Months before the declaration of World War II, the British were already experimenting with their first radar prototype in Malta.

Tas-Silġ no 21033 A.M.E.S TYPE 13.Tas-Silġ no 21033 A.M.E.S TYPE 13.

The Malta system was the first and only one tested outside the UK, and as soon as the war broke, the British Forces brought over four more radars to cover high and low level flying aircraft, as well as sea movements.

Details about this operation will be given by Major Tony Abela on Friday at 7pm at the Voluntary Sector Hall in Melita Street, Valletta, during a public lecture being organised by the Malta Aviation Society.

Major Abela will also speak about the first enemy jamming experience in July of 1942, when the adversaries did not yet suspect that the island’s defence was backed up with radars. This interference was quickly dealt with and counter-measures were taken.

Radars in Malta were a determining factor during the Sicily invasion – and most importantly were critical in defeating German General Erwin Rommel and ending the North African campaign under the command of Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery.

Without the British radars in Malta, the war could have had a different end.

The Malta radars, operated by the British Forces, also came in handy during the Cold War.

Friday’s audio-visual presentation will be held in English, and is scheduled to take just over one hour.

www.mas.org.mt

Tas-Silġ radar.Tas-Silġ radar.

Ta' Ġurdan LighthouseTa' Ġurdan Lighthouse

No 504 radar structure still standing at the lower ledge of Dingli cliffs.No 504 radar structure still standing at the lower ledge of Dingli cliffs.

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