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World War II: "Heroism and Devotion " in the "Island Fortress"

Malta's location played a key role during World War II and it islanders found themselves in the middle of the Mediterranean crossfire for years. They strongly supported the Allied troops militarily and provided a base for Allied maneuvers. The Maltese inhabitants suffered real hunger and heavy civilian casualties through enemy blockades and bombing, known as the Second Great Siege, a reference to the Knights' victory over the invading Turks during the Great Siege of 1565. The key events of these difficult years were presented in our exhibit in the History Trail.

Their courage and perseverance was rewarded by an unusual honour: The King of England, George VI, awarded the entire population of Malta a medal! The George Cross is on display in the so-called "War Museum" at Fort St Elmo in Valetta. Our History Trail exhibit included this photo of the George Cross, with the King's text:



From Buckingham Palace, to the Governor of Malta:

"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."

George R.I.
April 15th, 1942

The text is engraved on a government building in the centre of Valletta, and since 1964 the George Cross has been a part of the Maltese flag.