A salute to Malta

H. Galea (NRK)

Oct 1st 2012, 20:18

The Spitfire !!! – the primadonna amongst the rest …. and an integral part of my heart !
I remember WWII right from day one when the air raid warning sounded at about 0600 - the morning following Mussolini’s declaration of war ! 3 Savoia Marchetti, way up in the sky resembling 3 glittering diamonds with the sun shining on the fuselage ! meanwhile 3 Italian marksmen release their bombs – all ending up in the sea !
Meanwhile Faith, Hope and Charity are still circling above.
I am so happy to see that the Spitfire continues to earn the admiration of one and all – but I must confess that I feel rather sad to note that the Gloster Gladiators and the Hurricanes do not seem to getting their share of admiration, praise and thanks. I strongly believe in giving to Caesar that which is Caesar’s !
All I can say is that there would not have been any Spitfires here on Island had it not been for the priceless work performed by those Gladiators and their fantastic pilots working on a four-hourly shift who kept the superior Italian airforce at bay. My favourite pilot was Timber, and I used to follow him closely and since our house was in the takeoff/landing path Timber got used to that little youngster on the rooftop waiting for him to wave and clap hands for his performance. Timber used to tilt his Gladiator and give me the ‘Thumbs up’ ….when I would then jump for joy - literally go crazy. I regret that I never had the chance to meet him or get his autograph. I truly feel that it is most unfair that the Gladiators should be made to occupy a back seat !
Without the Gladiators we would have been occupied in a few weeks time ! That’s it ! Whether anyone is ready to believe this or not !
The Hurricane was another marvel, and its pilots even more marvelous – I can still visualize those Messerschmitts running circles around the hurricane – but then it was usual for the Messerschmitt to nose dive leaving a trail of black smoke behind it. The Hurricanes did a marvelous job, since, considering their technical inferiority they were still able to give the Messerschmitt a good run for its money.
I do sincerely hope and pray all those who are prepared to render homage to the Spitfire (which, admittedly, is my big love) will, out of a sense of fairness also pay tribute to the three Gladiators and the Hurricanes and above all, the brave, competent and fantastically dexterous pilots !
They certainly deserve a lot more than a word of praise and thanks and a silent prayer.

David Rose

Sep 30th 2012, 20:21

I got some video of the spitfire on the Friday but you might also like what I captured today from my balcony at the Milano Due hotel in Sliema.
http://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2359888
A once in a lifetime photograph, I expect there will be official versions but it's unique for me :-)

Michael Vella

Sep 30th 2012, 16:13

Respect!

http://acesofww2.com/Safrica/aces/l-b/

Ivor Ramsden

Sep 30th 2012, 13:15

This actual aircraft has a special link with Malta. It was flown late in the war by a man who had previously flown Hurricanes in the defence of Malta. He was Pat Lardner-Burke, who was badly wounded in Malta. The Spitfire is painted as it was when he was flying it in 1943-44 in 222 Squadron RAF.

Valerie Calleja

Sep 30th 2012, 13:09

Our gratitude to those brave men and women who defended our island at great loss of life. We shall always remember them.God Save the Queen and the united Kingdom.

Steven Grech

Sep 30th 2012, 12:39

After watching Heroes of the Skies on Channel 5 last week, George Beurling became my new hero and made me proud of my little Island.

http://www.channel5.com/shows/heroes-of-the-skies/episodes/douglas-bader-2

For those in Malta who want to watch this programme download ExpatShield: http://www.expatshield.com/. It assigns a UK IP allowing you to watch all British TV online :-)

Enjoy!

Mr Stanley Cassar Darien

Sep 30th 2012, 10:56

“Either, sir, we get the Spitfires here within days, not weeks, or we’re done. That’s it.”
Sqn/Ldr Stan Turner to AOC Sir Hugh Lloyd about the situation on Malta.

Ross Stephen

Sep 30th 2012, 10:18

never has so much been owed to so few ..... if the commonwealth last for a 1000 years, men will still say this was OUR finest hour. (Winston Churchill)

To the many people around the world that gave their life's in fight again the Axis, we owed you every thing, without your bravery we would not be free.

vella m

Sep 30th 2012, 09:39

we are free thanks to the brave.

Jay Oatmon

Sep 30th 2012, 08:41

Superb - a true hero's aircraft!

John Attard

Sep 30th 2012, 08:40

Well done, this is a part of history which we should never forget!