FWA regrets official inaction over end of siege anniversary

An exhibition marking the end of the siege in the Second World War is being held at Couvre Porte, Vittoriosa.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna has put up the exhibition with assistance from the Cottonera Rehabilitation Committee, the Malta Tourism Authority, Heritage Malta and Vittoriosa local council.

FWA chairman Mario Farrugia said the siege of Malta ended on September 8, 1943, when Italy surrendered.

"It is an important episode in our history and it is shameful that officially nothing has been done about it. We have no sense of history. The fact that nothing else has been done about this shows that the war is just history. It is part of the distant past, just like the Great Siege."

The exhibition consists of about 300 artefacts from the war, with an emphasis on the home front.

"It is intended to highlight the people's efforts," Mr Farrugia said.

Gas protection equipment as well as air raid protection and medical and health equipment are among the items on display.

Sirens that wailed to announce air raids and various displays about blackouts, postal censorship as well as newspapers and periodicals of the time are also on display.

Also exhibited is the last public speech made on Rediffusion by Lord Gort before he left Malta. The statement is signed by Lord Gort.

Italian publications on Malta and propaganda material is also displayed.

On Monday, volunteers will be at Couvre Port to carry out guided tours in the rock hewn air-raid shelters. The tours will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m.

The exhibition will be closed later this month but the Malta Home front Museum will be opened in its stead later this year.

The museum will not just have the current exhibits but also contain many other artefacts connected with the civilian effort made in the war.

Mr Farrugia said the foundation was interested in acquiring some shotgun cartridges that used to be issued by the military authorities during the war to the parachute battalion made up of Maltese hunters.

Donations of other war related items are also welcome. Mr Farrugia can be contacted on 9987 4153.