Last modified: 2015-01-24 by rob raeside
Keywords: sovereign and military order of malta | ferdinand von hompesch zu bolheim | von hompesch zu bolheim | grandmaster |
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by Klaus-Michael Schneider, 22 October 2008See also:
Flag of Grandmaster Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim (1797-1798)
It is a
quarterly divided square flag. Surprisingly the 2nd and 3rd quarter are showing
the white Greek cross in a red field of the Order of St. John while the 1st and
4th quarter are showing the personal arms of the grandmaster. A red field is
divided by a silver (= white) saltire. Other sources of the coat of arms are
showing the saltire limited by engrailed lines. Note that there are two images
in source, both showing the same pattern with the cross in the 2nd and 3rd
quarter and the flag hoisted upon the stern.
Source: Capt. Joseph M.
WISMAYER: “The fleet of the order of St.John 1530-1798”, Midsea Books,
Valetta(?) 1997; ISBN 99909-75-30-2; chart no.5
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 22 October 2008
According to
http://www.smom-za.org/smom/grandmasters/71.htm:
"Grand Master Ferdinand
de Hompesch, a German, was weak and irresolute. He was not the right person to
face the oncoming storm. In 1797 all Europe, with the exception of England, was
at Napoleon's feet. However, the Emperor's eyes were set on the East and Egypt
was to be his base of operations. For this he needed naval supremacy in the
Mediterranean. The capture of Malta was essential to Napoleon and once again
the island became a coveted fortress. The Maltese were prepared to resist the
French but both munitions and provision were denied to them by order of the
Grand Master. On June 11, 1798 Hompesch capitulated. A few days later, the
Grand Master and what was left of the once proud and powerful Order, left their
impregnable fortress of Malta and sailed away."
Further data on Hompesch,
his rule and the last days of the Order in Malta here:
http://www.geocities.com/jagatt/28-hompesch-history.htm
Santiago
Dotor, 16 March 2006