Life goes on in wartime too

Patrick Cooke (The Sunday Times, September 11), quotes the outgoing head of the European Parliament office in Malta, Julian Vassallo, as saying: “If we were attacked in Malta, we would probably close all shops and businesses on the day and stay home.”...

Patrick Cooke (The Sunday Times, September 11), quotes the outgoing head of the European Parliament office in Malta, Julian Vassallo, as saying: “If we were attacked in Malta, we would probably close all shops and businesses on the day and stay home.” How could Dr Vassallo say what we would probably do?

Throughout 1941 and 1942 we in Malta were made to endure continual aerial bombardments, day and night, which killed many of our relatives and friends, and destroyed many of our houses.

We did not stay at home. Enough shops and businesses stayed open to provide us with the meagre food then available (including carob beans).

We survived, only just, emaciated, and you know what? During those two years, even in our distress, we still retained our sense of humour, making up and exchanging jokes, mostly about ourenemies.

I know, I was there. Dr Vassallo was not born yet.

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