THE BRITISH RULE and - THE SECOND GREAT SIEGE OF MALTA

From a temporary British occupation, Malta became part of the British Empire, on the 20th. May 1814,
by the Treaty of Peace signed in Paris between England, Austria, Prussia, Russia and France.

Treaty of Paris, 20th. May, 1814. The Constitutional Statute.

Art. 7. The Island of Malta and its Dependencies shall belong in full right and Sovereignty
to His Britannic Majesty.

THIS TREATY OF PARIS DID GIVE GREAT BRITAIN THE RIGHT TO RETAIN THE ISLAND
BUT NOT TO ACQUIRE IT.

To record this event to posterity, our ancestors laid a slab on the Main Guard, opposite the Governor’s
Palace, which reflects as much credit on England as on Malta itself and it affirms, that Malta, has not
been acquired by force of arms, but that it was won, through the noble confidence placed by our
ancestors, in the honour and good faith of Great Britain.

The slab bears the following inscription:-

MAGNAE ET INVICTAE BRITANNIAE

MELITENSIUM AMOR ET EUROPAE VOX
HAS INSULAS CONFIRMAT A.D. 1814

....BY THE LOVE OF THE MALTESE AND THE VOICE OF EUROPE A.D. 1814

The following people have recognized and confirmed the fact that Malta was never conquered by force
of arms by the British but by way of cession.
Mr. John Jos. Dillon, in his 1807, memoir concerning the political state of Malta.
Sir Augustus Bartolo, in “Sovereignty of Malta”., Pages 57, 59, 60.
Rev. H. Seddals in “Malta Past and Present”.
Sir John Stoddard, Chief Justice of Malta.
Joseph Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the British Colonies, in his memorable speech, delivered in
the House of Commons in 1901.

Works and events under some of the British Governors of Malta.

After Sir Alexander Ball passed away on the 25th. October 1809, Lt. General Sir Hildebrand Oakes
(1810-13), was appointed Civil Commissioner in April 1810. The ill treatment which the Maltese
received from Oakes, has made his rule short lived. Following the Maltese vigorous protests to His
Majesty the King, denouncing the conduct of this Civil Commissioner, Oakes was removed.

Sir Thomas Maitland (1813-24), on 5th. October 1813 was appointed first Governor and Commander in-
Chief of Malta and in his Proclamation to the Maltese Nation he declared:
“His Excelliency cannot refrain from stating to the Maltese even thus early...His (The
Prince Regent’s) determination henceforth to recognize the people of Malta and Gozo as
subject to the British Crown and as entitles to it’s fullest protection.”

In 1819, he abolished the tradition local self-governing body of the University, this meant that the
Maltese had now no say in the administration of their Island Home. Sir Thomas also removed many of
the Knight’s coats of arms from the Palaces. Ties with Italy were being cut down, the corn was now
imported from the Black Sea ports instead of Sicily, the Bishop of Malta was separated from the
Metropolitan See of Palermo. Sir Thomas introduced reforms to bring Malta into line with the British
judiciary system. He pushed the English language as the official language. The Maltese sent many
petitions to the British Government protesting about these drastic measures and asking for a
Constitution. But these petitions fell on deaf ears.

Major General F.C. Ponsonby, appointed Governor of Malta ( 1827-36). Under his administration the
Naval Military Hospital known as Bighi Hospital was built. During this period there was the laying of
the foundation stone of the Mosta Church known as the Rotunda. The work was entrusted to the famous
architect Grognet De Vasse.

BIGHI HOSPITAL

MOSTA CHURCH

In May 1835, a Council of Government was appointed by the British Government. It was composed of a
group of eight people, who were the Governor, the Commander in Chief, the Chief of Justice, the Bishop
and the Chief Secretary to the Government and three unofficial members, a Land owner, a noble man
and one from the Commercial Community. The duty of this council was to assist the Governor in the
Civil administration of Malta. The Maltese realized that this form of Government included no political
freedom and they renewed their activities to obtain their full freedom.

Major General Sir H.F. Bouverie (1836-43), This Governor focused his works on the Grand Harbour and
laid plans to extended it to Marsa to provide shelter for battered ships.

General Sir Patrick Stuart (1843-47), Understanding the importance of Malta as a station for the British
fleet in the Mediterranean, this Governor built a Naval Dock.

Richard More O, Farall (1847-51), during this Governor, in 1849, the Maltese obtained a New form of
Government, a Council consisting of 18 members, 10 official and 8 elected by the people as a
Representative Body. In minority, the representatives of the Maltese people and the dissatisfaction was
showing by the many petitions that the Maltese sent to the English Government. Still this Council was
maintained for about forty years.

In the meantime, in Europe, Nationalist Movements were born and they brought many changes.
Encouraged by these Movements, the Maltese intensified their national feelings and a strong Reform
Party was born during this period to struggle for the freedom of the Maltese people. But on the other
hand there was also the Anti-Reform Party in favour of the English Government.

Major General Sir Wuilliam Reid (1851-58), during this Governor, in 1853, Porta Reale was rebuilt to
suit the growing traffic of people between the City and the outside towns.

Lt-General John Gaspard Le Merchant (1858-64), under the administration of this Governor. the Valletta
Market was built, plans were made for the Addolorata Cemetery, the Grand Master Palace was
completely overhauled and in the year 1860, works on the Opera House in Valletta had began. Gozo and
Malta were united in one Diocese, but in the year 1864, the Diocese of Gozo was separated from that of
Malta and Mgr. Michele Francesco Buttigieg, became the first Bishop for Gozo.
 Photo taken in May 1936. Photo courtesy of Norman Tarrant.

General Sir Patrick Grant (1867-72), this Governor gave great attention to the water supply which was
very insufficient for the ever growing population. Great condensers were brought from England in order
to distill water and deep galleries were dug underground where water was found in abundance. In 1868 a
door a second door was added to Porte Des Bombes for a two way traffic.

General Sir Charles Van Straubenzee (1872-78). The “Ghar Id-Dud” Fort and Tower Road in Sliema,
were built by this Governor. Also in the year 1873, the Military Hospital at Cottonera, now St Edward’s
College was built. A great fire destroyed the building of the Opera House on the 25th. May 1873, but
was restored within four years.

