Wartime cameraman to return for GC re-enactment

An RAF technician who filmed the presentation of the George Cross to Malta 66 years ago, Jack Vowles, will be returning to Malta to witness the first ever re-enactment of that historical event.

The re-enactment will take place on the Palace Square on Tuesday, which will the anniversary of the granting of the medal by King George VI to Malta in 1942.

The medal was actually presented to Malta on September 13, 1942, when it was safe enough for a ceremony of that nature to be held.

The silver cross was presented by the new Governor, Lord Gort, to Chief Justice Sir George Borg as representative of the people. The medal was then displayed in the centre of the square, guarded by Maltese soldiers.

The Palace Square, where the presentation was made, bore the scars of war. The buildings on one side, opposite Piazza Regina, were partly in ruins and a blast wall that looked like a rubble wall could be seen in front of part of the palace.

But a large crowd still ringed the square to witness the event, which was focused on a dais decorated with the Union Jack.

Those present included Malta’s bishops and senior military commanders.

The re-enactment is to be presented by the Malta Tourism Authority at the palace square, starting at 6 p.m.

Mr Vowles, who has been to Malta before, will be in a group of 60 from the George Cross Island Association coming to Malta tomorrow.