FWA receives rare wartime anti-aircraft gun
A rare World War II gun has been added to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna's collection.
The gun, which was recently transported by Express Trailers from the UK, will undergo extensive restoration.
Known as the 3.7 inch QF AA, the gun was Britian's primary heavy anti-aircraft gun during World War II and had the potential of firing 12.7 kg shells at a maximum horizontal range of 18,800m.
The acquisition of this gun was supported by Bank of Valletta.
FWA executive chairman Mario Farrugia explained the uniquess of the gun in that it is not only one of the four remaining guns of its type but also because contrary to the other existent guns which are static, this gun happens to be the only mobile gun in Malta. It comes complete with wheels and carriage.
"The addition of the 3.7 inch QF AA to our collection augurs well to our project to set up an open air artillery section within Rinella Battery," Mr Farrugia said.
"It is also a good start for our year during which Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is planning to open seven new historical venues starting from the Malta at War Museum at Couvre Porte in Vittoriosa this coming April to coincide with the 70th anniversary commemoration of the award of the George Cross to Malta followed by the opening of the Government Bunker, previously never accessed, the newly restored St Peter and St Paul Counterguard which will see a museum totally dedicated to the history of gunpowder, the old section of the Lascaris war rooms, the new Saluting Battery and Museum, the Nato War Rooms as well as the Barracks at Rinella which are going to host a museum dedicated to Garrison Life Inside Fort Rinella.
"All this is being done with the limited resources that we have however, all this proves that the support from such sponsorships are actually a solid investment in safeguarding Malta's historical heritage for ours and future generations," Mr Farrugia said.
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Colin Stanley
Feb 3rd, 10:25
@J. Schembri. We took even more, from trhe British. remember all the Maltese working for the British service, I bet you 90% of them stole whatever they could , "ghax tar- Regina." Can you please rimind us what the British took from Malta, because not all of us remember these things.
Colin Stanley
Feb 2nd, 17:22
How about praising Mr. Farrugia for the excellent job he is doing, most propably if it was not for his dedication a lot of these projects , would still be in shambles. well done Mr. Farrugia.
fred fellon
Feb 2nd, 16:50
If only the FRENCH would return what they have plundered during their brief occupation in Malta.
Victor Rodenas
Feb 2nd, 17:12
Impossible I think,because most of the loot finished in Abukir waters.
JP Bajada
Feb 2nd, 18:20
i think Mr. Fellon was referring to the La Vallette dagger housed at the Louvre.
John Schembri
Feb 2nd, 18:37
The British took even more.
Michael Sciortino
Feb 2nd, 15:50
The acquisition is fine. However what is the gun's connection to Malta?
Francis Sammut
Feb 2nd, 16:58
What do you mean, what is the gun's connection with Malta? You ever read Malta's history during WWII?
Stefan Zammit
Feb 2nd, 17:40
It's highly unlikely that this particular gun was used in Malta, but off the top of my head I do recall reading that the same model (QF AAs) were used in Malta.
Jay Oatmon
Feb 2nd, 15:27
It is always good to remember those who fought to keep us free, whatever they did, and these old guns remind us all of what they endured, for years.
Charles Cremona
Feb 2nd, 15:26
It's probably in better condition than some of the guns used by the AFM, as understand none of them work.
JP Bajada
Feb 2nd, 18:23
How pessimistic, Charles! Thank god instead that we never needed them!!!
JP Bajada
Feb 2nd, 18:24
Never needed them, as in, lately, of course!