A moving re-enactment of the presentation of the George Cross to Malta 66 years ago was held for the first time this afternoon by the Malta Tourism Authority. The ceremony, witnessed by hundreds of people, took place on the Palace Square in Valletta, the same place where the presentation ceremony was held on September 13, 1942. The award of the George Cross was announced by Buckingham Palace on April 15, 1942.

Prior to the re-enactment those present could experience some of the sounds and sights of the second world war. They included Benito Mussolini's declaration of war, the air raid sirens, the roar of piston-engined aircraft and exploding bombs, warnings on Rediffusion (cable radio), people praying in the shelters, BBC reports of the bombing and the songs of the time. They could see people in period costume queue for their food outside a "Victory Kitchen" and others being rounded up in military trucks painted in sandstone (Malta) camouflage.

The ceremony proper started with the address to the people by Governor Dobbie thanking King George VI for the award ­ - made at the height of the siege of Malta when the island was approaching capitulation. The corner was turned following the August 1942 convoy and it was deemed safe enough to hold the actual presentation of the medal a month later.

The presentation was made by the new Governor, Lord Gort, to Chief Justice George Borg, representing the people. The ceremonial robes worn by the Chief Justice on that day were the same ones worn by the re-enactor today.

The ceremony was focused on a dais in the centre of the square, draped, as it was 66 years ago, with a Union Jack. AFM and Police contingents formed up opposite the Palace. Children played on a "blast wall" near the palace while Maltese and Union Jacks fluttered in the wind.

The God Save the King and the Maltese anthem opened proceedings and Lord Gort's voice then boomed over the public address system as he read the citation written by the King when he awarded the medal to Malta. The medal - the original one - was then handed to the Chief Justice who placed it on a stand in the middle of the square for the people to see.

He made a speech expressing gratitude for the award and reiterating the people's loyalty to the crown.

Those 'present 'included the senior military and ecclesiastical authorities including Archbishop Caruana and Bishop Gonzi.

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