Governor General Sir Arthur Borton (1878-84), Under this Governor, founded by Fortunato Mizzi in the
year 1880 the Anti-Reform Party was born, today known as the Nationalist Party (PN). In the year 1882,
the Reform Party, elected simpletons and disreputable persons to the Chamber Council in a protest
against the English Government, so as to show that the minority of the Representative Body meant no
power at all. But in the elections that followed in 1883, the Reform Party won with a vast majority and
was returned to the Council.

Fortunato Mizzi Founder of the Nationalist Party in1880

In September 1882, Malta saw the arrival of the first of the two Armstrong 100 tons. Guns, which it’s 1
ton. bomb could penetrate through a 65 cm. thick steel and had a range of 8 miles. The second
Armstrong Gun arrived in July 1883.
 Armstrong 100 tons Gun at Fort Rinella

Photo by Nickophoto's

In 1883, under this administration, the Malta Railway was laid which run from Valletta passing through
Hamrun, Birkirkara, Attard, Rabat and stopped at. Mtarfa.
Valletta Station circa 1890 - Photo courtesy of Charles Grima.
 Attard Station - Photo courtesy of Jason Pisani

Another Military Hospital was also built at Mtarfa. Electric lights were introduced in this period.

General Sir Lintorn Simmons Governor (1884-88), Under this Governor, in the year 1887, the Reform
Party led by Fortunato Mizzi, obtained from the English Government for the Maltese people a better
form of Government. It consisted of six Official Members and fourteen Representatives of the people.
But after some months the Language became a hot issue. The English wanted their language to be used
in the Courts of Justice instead of the Italian language. The Italian influence over Malta began in 1194,
but was established as the official language of Malta in the year 1530 and so the Maltese were not ready
for such changes.
On the 7th. April 1902, under the administration of Governor Lieut. General Henri Smith (1890-1893), a
declaration was issued giving parents the right to choose in which language their children were to be
educated.
 Winston Churchill then, Captain Churchill, the uncontested Master of the great battleship HMS Nile, is
being piped aboard by the Midshipmen of the Watch so the entire crew will
know he has arrived from ashore.
Malta, 1898

General Sir Charles Mansfield, Governor of Malta (1903-07), On 3rd. June 1903, this Governor
suspended the 1887 constitution over difficulties that arose in the vote for the education department and
brought back into force the constitution of 1849, were the Representatives of the people were back in
minority. The Maltese were very discontent and many protest were made against this Government.
Election took place six times in succession and the six times the elected representatives members
resigned in protest.

In the year 1907, the Government promised new reforms and the elected representatives of the people
took their place in the Council.
The Break Water in the Grand Horbour was built during the administration of this Governor with the
help of Italian workers.
General Sir Leslie Rundle (1909-15), under this Governor in October 1913, the representatives of the
people resigned again from the Council after the promised new reforms were not brought into force. On
the 10th. August, 1914, the First World War broke out and some 20,000 Maltese joined the British forces
to give their share.

Field-Marshal Lord Methuen was the Governor of Malta (1915-19) during the Great War. With 15
hospitals that provided 25,000 beds for the wounded, Malta was known as the 'Nurse of the
Mediterranean'.

During the Crimean War and WW1 Malta was used as a place to evacuate wounded. From Gallipoli
2500 officers and 55,400 troops were taken to Malta.

Photo: Berbice, A Hospital ship, Taken Malta in 1915 and thought to be on the Gallipoli run.

The first airfield on Malta was constructed at the Marsa Sports Ground.
 Japanese battleship Nisshin in Malta. 1919.

During the First World War the Japanese fought on the Allied side. but in WW II, They went on the Axis
side.

During this World War I, the Maltese had suffered tough times, with restriction on food, the price for
food was high and many workers were made redundant. Hunger became the order of the day. This Great
War ended in late 1918 and with the Victory of the Allies, the Maltese hoped to obtain their Autonomy
and they renewed their campaigns, calling for A FULL POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATION
AUTONOMY and that this wish of the people should delay no more.

The Riots 1919

But the delay was too long and a wave of general discontent towards the British Government swayed all
over the Island. On Friday, 6th. June 1919, the University students had some of their rights deprived of
and the students rose up against their superiors. Both the building and the property of the University
were greatly damaged. The next day, on Saturday, 7th. June 1919, known as Sette Giugno, the working
classes, unable to stand the high prices of foodstuffs caused by the lack of basic food provisions which
the British Government failed to provide for the Islands, invaded Valletta and they protested loudly,
menacing those who had enriched themselves at their expense. The protest by this great uprising turned
into a riot, attacking homes of British politicians and looting mills after there was a wide spread belief
amongst the populace that grain importers and flour millers were making excessive profits over the price
of bread. Many buildings were set on fire, shop-windows were broken and the British Flags were torn
down from various buildings and some were set on fire.

The Police forces, unable to control the situation, called for military support. At 17.30, soldiers from the
Composite Battalions entered the Courts which housed the headquarters of the police force. Ten soldiers
led by Lieutenant Shields approached the offices of the Chronicle, but to face a crowd which began to
throw objects and stones at the soldiers. Also in Strada Forni, twenty-four soldiers were attacked with
stones by the angry Maltese. A reinforcement of British troops came on the scene and opened fired on
the crowd killing four people, Manwel Attard, Ġużè Bajjada, Lorenzo Dyer and Carmelo Abela and
many others were injured.

The proceedings in the National Assembly were interrupted as persons injured in the streets were
brought inside. Some of the delegates went out of the buildings, while others ran to the balcony. The
Assembly passed a quick motion in order to have a resolution to present to the Imperial government.
Count Alfredo Caruana Gatto then addressed the crowds, asking them to restrain themselves from
further violence. The Assembly then sent a delegation to the Lieutenant Governor, asking for the troops
to be removed for the crowds to retreat. The Governor accepted, and Caruana Gatto addressed the crowd
again, which complied and began to fall back.

The 7th. of June is one of five National holidays in Malta.

