Open day at war museum to mark George Cross award

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna will hold an open day at the Malta at War Museum in Vittoriosa on Sunday to mark the 66th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross by King George VI to Malta in 1942.

FWA started holding the annual event some three years ago in the hope that the memory of the last war would live on in the minds of present and future generations.

The museum, which stands on a large air-raid shelter, focuses on the daily life of the Maltese and their defenders during WWII. Besides interesting exhibits, visitors can also watch the wartime film-documentary Malta GC.

FWA chairman and CEO Mario Farrugia said the open day consists of frequent guided tours of the air-raid shelters, interactive displays and re-enactments. A replica George Cross will be displayed, along with historical information.

Mr Farrugia said the re-enactments are focusing on themes directly connected with the daily life of the Maltese during the Blitz, such as air-raid warning signals, anti-gas protection and shelter construction.

A replica of the wartime flag of Malta, which remained the national flag until Independence in 1964, will also be flown on the day. Throughout the event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Malta GC, produced by the Crown Film Unit in 1942 on the specific wish of King George VI, who wanted to document the bravery of the inhabitants and defenders of Malta in the face of overwhelming adversity, will be screened.

In producing Malta GC, extensive use was made of footage from the navy and army filming units, Mr Farrugia said. The best artistic talent of the time was also roped in - Sir Laurence Olivier as narrator and Sir Arnold Bax to compose the musical score.

The film was completed in 1943 when it was shown around the free world, giving Malta its new name as Malta GC, Mr Farrugia said, adding that a special agreement was reached between the Imperial War Museum in London and FWA for the film to be shown and traded solely from the Malta at War Museum.

Given the national significance of this historic date, FWA is offering a reduced entrance fee to the event: €5 per adult and free of charge for children under 16. A special offer is also being made for those who want to obtain a DVD copy of the historic movie - a normal adult entrance, plus a copy of the film at €12 instead of €20. Any funds generated will go in aid of further restoration and the upkeep of the historic site.