Its history is intimately tied to the succession of engineer and sapper units that were formed and reformed to support the extensive fortifications on the island of Malta.
In 1892 the Maltese Militia Division Submarine Miners Royal Engineers was raised on a territorial (part-time) basis, utilising the skills and knowledge of the harbour boatmen.
"[4] The Royal Engineers (Militia) Malta Division title would survive as an entity throughout the Great War and until 1921.
Their role was to provided searchlight support to anti-aircraft and anti-shipping artillery batteries and engineer works in and around the harbour areas of Malta.
In 1923 Royal Engineers (Militia) Malta Division was noted as having a strength of 7 officers and 70 other ranks, most of whom were in 24 (Fortress) Company RE.