The modern K.O.M.R. was formed as a Territorial Infantry Regiment in 1932. It grew out of the Royal Malta Regiment of Militia, established in 1889. The name changed to the contemporary Kings Own in 1903, when during a Royal Visit, when King Edward VII referred to the RMRM as "My Regiment". During the Second World War the Regiment grew into four battalions, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 10th, and all rendered exceptional service in the island defence. The infantrymen were trained in fighting tactics, weapons and anti-invasion drills, to prepare against the looming Axis threat to Malta, That was called "Operation Hercules", the planned German invasion of the strategic island. The main task of the 2nd Battalion was the defence of the shores of Malta. including the manning of pill boxes, and making constant patrols along the shoreline to protect from any Commando-style operations of the enemy. These infantrymen took part in the unloading of vital cargoes from convoy ships, before the ships could be bombed in their moorings. So essential were the supplies that speedy unloading always continued, even during air raids! The Regiment also put to good use anti-aircraft guns to provide defence against attacking enemy aircraft, especially those strafing the airfields. Other jobs included the re-arming and refueling of the few RAF planes available to the island defenses, In January 1941, after the Germans tried to sink the battlewagon the Illustrious in the Malta port with determined and ferocious bombing, they were sent to rescue the living and remove the dead from the devastated harbor area. The Regiment was given its well-deserved battle honour Malta 1940 - 1942. The Queen also granted the regiment the unique privilege of carrying the George Cross on its Regimental Colour Banner. The Regiment was disbanded in 1972.