Like his father, Anthony, before him, Joseph was eager to join the British Army.   One might say that the military life was a kind of 'calling' in the Darmanin family, with both father and son forming part of the Royal Malta Artillary. Joseph was not even 18 years of age (born on April 29, 1918) when he enlisted in the Royal Engineers. It was in September of 1935 and his service number was 497.   But when, in 1940, Italy entered the war, Joseph was detailed for a transfer to the RMA. As the air battle over Malta grew fiercer, in 1941, Joseph was promoted to Sergeant and stationed at Upper St. Elmo Fortress in Valletta (his Army number 10876).   The harbour defences received some of the fiercest action, especially when British warships made port, followed by waves of enemy bombers. Sergeants' Mess -- WW2 -- Fort S.Elmo , After the end of World War Two, Joseph Darmanin was stationed at Tigne Barracks, at Sliema. At Tigne Barracks, after WW2 had ended. In 1960 Joseph was again promoted to Warrant Officer, 2nd Class, and in 1964 he was discharged from the army and immigrated to Australia. Joseph Darmanin with his colleagues, seen here on the occasion of their Long Service and Good Conduct Medal award. Joseph (right) receiving the award Joseph Darmanin retired in Greystanes, NSW, Australia and -- at this time of writing -- Joseph and his wife Filomine (Phyllis) are celebrating 65 happy years of marriage. In the two photos that follow, we see (a more recent) Joseph as Bandmaster for the Royal New South Wales Regiment in contrast with a wartime picture from his Fort S. Elmo period. If you know, or are related to any of the men in these photos, please contact Joseph via email: marked Joseph DARMANIN to this site. Thank you.