Back in 1799 (exactly 220 years ago), the French occupied Malta in what would be the shortest occupation in Maltese history. In the two years the French were on our islands, they made a downright mess of things and regarded locals as outsiders. Obviously, the Maltese didn’t stand for this, and decided to take back what was theirs. Or at least, they tried to.

The movement

The French were in possession of virtually all of Malta's stored foodstuffs, since the grain granaries had all been sited behind the safety of the main fortifications. The situation turned into a moot point: who would starve first, the French or the Maltese?

Once the locals had had enough of this behaviour, they engineered a way to end this impasse: anti-French plot led by those Maltese who remained in Valletta.

The ringleaders

The two men who lead the plot were Fr Michael Scerri and Guglielmo Lorenzi, who would both go down in history as Maltese patriots. Scerri was the ‘soul’ of the movement mainly due to his popularity, kindness and high esteem with which he was held by fellow locals. Lorenzi was a former Corsican corsair and was the military brains behind the plot, having seen service with the Russians in their wars against the Ottomans.

The attack

All preparations were in place for an assault to take place. The night before the attack, a vessel evaded the British blockade and slipped into harbour carrying foodstuffs and news of French victories overseas. However, the Maltese hiding at their posts thought that shouts of joy by the French soldiers was the signal for attack. And as you may expect, the assault failed.

Having been warned about a brewing plot, General Vaubois had beefed up security within the walls, but the Maltese were absolutely determined to take control.

Unusual noises were heard on the Marsamxett wharf by Fort Manoel commandant Bovard and officer Roussel during Vaubois’ celebrations for the overseas victories. The Maltese hiding in the shadows panicked and fled, while others were captured. Later, Saverio Satariano, fearing for his own life, listed the names of all the Maltese rebels involved in the plot.

The aftermath

As history goes, rebels have never gone unpunished. All those involved were rounded up and paid with their lives. 45 Maltese men were executed by firing squad, with ringleader Lorenzi first on the list. A large bronze monument dedicated to Fr Michael Scerri and his patriot friends, a work of Maltese sculptor Anton Agius, was erected in Valletta and inaugurated in 1986.

The historical plot has been accorded an honourable place in Maltese literature and culture with famous local writers including the event in various works such as Nazju Ellul by Ġużè Muscat Azzopardi, Anġli tan-Niket by Gino Muscat Azzopardi, and Ġużè Aquilina’s Taħt Tliet Saltniet. National poet Dun Karm Psaila also included the event in his immortal poem Lil Dun Mikiel Scerri.