The Duke of Gloucester yesterday paid tribute to the “tremendous bravery” of the Maltese “in the face of catastrophic bombing” during World War II, as the nation marks 70 years since it was awarded the George Cross

The Duke of Gloucester, in Malta as a representative of Queen Elizabeth II in her Diamond Jubilee year, was speaking at Valletta’s Lower Barrakka Gardens after Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had planted a tree to commemorate the George Cross anniversary.

Earlier the Duke had joined President George Abela and Dr Gonzi for the George Cross Island Association Service and wreath laying ceremony at the Siege Bell memorial.

Among those present was Robert Dobbie, grandson of Sir William Dobbie, who was governor of Malta from 1940 to 1942.

“The courage and endurance of the Maltese people must never be forgotten. They have a very special place in the hearts of my family,” he told The Sunday Times.

Yesterday evening, the restored War Memorial in Floriana was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. George Cross activities continue today with a re-enactment and official commemoration ceremony in St George’s Square, Valletta, after a 6 p.m. Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral.

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