Malta Remembered – by those who were there during World War II

Malta in World War II
ISBN 1-903953-94-4
    Delivery time:5-7 Days
Add to cart
  • Description
  • More
  • Specifications

edited by Frank Rixon
A collection of stories about the George Cross Island of Malta contributed by military personnel who served there during the Second World War.

Due to its strategic position in the Mediterranean and its deepwater harbour, Malta became the focus of intense bombardment during World War II but nevertheless remained in British hands throughout the conflict, earning it a unique place in history. The island was famously awarded the George Cross for valour by King George VI in recognition of the fortitude of its citizens and the servicemen who served their during the wartime years. This book records some of their stories…

This collection of stories, hitherto unpublished in book form, reveals a wide range of experiences of soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians on and around the Mediterranean island of Malta during the siege years of World War Two.

Nobody who lived through those years on the island could ever forget them and the recollections reproduced here are just a tiny sample of the thousands of stories to be told of dogged resistance, amazing courage and steadfast companionship, which were among the traits required to survive this most challenging period in Malta’s history.

In his foreword HRH Prince Philip has this to say: 

"Malta has a long history of warfare and sieges, but it is the stories of individuals that bring history to life. ‘Malta Remembered’ contains a collection of remarkable accounts by individuals who fought on, from and over the island, and who lived to tell their tales... I am sure that anyone with a general interest in the history of the Second World War will be impressed by these detailed accounts, and this ‘source material’ will certainly be most valuable for future historians. I hope it will also be read by the descendents of the authors and by those who had friends and relations serving in Malta during the War. It is a tribute to their dedicated service."

In keeping with HRH’s sentiments, it is hoped that this book will be considered a useful addition to the many formal histories already published about Malta’s siege years and that the stories it contains will provide a worthwhile personal insight into the events of those difficult times.

The front cover of the book depicts the Siege Bell Monument, inaugurated in 1992, which now overlooks Grand Harbour in Valetta. The bell is rung at noon each day in memory of the thousands of civilians and military personnel who lost their lives on the island during the siege of the island uring World War II.

Frank Rixon served with 2nd Battalion of the Queen' Own Royal West Kent Regiment on Malta during the siege years. He is now the Public Relations Officer of the George Cross Island Association.

In his foreword HRH Prince Philip says:

"Malta has a long history of warfare and sieges, but it is the stories of individuals that bring history to life. ‘Malta Remembered’ contains a collection of remarkable accounts by individuals who fought on, from and over the island, and who lived to tell their tales... I am sure that anyone with a general interest in the history of the Second World War will be impressed by these detailed accounts, and this ‘source material’ will certainly be most valuable for future historians. I hope it will also be read by the descendents of the authors and by those who had friends and relations serving in Malta during the War. It is a tribute to their dedicated service."

In keeping with HRH’s sentiments, it is hoped that this book will be considered a useful addition to the many formal histories already published about Malta’s siege years and that the stories it contains will provide a worthwhile personal insight into the events of those difficult times.

The front cover picture depicts the Siege Bell Monument, inaugurated in 1992, which now overlooks Valetta's Grand Harbour. The bell is rung at noon each day in memory of the thousands of civilians and military personnel who lost their lives on the island during the wartime years.

Frank Rixon served with 2nd Battalion of the Queen' Own Royal West Kent Regiment on Malta during the siege years. He is now the Public Relations Officer of the George Cross Island Association.

details softback | 170 x 250 mm | 180 pages | b/w photos
genre biography | military history | true war and combat stories | air forces and warfare
keywords World War 2, Malta