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.