Siege Bell War Memorial, Valletta

photo: The memorial from the sea

 

The Siege Bell War Memorial commemorates the victory of the Allied forces during the Second Siege of Malta from 1940-1943. Italian and German forces battled with Allied forces to gain control of Malta - an important strategic location.

Almost 1,500 civilians died during the Second Siege of Malta. The proud tiny island was almost constantly bombarded during this period. In 1942 Malta was awarded the George Cross. In bestowing the award King George VI said '...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'.