Malta's suffering during the Second World War reached its peak during the Siege of Malta, a period spanning from June 1940 to November 1942 where 6,700 tonnes of bombs were dropped on Valletta's Great Harbour alone. News of the Maltese people's stoicism and courage reached King George V and he bestowed the islands with the ultimate symbol of bravery and courage: The George Cross.

The award was presented to Malta by Lord Gort, almost a month after the arrival of the Santa Maria Convoy, and its icon was incorporated into the Maltese flag the following year.

Check out video excerpts from the ceremony below: