GC event sends many scurrying to shelters

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna yesterday held its open day at the Malta at War Museum, in Vittoriosa to mark the 66th anniversary since King George VI awarded the George Cross in 1942.

It has been holding this annual event for the last three years in a bid to keep the memory of the last war alive in the minds of present and future generations.

Besides its interesting exhibits, visitors could also watch the wartime film-documentary Malta GC, produced by the Crown Film Unit in 1942 on the specific wish of King George VI.

They could enjoy frequent guided tours of the air-raid shelters, on which the museum stands, interactive displays and re-enactments, 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 George Cross medal, along with historic information, was also displayed in the museum, which centres on the daily life of the Maltese and their defenders during World War II.

A replica of the wartime flag of Malta, which remained the national flag until Independence in 1964, was also being flown.

Any funds generated during the open day from entrance tickets and DVD sales were in aid of the museum's further restoration and the upkeep of the historic site.