Commemorations at Fort St Elmo – National War Museum today

Today, 10 November, Heritage Malta in collaboration with Battlefront Re-enactment Group, is commemorating two important events – the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War and the 101 anniversary of Rememberance Day 11.11.1918 – at Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum in Valletta.

The outbreak of the Second World War took place when Nazi Germany invaded Poland on 1st September 1939. Although Malta formed part of the British Empire, the islands weren’t on the front-line until Fascist Italy declared war on the Allies on the 10th June, 1940. During the early morning of the following day, the first enemy bombers appeared over Malta, where a stick of bombs fell on the Cavalier of Fort St. Elmo, killing six Royal Malta Artillery soldiers, including Boy Busuttil.

Every 11th November, Malta, Britain and the Commonwealth countries, pay tribute to the fallen servicemen and civilians of the two world wars. Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 throughout the British Empire and Dominions. It was originally called “Armistice Day” to commemorate the agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, 11th November, 1918, at 11.00am; that is on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

A number of activities will be organised during the day. The programme is as follows:

0915 – 1030 hrs Patrols drill practice;

1100 hrs Remembrance drill, moment of silence;

1130 – 1330 hrs E q u i pme n t and weapon showcase for the public, cleaning and maintenance of items in a historical manner;

1530 – 1630 hrs Re-enactment, and air raid siren played by a member of the Air Raid Precautions (ARP), talk about ARP behaviour/Role and their equipment and relation to civilians, firing of weapons.

Price: €5 per person.

Time: 0900 – 1700 hrs (last admission 1630 hrs)

For more information, visit www.heritagemalta.org