A World War II exhibition entitled Lest We Forget is being held until April 19 at the National Library in Valletta by the George Cross Island Association Malta Branch in collaboration with the Malta Library and Information Association.
The exhibition serves as a reminder of Malta’s valour during the war, when King George VI awarded it the George Cross “to honour her brave people”.
Invaluable artefacts include the George Cross and the Roosevelt Citation.
It will feature the civilian and military aspects of daily life in Malta from 1940 to 1943, ranging from Victory Kitchens that used to line Malta’s streets, to the disastrous effects of the innumerable air raids on the island.
Among the exhibition’s intriguing artifacts is a baby’s gas mask and a German propaganda catalogue containing pictures of bombed areas in Malta.
Medals awarded to Maltese and Allied soldiers for their bravery and valour and a currency and Allied propaganda poster collection of the era are also displayed.
The exhibition’s military section gives an insight into life in the armed and naval forces.
The display houses military and technical gear ranging from Allied and Axis helmets and badges to radios and telephones.
The section on naval forces includes the crests of influential ships that entered Maltese waters and a model of the Ohio.
A feature on Operation Pedestal follows the treacherous voyage of the Santa Marija convoy, and newspapers of the era will give a feel of the hope that the convoy restored in the country.
For more information about the George Cross Island Association e-mail gciamalta@melita.com.
www.georgecrossislandassociation.org.uk
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