BRITISH TROOPS assembled in front of the law courts on June 8, 1919

THE VICTIMS
Manwel Attard
 Wenzu Dyer

Guzeppi Bajada

Karmnu Abela
The British Government needed to swiftly win back the people's loyalty and Field Marshal Viscount,
Lord Plumer was sent to Malta as the new appointed Governor (1919-24), with express orders from his
Government to study the possibilities of Constitutional concessions to the Maltese.

On 15 March 1921, The Labour Party known as the Chamber of Labour was founded.

Also in the year 1921, led by Lord Gerald Strickland, the Constitutional Party was born and just in time
for the first elections under the new Constitution of 1921.

Lord Gerald Strickland

Leader of the Constitution Party

The efforts of Governor Plumer had bare the fruit that the Maltese had wished for and in the year 1921,
he was pleased to announce to the Maltese that the Autonomy was granted. The Maltese who were
awaiting for this news well long before 1921, were filled with joy and Governor Plumer was made an
idol of the people.

This new Constitution gave the country a measure of self-government. The British Authorities and the
Maltese Government were now working hand in hand to do their best for the welfare of the population.
During the elections, the struggle was tough for the parties trying to obtain the majority of votes so they
can win to Govern. For some years this constitution was working smoothly. But unfortunately the
Language issue rose again and created some strong opposition, with the Constitution Party and the
Labour Party preferring the English Language, while the Nationalist Party insisted on that both the
English and Italian Language should be on equal level. The issue of the Church activities in politics had
also arose. Led by Colonel William Savona, under the new Constitution, the Labour Party contested the
general elections held in 1921, but the victory went to the Popular Union and that of 1924, but here too,
the Labour Party lost this election and the victory went to the Popular Union and the Nationalist Party
Coalition. The 1927 general election, was won by the Labour Party-Constitutional Party Coalition. The
Leader of the Constitution Party Lord Gerald Strickland became Prime Minister.

General Sir David Campbell the new Governor (1931-1936), under this Governor, in the general
election of the year 1932, the Government fell in the hands of the Nationalist Party when they won the
majority of the votes. The new Constitution which was granted to the Maltese people under the
Governor Plumer in 1921, was reduced during this Governor Campell, also the Italian Language was
prohibited from being taught in the Elementary schools. This Governor had also placed the Police force
under his control. These events had created many protests against the British Authorities and the
Nationalist Government broke the good relations with the British. On the 2nd. November 1933, while
the protests were spreading all over the Island, Colonial Secretary, Sir Philip Cunliffe Lister, declared
that Malta was in a state of emergency and suspended the Constitution.

In the year 1935, Dom Mintoff at the age of 21, began his political career as an assistant secretary for
Bormla Labour Party club and later in that same year, 1935, he was appointed General Secretary of the
Labour Party.

In the year 1939, under the new Governor, General Sir Charles Bonham Carter (1936-1940), after six
years without a Constitution, the Maltese were granted with the Macdonal Constitution. With eight
Official members, two nominated by the Governor and ten elected by the people, but with the chairman,
a representative of the Governor, enjoyed the casting vote, the Maltese Representatives were in
minority. With a string pro-imperial and pro-British sentiment prevailing, the Constitutional Party
elected six councillors to the Nationalists' three and Labour's one.

The War Memorial, Floriana. Unveiled on 11th November 1938, by the Governor of Malta, General Sir
Charles Bonham to Commemorating the Maltese and British who lost their lives during WWI.
Photo courtesy of Margaret Hodgson

On the 10th. June 1940, ' WORLD WAR II ' BROKE OUT, MALTA WAS BESIEGED and all political
activities came to a stand still.

OUR ENEMIES - Never Forget them !

ALDOLF HITLER, a decorated veteran of World War I, Hitler joined the precursor of the Nazi Party
(DAP) in 1919, and became leader of NSDAP in 1921. He attempted a failed coup d'etat known as the
Beer Hall Putsch, which occurred at the Bürgerbräukeller beer hall in Munich on November 8-9, 1923.
Hitler was imprisoned for one year due to the failed coup, and wrote his memoir, Mein Kampf, while
imprisoned. After his release on December 20, 1924, he gained support by promoting Pan-Germanism,
anti-semitism, anti-capitalism, and anti-communism with charismatic oratory and propaganda. He was
appointed chancellor on January 30, 1933, and transformed the Weimar Republic into the Third Reich, a
single-party dictatoship based on the totalitarian and autocratic ideals of Nazism.

On the 20th. July 1933, at a formal ceremony in Rome, Cardinal Secretary of States, Eugenio Pacelli
signed the Concordat between Nazi Germany and the Vatican. The Concordat effectively legitimized
Hitler and the Nazi Government to the eyes of Catholicism, Christianity and the world. On 4th. May
1934, the Christian Trade Unions and some other unions vowed their loyalty to Hitler.

The Concordat between the Vatican and the Nazis

Cardinal Secretary of State, Eugenio Pacelli (later to become Pope Pius XII) signs the Concordat
between Nazi Germany and the Vatican at a formal ceremony in Rome on 20 July 1933. Nazi Vice-
Chancellor Franz von Papen sits at the left, Pacelli in the middle, and the Rudolf Buttmann sits at the
right.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BLESSING

Priests giving the Hitler salute

Priests giving the Hitler salute at a Catholic youth rally in the Berlin-Neukolln stadium in August 1933.
 Hitler signing his autograph for a Christian fan

