WW2 Museums in Malta
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The 2nd World War had a huge impact on the Maltese population and has shaped the Island's culture and history since. No less than 3 museums on the islands describe the epic struggles of the thousands of Maltese and British forces on the islands who endured constant Axis bombardments and never surrendered.
National War Museum:
is Museum is mainly intended to recall the difficult days of World War 2; but it has also on display several items from the First World War.
The Museum is located in Lower St. Elmo, on that part of the ramparts facing Marsamxett Harbour. St. Elmo is the right place to host this museum, considering that the historical fort played outstanding roles throughout its long existence, particularly during the epic siege of 1565 and the longer one during the last World War.
The War Museum has recently been renovated with the exhibits restored and displayed in a timeline fashion as you move from room to room.
The range of exhibits consists of charts and photographs, small arms collections, uniforms, gas masks, regimental crests and badges, and hundreds of minor objects and relics of World War 2. These exhibits bear witness to the difficult days and the hardships suffered by the Maltese people during the siege .
Four items displayed are of notable interest:
A Gladiator biplane, 'Faith' - the only survivor of four such airplanes, which formed the aerial defence of Malta in June 1940. A 75mm Field-Gun - the first captured on the Sicilian beachhead after the landings in July 1943. A Jeep used by President Roosevelt during his visit to Malta, December 1943. The George Cross Medal awarded to Malta in 1942.
Remains of German dive-bombers, machine-guns, aircraft instruments and other relics of Hitler's air-force, are also on show.
Numerous photographs and charts give an idea of the devastation from aerial bombardments. Statistical data record the number of raids and other wartime events.
The museum also has a model air-raid shelter showing how many Maltese lived during the bombardments.
Malta At War Museum:
The museum located in Vittoriosa and focuses on the civilian population and what they enduring during the war years. The entrance fees to the of Museum also include a guided tour to real underground shelters and viewing of Malta G.C. original wartime documentary.
Aviation Museum:
Another museum worth a visit is the The Malta Aviation Museum which is situated on the former airfield of Ta'Qali, or as it was known by the Royal Air Force Takali, a mere 200 meters away from the Crafts Village.
On display there are 13 aircraft which include a Spitfire IX which saw action from Takali during the invasion of Sicily in 1943, a Hurricane, Swordfish, Tiger Moth, 2 DC3 Dakotas, Sea Hawk, Vampire, Sea Venom, Fiat G91, Beech 18, cockpit sections of a BAC Lightning and BAC 1-11, vehicles and motorcycles and memorabilia related to the history of aviation in Malta.
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