Re-enactors, World War II military vehicles and visitors clogged the main Mtarfa thoroughfares on Sunday  as a special edition of Military Mtarfa was held to commemorate Armistice Day.

One of the highlights of the activity was the opening of a large wartime shelter beneath the ex-British Naval Hospital, which was built to treat the military casualties during World War I.

The shelter was an important hideaway and escape route for all patients and staff during the war. It is six storeys deep and includes an emergency operating theatre which had never been opened to the public since the end of World War II.

The event kicked off with a visit to the Mtarfa Military Cemetery, where 238 Commonwealth burials were made during World War II.

The shelter was a hideaway and escape route for all patients and staff

A wreath was laid in honour of those men, followed by a salute by the Mtarfa Scout Group. 

The main event featured re-enactors performing various drills, battle simulations and skirmishes between British and German forces.

Visitors could also see a World War II field hospital and field kitchen together with a typical Victory Kitchen, among other attractions. They could also interact with soldiers as they walked through the trenches which surround the venue.

There were various displays of World War I and World War II memorabilia, including authentic weapons, radio equipment and official attire.

The Armed Forces of Malta, the Police Force and the Civil Protection Department also took part in Military Mtarfa, providing a unique insight into their role during the wars.

The Malta Railway Foundation held its own display, which was particularly significant given that the British Railway Service used to start from the Mtarfa station.

Military Mtarfa was organised by the Mtarfa local council, with the support of the Valletta 2018 Foundation.

The large wartime shelter beneath the ex-British Naval Hospital.