After the war, several high Roman Catholic Church Officials in Yugoslavia were indicted for war
crimes. They included Fr. Dragutin Kamber, who ordered the killing of nearly 300 Orthodox Serbs, the
"hangman of the Serbs" Bishop Ivan Saric of Sarajevo, and Bishop Gregory Rozman of Slovenia, a
wanted Nazi collaborator. A trial in 1946 resulted in the conviction of a half-dozen Ustasha priests,
including former Franciscan Miroslav Filipovic-Majstorovic, a commandant of a concentration camp
where the Ustashas tortured and slaughtered hundreds of thousands with a brutality that shocked even
the Nazis.
As more secret documents become public, it is Fr. Krunoslav Draganovic, who emerges as the most
significant player of all. The Franciscan had been a senior official of the Ustasha committee that handled
the forced conversion of the Serbs. In 1943, the Ustasha arranged with the Church for Draganovic to be
sent to Rome. There he served at a seminary of Croatian monks that was in fact a center of clandestine
Ustasha activity. He also became the Ustasha's unofficial emissary at the Vatican and liaison to the
Vatican organization to aid war refugees. Draganovic and collaborators such as Fr. Golik provided the
means and support, including forged Red Cross passports, for a number of Ustasha war criminals to
escape justice.
Siroki Brijeg, plaintiffs' attorneys have obtained tangible proof of the Nazi Franciscan connection.
Cameramen working for Phillip Kronzer, a staunch foe of Medjugorje and its Marian apparitions
obtained entry to the Monastery and filmed a secret shrine honoring the Ustashe. A plaque dedicated to
Franciscan monks who were Ustasha members was filmed along with a massive shrine lining the walls
complete with photographs of Ustasha soldiers some in Nazi uniforms. The admonition, "Recognize us,
We are yours" can clearly be discerned in the video footage. On a later visit to the monastery the shrine
had been dismantled but the videotape preserved the evidence and has now been made available by the
Kronzer Foundation.

Also, after the war, a Task Force headed by the US Undersecretary of State, Stuart Eizenstat, issued a
report that questions the Vatican's wartime financial dealings. And mounting evidence suggests that
plunder from the Ustasha, Croatia's pro-Nazi Fascist Government during the war, with the aid of
Croatian Roman Catholic priests, made its way to Rome. Some of it was used to help Croatian war
criminals flee to South America.

Hitler wth Archbishop Cesare Orsenigo, the papal nuncio in Berlin, 1935
On April 20, 1939, Archbishop Orsenigo celebrated Hitler's birthday. The celebrations, initiated by
Pacelli (Pope Pius XII) became a tradition. Each April 20, Cardinal Bertram of Berlin was to send
"warmest congratulations to the Fuhrer in the name of the bishops and the dioceses in Germany" and
added with "fervent prayers which the Catholics of Germany are sending to heaven on their altars."
Catholic clergy and Nazi officials, including Joseph Goebbels (far right) and Wilhelm Frick (second
from right), give the Nazi salute. Germany, date uncertain.
[Photo source, Holocaust Encyclopedia,]
Bishop Friedrich Coch giving a Hitler greeting in Dresden, 10 December 1933
 Hitler Oath:
I swear by God, this holy oath, to the Führer of the German Reich and people.

Adolf Hitler...

The Goring Wedding

Only Christians perform Christian weddings, and the Nazis were no exception.
Hermann Goring married Emmy Sonnemann, a famous Opera star.
The Roman Catholic Adolf Hitler, stands in the front row as "Best Man" during the ceremony in the
Cathedral by Reichbishop Müller.
Bishop Wilhlem Berning of Osnabrück sat with the Deutsche Christen Reichsbishop in the Prussian
State Council from 1933 to 1945, a clear signal of support for the Nazi regime.
 Pope Benedict XVI (Ratzinger) was a member of the Hitler Youth movement and did wartime service
with a Nazi German army anti-aircraft unit.

A photograph of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem reviewing the Nazi "Handzar S.S" division in Yugoslavia
in 1944. In an address to the Muslim troops, the mufti put Islam and Nazism on the same level, claiming
" there were considerable similarities between Islam and National Socialism".

Copyright 1996 Topham Picturepoint.

Hitler ultimately wanted to establish a New Order of absolute Nazi German hegemony in continental
Europe. To achieve this, he pursued a foreign policy with the declared goal of seizing Lebensraum
("living space") for the Aryan people; directing the resources of the state towards this goal. This
included the rearmament of Germany, which culminated in 1939 when the Wehrmacht invaded Poland.
In response, the United Kingdom and France declared war against Germany, leading to the outbreak of
World War II in Europe.

BENITO MUSSOLINI, became the 40th Prime Minister of Italy in 1922 and began using the title Il
Duce by 1925. Mussolini's foremost priority was the subjugation of the minds of the Italian people and
the use of propaganda to do so. Press, radio, education, films—all were carefully supervised to create the
illusion that fascism was the doctrine of the twentieth century, replacing liberalism and democracy.

In 1929, a concordat with the Vatican was signed, the Lateran treaties, by which the Italian state was at
last recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, and the independence of Vatican City was recognised by
the Italian state. After 1936, his official title was "His Excellency Benito Mussolini, Head of
Government, Duce of Fascism, and Founder of the Empire". Mussolini also created and held the
supreme military rank of First Marshal of the Empire along with King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy,
which gave him and the King joint supreme control over the military of Italy. Mussolini remained in
power until he was replaced in 1943; for a short period after this until his death, he was the leader of the
Italian Social Republic.

Mussolini was among the founders of Italian Fascism, which included elements of nationalism,
corporatism, national syndicalism, expansionism, social progress and anti-communism in combination
with censorship of subversives and state propaganda. In the years following his creation of the fascist
ideology, Mussolini influenced, or achieved admiration from, a wide variety of political figures.

Among the domestic achievements of Mussolini from the years 1924–1939 were: his public works
programmes such as the taming of the Pontine Marshes, the improvement of job opportunities, and
public transport. Mussolini also solved the Roman Question by concluding the Lateran Treaty between
the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See. He is also credited with securing economic success in Italy's
colonies and commercial dependencies.

On 10 June 1940, Mussolini led Italy into World War II on the side of the Axis despite initially siding
with France against Germany in the early 1930s. Believing the war would be short-lived, he declared
war on France and Great Britain in order to gain territories in the peace treaty that would soon follow.

Christmas 1938 - 39
The Kalafrana Harmonica Band. Christmas 1938

Christmas menu 1939, Kalafrana.

Scan supplied by John A. Lester

Autobahn workers as guests of Hitler in the Berlin Sportpalast at Christmas in 1938.
 Hitler celebrating Christmas with his soldiers.

