Malta - The George Cross Medal Island

We researched 'The George Cross Island' during our visit to Malta in 2011

The fortitude of the population of Malta under sustained enemy air raids and an intense naval blockade which almost saw them starved into submission, won the widespread admiration of the British people the Government of Britain and members of the other Allied nations.

The award of the highest civilian gallantry medal - The George Cross - the civilian equivalent to the (military) Victoria Cross - was made by King George VI to the Governor of Malta, Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie, by letter dated 15 April 1942.

"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.", (signed) George R.I.

The actual George Cross Medal and the original King's message are today found in the War Museum in Fort Saint Elmo, Valletta.

The Flag of Malta displays the George Cross in the upper corner of the hoist.

As the award was made during the embargo of Malta some (cynical?) historians believe that the award could have been a propaganda gesture to justify the huge losses sustained by Britain to prevent Malta from capitulating to the Axis forces as Singapore had done in the Battle of Singapore earlier in the war.

There is a plaque on the Valletta Palace wall that relates the words by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who when he visited Malta in December 1943, also commemorated the fortitude and strength of the Maltese people:

"In the name of the USA I salute the Island of Malta, its people and its defenders, who, in the cause of freedom and justice and decency throughout the world, have rendered valorous service far above and beyond the call of duty. Under repeated fire from the skies Malta stood alone and unafraid in the centre of the sea, one tiny, bright flame in the darkness - a beacon of hope in the clearer days when which have come. Malta's bright story of human fortitude and courage will be read by posterity with wonder and gratitude through all the ages. What was done in this island maintains all the highest traditions of gallant men and women who from the beginning of time have lived and died to preserve the civilisation for all mankind.", (signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt, 7 December 1943.