Part 1: The Begining
The
news spread Mussolini was about to declare war with the Maltese Islands,
mainly because of their strategical position. Malta's position was in such a
way that it prevented the Nazis to attack Africa. Naval British vessels were
sent from Malta to mine the path along from Italy along to Africa and to
destroy any Italian ships. "Mussolini has declared war
!!".
The 10th of June, 1940 saw Malta's
debut in the war.
The populace was confused and afraid. It panicked. All
the Maltese living near the sea, or the Malta Dry-docks (the area is called Cottonera),
rushed to other places to the North. These place (e.g. Mellieha, Rabat) were
much safer.
The second
world war gad been going since 3rd September 1939. So the names of Hitler and Mussolini
had already became feared. Gas Masks were started
to be supplied in case nerve gas bombs were used in the war. Nerve gas bombs
were becoming increasingly popular, and they were dropped from planes. The British
authorities prepared some cellars to be used as shelters. Malta simply wasn't
ready for the war.
It
was known that the South of Malta, especially near the Dry-docks were British
naval ships awaited repairs. Aw already indicated this part is called the Cottonera.
The following is a brief account of what happened to the Maltese Islands on
the 11th June, 1940.
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HOUSES IN COSPICUA (BORMLA)
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The day was
Tuesday. The siren (indicated an air-raid warning) was sounded for the very first
time. It is estimated that it had to be sounded some 10,000 times before the
war ended. Cable Radio (Reddifuxin in Maltese) continued to
add to the uncertainty and 'excitement'. The German Stukas (planes of
WWII) could already be heard. And since only a few shelters had been dug...
people found refuge under tables, or in cellars. One smiles on hearing this...
but it was all the Maltese could thinks of because of the negligibility of the
English.
The
first air-raid bombs fell on Bormla, Pieta, Gzira, Floriana and Valletta.
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VICTORY STREET IN SENGLEA (ISLA)
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On the same day, at
about 7:25 pm, it was the Italians' turn to attack. Another big air-raid form
25 Italian Planes. And all this with no shelters and with people caught traveling
to the North of Malta. Needless to say, with no efficient hospital there
were many casualties which died. The main target was the peoples'
houses.
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THE CHURCH IN SENGLEA (ISLA)
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Schools were being used as emergency hospitals. Nearly all casualties were dry-docks
workers. Late at night, several people tried yet another try to flea from
Cottonera.
Fighter-pilots had orders to drop mines near churches. Fortounately,
most Italian mines weren't properly manufactured and did not
explode.
Statues that the Maltese
were highly devoted to were taken to safer places. The Senglea Church in was
hit on th14th June. It marked the begining of the massive destruction of
beatiful Maltese churches in the World War.
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SCENES OF DESTRUCTION.
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CELEBRATING THE FEAST IN
B'KARA.ON 8/12/1941
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ONE HAS TO MENTION THAT
AFTER THE WAR ON THE 19th OF NOVEMBER 1944, THERE WAS A PILGRIMAGE FROM
BIRKIRKARA TO COSPICUA
FULL OF ENTHUSIASM ESPECIALY WHEN THEY REACHED COSPICUA
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FROM BIRKIRKARA
TO COSPICUA
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About 70% of Maltese
houses weren't in a suitable condition for living in.
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This part of the site is still under
construction. We plan to go in much more detail of the effect of war on the
Maltese Islands. This page has been dedicated to the very beginning of the War
in Malta.
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The
following is a very brief account of how the war ended:
Please
note that the following information is taken from ANOTHER site:
It
is only being used as reference, and will be remove as soon as possible.
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IN THE YEAR 1943 MOST PEOPLE WERE COMING BACK TO LIVE IN
THE THREE CITIES.
ON THE 8th OF MAY 1943 THE BELLS RANG HAPPILY AFTER THE
NAZI AND ITALIAN HAD SURRENDERD IN NORTH AFRICA. THE FIRST BELLS THAT
RANG WERE THAT OF THE CHAPEL OF ST. ANGELO AND THAT OF ST. LAURENCE IN
VITTORIOSA. THIS NEWS MEANT THE END OF THE 2 WORLD WAR. THAT DAY
EVERYBODY WAS HAPPY AND IN MANY TOWNS AND VILLAGES THE LOCAL BANDS MARCHED
WITH JOY THROUGH THE STREETS. THEREWERE THE SOUND OF THE SIREN FROM THE
BOATS AND SHIPS IN THE HARBOUR.
THERE STILL WERE MANY PROBLEMS IN COTTONERA. THE
PEOPLE OF THE THREE CITIES HAVE SUFFERD, SOME LOST THIER LOVED ONCE.
THEY DESERVED PRAISE FOR THIER FEAT.
