George Cross medals, Great Siege items on display

The two versions of the George Cross that were awarded to the Maltese people during World War II are on public display at the War Museum in Valletta, as part of the activities organised by Heritage Malta to mark Victory Day today.

A copy of the letter from King George VI to Governor Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie is also being displayed at the War Museum. The letter was sent to the Governor conferring the George Cross so as to bear witness to the heroism and devotion of the people of Malta during the early parts of the war.

The two copies of the George Cross were dispatched to Malta during the war, a Heritage Malta spokesman said. One was flown over and the copy was brought over by ship as a backup in case the first one failed to make it safely. Fortunately, both reached Malta. Apparently, the one sent via aircraft was the one that was eventually officially presented and was inscribed at the back. The inscription reads: To The Island Of Malta 15 April 1942.

Heritage Malta has also mounted an exhibition of coins, medals and maps in use in 1565. The exhibition is being held in the State Rooms at The Palace, in Valletta. Panels have also been put up with information about the frescos painted on the walls of the Supreme Council Hall.

The Great Siege fresco cycle is a contemporary record of a maritime event of the greatest importance to European history, Heritage Malta said. Matteo Perez d'Aleccio was invited to paint the cycle by Grand Master Jean de la Cassiere (1572-81) as part of the decorations of the Council Hall in the newly-built Grand Master's Palace in Valletta. The artist arrived in Malta in 1576 and left after five years. A former assistant to Michelangelo, d'Aleccio had painted two frescoes at the Sistine Chapel.

His rendering of the Great Siege battle scenes depart from the Renaissance illusionism. The frescoes are more archaic and suitable to illustrate a narrative. The variable scale of the figures and the aerial views are reminiscent of Turkish miniature painting as used in period chronicles, Heritage Malta said.

The exhibitions will remain open until September 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Today, entrance to the two sites will be at half price. Entrance to the War Museum will be 50c for adults; senior citizens and children enter for free. Entrance to the State Rooms will be Lm1 for adults, 50c for senior citizens and children under 16 enter for free.