THE SECOND GREAT SIEGE OF MALTA 1940 - WORLD WAR II

On the 10th. June 1940, fascist Italian leader Benito Mussolini declared war against England and France.
Fascist Italy became an allied with Nazi Germany in World War II until 1943. Being a British colony,
Malta became a target for the fascist Italian and Nazi German bombardments.
 Benito Mussolini

Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini

At that time, Malta had a garrison of about four thousand soldiers, three sea-gladiator biplane fighters,
known as Hope, Faith and Charity, which had to fly from Hal Far due to the unfinished Airfield at Luqa,
a few anti-aircraft artillery and five weeks of food supplies to feed the three hundred thousand
population.
Faith Sea-Gladiator biplane fighter-1941
 Gladiator (possibly 'Hope' destroyed by German aircraft 4th February 1941 on Hal Far airfield.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Beasley

The first air raids against Malta came in the early hours, on 11th. June 1940, from the Fascist Italy using
CANT Z. 1007 medium bombers. At first, the Italians flew at around 5,500 m (18,000 ft), but when they
found no air opposition, they dropped to 3,000 m (9,800 ft) for improved accuracy. While many of their
dropped bombs fell in the sea, others fell on the Grand Harbour, at Kalafrana and Hal Far. There were
seven attacks that day which caused the first casualties, 15 civilians and 8 soldiers were killed and about
145 civilians and some soldiers were injured.

Two CANT Z.1007 Bombers

 Harbour barrage

11th June 1940 , the first Italian air-raids hit Malta

These attacks made the population in the harbour area to go and find refuge in the central parts of the
Island. Rock shelters were dug everywhere for the people’s safety. By the end of June 1940, the much
needed airfield at Luqa was completed just in time for the arrival of twelve Hawker Hurricanes which
reinforced the Sea-Gladiators and together were organized into No. 261 Squadron RAF, in August 1940.
The Italian peninsula was heavy attacked by this No. 261 Squadron in August 1940. In retreat the fascist
Italians attacked our military air bases.
 Attack on Luqa Mililtary air base

Hawker Hurricanes by Robert Taylor

 Some of the British children who were living with their families in Malta, were
evacuated to England.

After the fall of France, evacuations became more difficult (June 1940). And after the
Luftwaffe was deployed on Sicily and Sardinia (September 1941), they became virtually
impossible.
 The wire service caption read, "Milk from U.S. donations for young refugees
children refugees receiving donations of milk bought with funds sent by Sunday school
children of the United States." The photograph was dated September 3, 1940. This was
of course at the peak of the Blitz.

On the 10th. January 1941, the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious was escorting a convoy to Malta, but was
attacked by Junkers Ju-87 (Stuka) dive bombers for seven long hours. The attack had cause extensive
damage, destroying her sick bay and ward room, killed 132 crew members and wounded 97.

HMS Illustrious attacked by the Nazi German Bombers

The carrier docked at Grand Harbour for urgent repairs. While the ship was being repaired, on the 16th.
January 1941, at 2 p.m, the harbour was subject to heavy aerial bombardment by the Nazi German
Stuka dive-bombers. These attacks were mainly aimed at the Illustrious which was hit several times. The
hits led to some flooding of her outer hull compartments and minor listing, but all her machinery spaces
remain intact. Plane after plane kept dropping bombs. The three cities Birgu, Bormla and Isla suffered
heavily in this horrific attack. Many homes were destroyed and the refugees from these cities flocked to
the inner parts of the Island creating a serious housing problem.

On the 23rd. January 1941, HMS Illustrious sailed unobserved to Alexandria in Egypt.

HMS Illustrious
During the months of February and March 1941, the Nazi German air-crafts carried out with their
continuously air-raids on our Island. By day and by night, losing sleep, our pilots and gunners had to
face formidable odds.
Twin Lewis Guns at Marsa - 1941

Night Action - Malta 1941

 Valletta after a raid on the 15th February 1941. This used to be the Regent (Regal Cinema).

Ruins of the Capitol Cinema, 1941.Photo courtesy of Paul from his father (Bill Lazell's) collection.
Bomb Damage, Auberge de France, Valletta.Photo courtesy of Tony Cox
 Ruins of the Law Courts, Valletta

Ship on fire in the Grand Harbour, Valletta

At the end of April 1941 Valletta was heavily bombed. In mid 1941, a new squadron No. 185 was
formed and the defenders received the first cannon-armed Hurricane Mk II fighters. Naval carriers flew
in a total of 81 more fighters in April-May. These months also saw the arrival of the first Bristol
Blenheim and Bristol Beaufighter units.
In May 1941, the Nazi German resources were diverted from Malta to the Eastern Front and the Regia
Aeronautica was left alone with the bombing operations on Malta.

On 26th. June 1941, seventeen Italian E-boats attacked the Grand Harbour with torpedos. But they were
subjected to a merciless bombardment from every direction. 16 of the E-boats were drowned and and
one was found abandoned. No Italian returned home to tell the tale. In this failed attack, only the break-
water was damaged.

The only E-boat to survive the assault on the Grand Harbour on 26th. June 1941, was found abandoned a
few miles off the Grand Harbour.

Photo courtesy of Louis Henwood

On 1st. July 1941, Air Vice Marshal Forster Maynard, Malta's Air Officer Commanding, was replaced
by Air Commodore Hugh Pughe Lloyd. The Allies were able to launch offensive operations from Malta.
Some 60% of Axis shipping was sunk in the second half of 1941. The DAK and its allies needed
50,000 tons of supplies a day, but were not receiving that much, and as a result were unable to resist a
strong counter-offensive by British forces in Operation Crusader.

On 17th, November 1941, led by a Fleet Air Arm Blackburn Skua, an attempt to fly Hurricanes into
Malta ended in disaster with the loss of five Hurricanes.
With the capture of Yugoslavia, Greece, Crete and Libya in the hands of our enemy, it became very
difficult for convoys to get to Malta. Rationing of certain products became imperative the next winter.
Goats were slaughtered for lack of fodder. This slaughter provided a temporary increase in the meat but
greatly reduced the milk production.

In December 1941, naval and aerial offensive operations launched from Malta caused Nazi Germany to
renew intensive bombing on our Island.

