to 1967, by which time I am "Qualified to Maintain" three different types of Naval jet aircraft, and am serving aboard the large carrier ,HMS Eagle, which I know,from talking to shipmates,has had a good "Run" in Malta the previous year (1966).So ---I am really looking forward to the two great experiences of A) a great "Run Ashore" in Malta,going down "The Gut" ( Straight Street) in Valetta, and drinking the fabled "Marsa Vin" pokey wine, and B) transiting the Suez Canal !! Two "Life Ambitions"!! And bringing Cyril's songs to life, as it were,having heard them in Sidmouth & other places.
    Then.....DISASTER !! The "Six Day War" closes the Suez Canal, meaning that there is now little or no reason for entering "The Med"!!! So my first-ever foreign port-of-call on the (very long) voyage to Aden ??   CAPETOWN !! And I don't think Malta's economy ever really got over the loss ! And here I am, aged 63 ,and NEVER been to Malta, or gone through the Suez Canal !!