The island experienced its fair share of action during the period.
World War II was vividly experienced by the people in Malta. Strategically located in the heart of the Mediterranean, the islands were a crucial base for the Allied Forces in the war against the Axis. You can literally step back in time, into the annals of history, when you embark on an exploration of the ordeal the Maltese lived through during those dark days of the Malta Blitz between 1940 and 1943. Here's how you can find out more.
1. Learn about Malta's WWII history at the War Museum in Vittoriosa
Begin with a visit to the Malta at War Museum in Vittoriosa (Birgu), which is fully dedicated to Malta's role during the conflict. The museum is housed within an 18th century army barracks and a restored rock-hewn air-raid shelter. Discover the rich collection of period artefacts and memorabilia, including documents, personal items, uniforms, medals and weaponry, which is on display there. A multilingual audio-guide enriches your experience, as do the period newsreels, broadcasts and the 1943 documentary, containing original footage called 'Malta GC', which was commissioned by King George VI to demonstrate why he awarded the George Cross to the Maltese for bravery.
About the National War Museum in Valletta: Although many of its exhibits stem from the Bronze Age, the National War Museum in Valletta also focuses largely on World War I and World War II. Housed inside Fort St Elmo, it is located right beside The Malta Experience, an audio-visual show offering a great overview of Maltese history.
2. Venture into WWII strategy at the Lascaris War Rooms
Now, explore a top secret complex of underground tunnels and chambers which housed Britain’s War Operations Headquarters in Malta. Th Lascaris War Rooms is where the defence of the island against the Axis aggression was planned and where all offensive operations in the Mediterranean were directed. Step inside the RAF fighter control room, the radar room and the anti-aircraft gun operations room, located 150 feet beneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. And, this site - linked closely to the famous Operation Husky - came back into play during the Suez (1956) and Cuban Missile Crisis (1962); it was also used by NATO for tracking Soviet submarines in the Mediterranean (1967-1977).
3. Discover the secret bunkers beneath Valletta at the War HQ Tunnels
This guided tour takes you through the underground tunnels beneath Valletta which span 28,000 square metres! The War HQ Tunnels include the aforementioned War Operations Headquarters as well as the the St Peter & Paul Counterguard, the NATO tunnels and the unfinished tunnels which were intended as a Civil Government Bunker in 1943. The two-hour tour is available twice a day and includes a tour of the Saluting Battery; booking is recommended on +356 21225277.
4. See real WWII aircraft in authentic hangars at the Malta Aviation Museum
From strategy to hands-on battle at the Malta Aviation Museum in Ta' Qali, which is housed within actual hangars used during WWII. See restored WWII era aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, Hawker Hurricane Mk IIA and an airworthy de Havilland Tiger Moth in the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar. Post war piston and jet aircraft, helicopters, aircraft engines and ground equipment lie within the main exhibition hangar. The Romney Exhibition Hangar includes scale displays, uniforms and other memorabilia as well as the reception and shop. You can also check out a workshop with aircraft awaiting restoration.
5. Experience how the population saved themselves in the Mellieha Air Raid Shelters
During World War II, Malta became the most bombed place on earth (Laos later 'won' that title after the Vietnam war). As aircraft fought above, people sought shelter below. See where they sought refuge in the north of the island when an air-raid siren raised the alarm. And, witness the hardships of life below ground during the Blitz with a visit to some of the underground quarters. The largest of forty-six shelter complexes in Malta, the Mellieha Air Raid Shelters include over 500 metres of hand-hewn tunnels. Walk through the corridors, anti-blast chambers, family rooms, as well as the maternity clinic and the treasury. Appreciate the hardship experienced by the 3,842 Mellieha inhabitants and 1,117 refugees that used these shelters; each was allocated just 2 square feet (0.6 m²) of space, later doubled because of prolonged attacks. You can see why the wealthy would apply for a permit to dig a small private room.
BONUS: Witness the miracle of the unexploded WWII bomb at the Mosta Dome
The people of Malta endured hardship but their faith kept them strong. Divine Providence appeared to intervene on their behalf in many ways, such as with the historic Santa Marija Convoy. Another well known episode is related to the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, commonly known as the Rotunda of Mosta or the Mosta Dome, in which an abominable act, which was probably intended to demoralise the population, actually gave them even more hope.
On 9 April 1942, a German bomb pierced the dome and fell into the church during mass, failing to explode. It was considered little short of a miracle. Another bomb also fell and cleared the left side of the church's facade. It did not detonate either. The 250 people who had remained inside to pray, despite the air-raid, were 'saved' by a fluke, or, indeed, a miracle. Today, a replica of the bomb is on display inside this beautiful church.
These are but a few of the poignant remains of Malta's plight during World War II. Which have you been to?