Throughout January 1942, the Nazi German air force showered Malta with bombs. Falling on many
towns and villages these attacks destroyed countless homes and some bombs hit hospitals. Malta was
quickly running out of food, fuel and munitions

In February 1942, The British Authorities, were very much concerned about the rising of the fascism in
the Mediterranean and in North Africa. Aware of the Nationalist Party, being sympathetic to the fascist
cause, the then British Governor of Malta, Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie (1940-42), ordered
the deportation of 49 pro-Italian Maltese who were known to have good connections with fascist Italy,
our enemy.

Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie, May 1942

These people who were prominent members of the Maltese Italians community which included Enrico
Mizzi, the leader of the Nationalist Party, were exiled to Uganda. but were back to Malta on the 8th.
March 1945.

Dr Enrico Mizzi LL.D.

In February 1942, Squadron Leader Stan Turner arrived to take over 249 Squadron. His experience
flying with Douglas Bader over Europe soon meant the adoption of the loose 'finger-four' formation in
an attempt to cut RAF losses.
 Squadron Leader Stan Turner -1942

On 7th. March 1942, a reinforcement of 65 Spitfire Mk Vs flew to Malta from the aircraft carrier HMS
Eagle and the US carrier Wasp.

Spitfires on board US Carrier Wasp -1942

 Spitfires taking off from board US Carrier Wasp -1942

But in mid-March 1942, the Axis air forces with their maximum strength, some 520 Luftwaffe and 300
Regia Aeronautica aircraft attacked Malta. Many homes were destroyed, the Grand Master Palace and
Auberge de Castille sustain severe damage. Malta’s defenders, fighter-pilots and the anti-aircraft gunners
hit back and did managed to drop a few of our enemies plans. But the overwhelming Axis
bombardments had substantially eliminated Malta’s naval and aerial offensive capabilities.
Wreckage of Me 109 shot down over Luqa, 1942.

Photo courtesy of Louise Dardart.

 Kingsway, Valletta 1942.Photo courtesy of Paul from his father (Bill Lazell's) collection.

Outnumbered by the Axis air force, many of the British Spitfires were destroyed on the ground and in
the air. On the 22nd. March 1942, a much needed convoy, on it’s way to Malta from Alexandria was
completely wiped out and two ships loaded with precious cargo were badly hit and sunk in the Grand
Harbour by the Axis forces under the eyes of the helpless defenders.
On 22nd. March 1942, HMS Kingston was part of a convoy that left Alexandria for Malta, within about
a day's journey from Malta, it was hit by a torpedo from the Italian battleship Littorio, which exploded
above the upper deck and killed and blew the arms and legs of nearly everybody on the upper deck but
managed to continued on to Malta and was wrecked in dock - Malta 1942

When the RAF could not put up a fighter cover, Malta's Fighter Control would transmit a dummy radio
communication, aping the scrambling and interception of incoming raids as if fighters were already in
the air, knowing the Luftwaffe would be monitoring the conversations.

Operations room in Lascaris Bastion, Valletta.

Photo courtesy of Paul from his father (Bill Lazell's) collection.

During April and May 1942, the attacks from the Axis went on and the situation in Malta was made
more critical, with food shortage, the Maltese Island’s 300,000 population was menaced with starvation
and countless families were homeless. The invasion of Malta by the Nazi Germany and the Fascist Italy,
after their armies success in North Africa, was now a matter of course. The eyes of the world were now
upon Malta.
Maltese citizens lining up for milk rations while under siege during WWII - 1942
Wreckage of German JU 88 brought down on Malta at Ta'Qali.It is possible this aircraft was shot down
on the 14th May 1942 by a Spitfire using cannon.

Captured Focke-Wulf 190

Maltese labourers unloading bombs - 1942

The Royal Opera House destroyed on 7th. April 1942

St.Publius. Photo unmarked but probably taken after the raid on 28th April 1942.

Photo courtesy of Angelo Calleja

 The George Cross Reward, 15th. April 1942.

To honour her brave people, I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to
a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history.

This was the message from King George VI, to the Governor of Malta, Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie.

The Governor answered:

By God's help Malta will not weaken but will endure until victory is won.
Some historians argue that the award was in fact a propaganda gesture to justify the huge losses
sustained by Britain to prevent Malta from capitulating as Singapore had done in the Battle of
Singapore.
The George Cross
 A large official handing over ceremony was deemed too dangerous at the time due to constant air raids.
Four months on however, these attacks grew less frequent & a date of the 13th of September was
selected where, in the ruins of the Palace Square, Valetta Field Marshall Lord Gort presented the George
Cross to Sir George Borg, Chief Justice of Malta who accepted it on behalf of the people of Malta.

On 29–30 April 1942, a plan for the invasion of Malta was approved by Adolf Hitler and Benito
Mussolini. It envisioned an airborne assault with one German and one Italian paratroop division, under
the command of German General Kurt Student. This would have been followed by a seaborne landing of
two or three divisions protected by the Regia Marina. However, while the invasion was supported by
Rommel wholeheartedly, Hermann Göring was against it. In the end, the operation was repeatedly
delayed and eventually cancelled.

At the end of April 1942, Malta became desperate for Spitfires, Why don’t they send Spitfires, was the
sounding cry. At last at the beginning of May 1942, sixty-four Spitfires arrived to relieve the hard press
Island. But so did came the challenge from the German air force and Malta witnessed some of the most
famous Dogfights (air battles) of the war.
German bombers Ju-88 Junkers bombarding the port of Vallette (Malta). With the top, fight between Macchi MC-202 Italian
'Folgore' and a English 'Spitfire'. War 1939 - 1945 - MALTA

(Photo by Roger Viollet Collection / Images)

Soldiers and civilians clear rubble from ruins of the famed Upper Baracca in Valletta , which was hit during an Axis air raid
attack in May 1942.
 (Photo by British Official Photo/Time & Life Pictures / Images)

Citizens of Malta gathering to check on each other after an Axis air raid attack in May 1942

(Photo by British Official Photo/Time & Life Pictures / Images)

 Robert's aerial masterpiece portrays John Bisley RAF in his Spitfire of 126 Squadron in combat with
the Luftwaffe during one of the intense Dogfights over Grand Harbour in May 1942.

