On 31 May 1948, the Malta-Australia Migration Agreement was signed. To mark the 75th anniversary of this historic agreement, the National Archives looks at Alfred Bayliss, the 25,000th Maltese migrant.
'A very good tradesman'
Born in 1931, Alfred was of mixed Maltese – British ancestry. During the war, Alfred experienced the hardships and terror of war. His education was also disrupted.
Alfred became a mechanic employed by the British military. Despite lacking formal qualifications, he became a 'very good tradesman, hardworking and conscientious … [with] a very good knowledge of his trade'.
In 1957 Alfred married Aida Calleja. They soon had two daughters.
In late 1959, Alfred and Aida applied for assisted passages to Australia. Aida's parents already lived in Melbourne. Alfred stated he was ready to depart for Australia 'at the earliest'.