In March and April 1942, more explosives were dropped on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta than on the whole of Britain during the first year of the Blitz. Due to it's location Malta had become one of the most strategically important places in the world. Winston Churchill said, Malta had to be held 'at all costs'. The island was under siege for more than two years and the residents suffered under terrible conditions. The actions of the people of Malta were recognised by King George VI with a very special awarding of the George Cross. The first time it had been awarded to a collective rather than an individual. He wrote in his own hand:
The Governor, Malta
To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history.
George R.I. April 15th 1942
80 years later and to mark the anniversary of that award of the George Cross the Tea & Medal team visited the island to tell the story of the Fortress Island.
You can find lots more content from our trip to Malta on https://www.forces.net/heritage/history/courageous-women-who-stepped-defence-malta
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