The ability of the pilots together with the efficient and the speed of the Spitfires, allowed the British to
gain air superiority over Malta for the first time since the start of the war.

The Gibbit

'A scaffold has been erected on Mensija Hill not far from the pigeon loft and it will be used against those
caught stealing or spying'
 Photo courtesy of Louise Dardart (Daughter of Peter Dardart)

This gibbet was one of four erected in an effort to stop petty pilfering among those on the base. Erected
by Wing Commander E.J.(Jumbo) Gracie, Station Commander at Ta' Qali. They were erected after a
spitfire pilot (Frank Jemmet) had to scramble without his parachute due to it being stolen. He was shot
up, crash landed and died in hospital.It was known that petrol or fuel oil 'went missing'. This was worth
a lot of money on the black market. It was also known that service personnel would take parachutes to a
Mosta bar and trade for spirits. The owner of the bar would sell the silk parachutes on to be made into
wedding dresses etc. These photos reached the Daily Mirror in the UK whereupon the Air Ministry
intervened. About a week later Commander Gracie disappeared from Ta' Qali and was replaced by
Group Captain Satchell who brought the first spitfires to Malta. Military police on Malta found the
photographer in Sliema and made him give an undertaking on pain of the confessional, that he would
neither print nor sell further photos of the gibbets.
 This poster was attached to the photo at the top of the page.

Written on the back was...'Things got as bad as this in 1942'

Only one hanging took place in Malta during these times. A Maltese named Borg Pisani also known as
Caio Borghi was recruited by the Italians as a student studying at the Regia Academia dei Belle Arti in
Rome. He landed by motor torpedo boat and dinghy on the 18th May 1942 at the base of cliffs between
Dingli and Imtahleb. His mission was to spy on allied activities and presumably report on bomb damage
and convoy intelligence. He was captured, tried and sentenced to hang on the warrant issued by the
Governor of Malta, Lieutenant General Sir William Dobbie (1940-42). who later resigned and his post
taken by Field Marshal Viscount Gort VC (1942-44).

From the gunpits, homes and shelters prayer rose to the Almighty God, that Malta might live. but others
were supporting the Nazi and Fascist activities.

Hitler greets both Bishop Muhler and Abbot Schlachleitner at a Nazi gathering.
 Nazi and Catholics Leaders

The Fuehrer (Poglavnik) Pavelic in the military boots beloved of fascist leadersand surrounded by Franciscans.
Lawsuit charges that Nazi gold funded Vatican ratlines.
In 1999 the survivors of the Croatian Holocaust launched their claim for compensation against the Franciscans and the
Vatican Bank.

In June, the Royal Navy undertook Operation Harpoon and Operation Vigorous. The two convoys
departed for Malta, the former from Gibraltar and the latter from Haifa and Port Said. The eastern
convoy was forced to turn back in the face of air attacks. Two freighters of the western convoy made it
to Malta and delivered 15,000 tons of supplies.

The Maltese in the U.S.A and many part of the Empire poured into Malta Relief Funds, which proved a
veritable godsend to the homeless in those dark days.

In July 1942, the British air superiority began to be felt. Now was the time for a convoy to Malta with
the much needed supplies.
The ruins of Victory Street in Senglea, Malta, after axis air raids during World War II, 4th July 1942.

Photo by Hulton Archive / Images

The Axis air assault left much of Valletta in ruins. People like these children often had to navigate the rubble to move around
the city.

Malta in Schutt und AscheKategorien: Malta-Reise (Debris and Ashes)

Ohio and Operation Pedestal, August 1942.

Months of bombing by German and Italian aircraft, and the interdiction of supply ships to the island, had
reduced the defenders to starvation rations by August 1942, and equally short of fuel for the RAF
aircraft which both provided air defence of the island and attacked in turn the Axis convoys supplying
Rommel's German and Italian troops in North Africa. On 10 August 1942, the Royal Navy mounted
Operation Pedestal, to try to get supplies through at any cost. Fourteen merchantmen left Gibraltar,
escorted by four aircraft carriers, the Royal Navy's two most powerful battleships - Nelson and Rodney -
four cruisers and a destroyer force.

The Ohio being nursed by a flottila of destroyers and minesweepers

Enemy submarines and aircraft attacked the force from the start. The aircraft carrier HMS Eagle was
torpedoed and sunk on 11 August 1942, killing two-hundred-and-sixty men, and losing all but four
planes.
 HMS Eagle sinking

Eighty aircraft attacked on 12 August 1942, but the carrier Victorious escaped when a bomb failed to
explode. A merchant ship was sunk. One of the escorts succeeded in ramming an Italian submarine, but
the carrier Indomitable came under further heavy air attack, and was put out of action by four hits.
Another Italian submarine did further damage, torpedoing three ships including the tanker Ohio.
 The damaged tanker, supported by Royal Navy destroyers HMS Penn (left) and HMS Ledbury (right)

During the night 12/13 August 1942, enemy torpedo boats joined the attack. Five more merchant ships
were lost. HMS Manchester was badly damaged, and subsequently scuttled. Daylight brought fresh air
attacks, claiming another pair of merchantmen. However, three merchant ships did make into Valletta's
Grand Harbour that day, and a fourth arrived on 14 August 1942. Spitfires were flown off from the
aircraft carriers to reinforce the Malta squadrons. The focus now became the tanker Ohio, by now hit
five times, under tow, and almost sinking. Helped stay afloat by HMS Ledbury, Ohio finally arrived in
Malta under tow but with her vital cargo of fuel intact, on 15 August 1942. Ohio's Master, Captain
Dudley Mason, was awarded the George Cross for his heroism.
These Malta boys cheer the arrival of the 'SS Ohio', carrying vital fuel to the belligerent island. This was the main objective
of Operation Pedestal, the last-ditch effort to save Malta which was at the point of surrendering. the boys are waving a hand-
made American flag, also the boys are waving the Union Jack and the Maltese flags.
 SS Ohio entering the Grand Harbour of Malta lashed between two destroyers

Pedestal had cost the Royal Navy an aircraft carrier, with a second badly damaged, two cruisers, and a
destroyer. Nine of the 14 merchant ships had been lost. But the five that got through saved the island
from having to surrender in early September 1942.

