Second World War

Malta during the Second World War

by Mark Briffa

Multiple Choice

In which year did  the Second World War start?

• 1938

• 1939

• 1940

• 1941

• 1942

​Countries involved

The Second World War, was a conflict that involved virtually every part of the world during the years 1939–45.

The principal countries involed were grouped in two —

the Axis and the Allies​

Multiple Choice

Choose the countries which were called the Allies.

• Great Britain - USSR - USA - France

• Great Britain - Japan - USSR - USA

• USSR - USA - France - Spain

• USA - USSR - Poland - Great Britain

Multiple Choice

Which countries were part of the Axis during the Second World War?

• Malta - England - Russia

• Germany - Italy - Japan

• France - England - Germany

• Germany - France - Italy

​Bombing of Malta

​Malta, being a British colony was involved in the Second World War. In fact, Malta played an important strategic role for Britain during this war. Its geographical position caused several problems from the Axis powers. Consequently, it was heavily bombed and many historians claim that it was the most bombed place on earth during the Second World War.

Multiple Choice

When did the first air raid on Malta took place?

• 10th June 1941

• 11th June 1940

• 11th June 1941

• 12th June 1940

Multiple Choice

Identify the man in the picture walking on the rubble in Valletta

• Adolf Hitler

• Benito Mussolini

• Winston Churchill

• Sir Anthony Mamo

​Life in Malta during the war was terrible. The numerous air raids, mainly during 1942, devastated the islands, especially in the Harbour area and near the air fields.

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Supply ships rarely made it to Malta, and consequently food became more scarce and many Maltese found themselves on the brink of starvation. As a result, the British decided to distribute food by forming the Victory Kitchen.

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​Moreover, many lost their homes and had to settle in shelters which were dug up in various areas around Malta. Shelters were often overcrowded and living in there was very close to a nightmare. Many others went into shelters only during an air raid.

Multiple Choice

Which of the below pictures was NOT taken in Malta during the Second World War?

Poll

With the Maltese on the brink of starvation, in August 1942 a Convoy of ships full of supplies was sent to Malta. Only 5 from the 14 ships made it to the Grand Harbour. Today this convoy is known as the Santa Marija Convoy. What was the real name of this huge Operation of the Allies launched in order to save the Maltese islands?

• Operation Malta

• Operation Saving Malta

• Operation Pedestal

• Secret operation

Open Ended

During 1942 Malta suffered hundreds of air raids. Devastation and social problems were everywhere, especially in the Harbour areas and localities situated near an airfield. The British wanted to reward the Maltese for their courage and bravery shown during the war. How is this reward shown in the picture known?