The Tragic End of  Vulcan Bomber XM645 and the Aftermath

On 14 October 1975, the village of Żabbar was hit by an unprecedented tragedy. An RAF Vulcan bomber from RAF Waddington on a routine training mission to Malta suffered severe damage following a bad landing at Luqa airfield. A fire broke out. During its go-around for an emergency landing, the aircraft exploded over Żabbar with fatal consequences for most of the crew as well as for at least one civilian on the ground. Several people were injured and houses, mainly in Sanctuary Street, were damaged by the falling wreckage. The village was plunged into deep mourning as it laid to rest one of its own while the RAF victims were repatriated to the UK to be joined by their loved ones for burial.

Drawing on extensive research, this book presents what led to the accident and loss of life, the investigation outcome, the damages, and the subsequent trial. Furthermore, it tells of episodes and stories that bring to the fore memories and recollections of that fateful day.