On the 23rd. October 1942, the British Eight Army attacked and the Africa Corps reeled backwards. The
Americans landed in west Africa and the Eight Army got nearer to Malta.

In November 1942, more African harbours fell in the allied hands and a convoy from the East reached
Malta safely. Now more ships sailed in and out our harbour unmolested. They brought supplies and aid
from the Red Cross. The Siege on Malta was now lifted.

In May 1943, the Italians and Germans lost Tunis their last hold in Africa to the allied.

On the 20th. June 1943, after the siege had been lifted, King George VI, visited Malta aboard the
destroyer HMS Aurora.
King George VI aboard HMS Aurora 20th June 1943. Probably taken when entering Grand Harbour.
Photo courtesy of Victor Pulis.

Photo courtesy of Barbara Hopkins.

King George VI in Valletta - Malta 1943
Photo courtesy of Barbara Hopkins.
King George VI accompanied by Mons. Emmanuel Brincat archpriest of Senglea during the war. Mons Brincat chose to stay
in Senglea throughout the war to be near the few parishioners who opted to stay and brave the onslaught - Malta 1943.
Photo courtesy of Victor Pulis.

Before leaving Malta to visit the 8th Army in North Africa, King George VI said,
'The warmth with which I have been received today has touched me more than I can say.
It has been for me one further proof of the loyalty which has inspired the Island
Fortress to withstand the fiercest blows that a cruel enemy could inflict on her'.

Radar position situated at Qawra Tower taken in 1943.The equipment in thisphoto is thought to be sound enhancing
equipment to detect raids at a distance.
Photo courtesy of Paul from his father (Bill Lazell's) collection.
 Operation Husky
A great build-up of the allied forces and armour were awaiting in Malta and in North Africa. Assembled
just off the Grand Harbour, were some 2, 660 ships ready to carry the troops for the invasion of Sicily.

Ships ready for the invasion on Sicily waiting off the Grand Harbour - Malta July 1943

Kittihawks Mk III of No.3 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force taken at Luqa.This photo taken during the build up for the
Sicilian landings.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Hili
 Preperations at Tigne

The landing force is concentrated around Malta and was directed from Lascaris war rooms.

Lascaris war rooms - Plotting Table in sector OPS room - 1943

 Lascaris war rooms - View of Sector Room - 1943

On the night of 9th. July 1943, Operation Husky, the code name for the invasion of Sicily, begins.

The 40 mph strong wind conditions, made the landings difficult, but still the invasion of Sicily was
successful. The Americans forces landed in the West and the British in the East. The American troops
were the 82nd Airborne division, making their first combat parachute jump. The strong winds blew the
dropping aircraft off course and scattered them widely; the result was that around half the US paratroops
failed to make it to their rallying points. British glider-landed troops fared little better; only 12 out of
144 gliders landing on target, many landing in the sea. Nevertheless the scattered airborne troops
maximized their opportunities, attacking patrols and creating confusion wherever possible.

The sea landings, despite the weather, were carried out against little opposition, the Italian units
stationed on the shoreline lacking equipment and transport. The British walked into the port of Syracuse
virtually unopposed. Only in the American centre was a substantial counterattack made, in exactly the
point where the US Airborne were supposed to have been. On the 11th. July 1943, Patton ordered his
reserve parachute regiments to drop and reinforce the centre. Unfortunately not every unit had been
informed of the drop, and the transports, which arrived shortly after an Axis air raid, were fired on by
their own side, losing 37 out of 144 planes.
With the gradual advance of the allied armies into the Italian peninsula and finally with the capitulation
of Italy on the 8th. September 1943, war began to recede from our shores. The Nazi German air-raids on
the Maltese Islands became isolated and of no avail to the enemy. Our Sufferings during the siege had
not been borne in vain.

Churchill on a visit to Malta in 1943. Taken at Senglea Wharf.Victor's mother is seen in the background in the darker dress.It
is understood Churchill was suffering a fever at this time.

Photo courtesy of Victor Pulis

On the 8th. December 1943, the President of America, Franklin D. Roosevelt, visited Malta bringing
with him a scroll from the people of America containing the following citation:

"In the name of the people of the United States of America, I salute the Island of
Malta, its people and defenders, who, in the cause of freedom and justice and decency
throughout the world, have rendered valorous service far above and beyond the call of
duty.
"Under repeated fire from the skies, Malta stood alone, but unafraid in the center of the
sea, one tiny bright flame in the darkness—a beacon of hope for the clearer days which
have come.
"Malta's bright story of human fortitude and courage will be read by posterity with
wonder and with gratitude through all the ages.
"What was done in this Island maintains the highest traditions of gallant men and women
who from the beginning of time have lived and died to preserve civilization for all
mankind."Dated December 7, 1943.
Signed FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT."

Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S.A, President (1933-1945)

On 23rd September 1943, General Pietro Badoglio and General Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Italian
surrender aboard Nelson off Malta.

U.S.A., General Dwight D. Eisenhower

 Italian General Pietro Badoglio

On the 28th. August 1944, for the last time the siren had sounded. It’s ominous wail had been heard
throughout Malta 3,342 times. Malta was now out of the war.

General Eisenhower said:

“TO THE VICTORY MALTA CONTRIBUTED MORE THEN HER SHARE. HER GALLANT
STAND SHORTENED THE WAR BY ONE YEAR”.

Sir William Dobbie, the Governor of Malta said:

“THE EMPIRE OWES A GREAT DEBT TO THE PEOPLE OF MALTA FOR THE SPIRIT IN
WHICH THEY FACED THE HAZARDS, LOSSES AND HARDSHIPS OF THE WAR”.

During the World War II, Malta was known as the Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier.

Over 5,000 tons of T.N.T. were dropped on Malta, damaging some 25,000 buildings and killing over
1,500 civilians.