On this day 84 years ago, the George Cross was formally presented to the people of Malta, recognising the extraordinary courage and resilience shown by the islands during one of the darkest periods of the Second World War.
The presentation took place on 13 September 1942 in the war-damaged Palace Square, today known as St George’s Square, in Valletta.
Malta’s Governor, Lord Gort, presented the George Cross to Chief Justice Sir George Borg, who accepted it on behalf of the Maltese people.
King George VI awarded the George Cross to Malta
The ceremony came almost five months after King George VI awarded the George Cross to Malta on 15 April 1942.
The award recognised the courage of the Maltese people at a time when the islands were enduring relentless attacks and severe shortages.
Malta’s strategic position in the Mediterranean had made the islands a major target for Axis forces. Civilians and servicemen lived through sustained air raids, widespread destruction and shortages of food, fuel and other essential supplies.
Despite these conditions, Malta continued to resist throughout the siege, with the George Cross becoming a lasting symbol of the courage shown during those years.
How the George Cross became part of Malta’s flag
The George Cross was incorporated into Malta’s flag in 1943.
Following Malta’s independence in 1964, its representation on the flag was modified with a red border, resulting in the familiar design that remains in the upper-left corner of the national flag today.
The original George Cross and the accompanying royal message are preserved at the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo in Valletta.
Eighty-four years after its formal presentation, the George Cross remains one of the most recognisable symbols of Malta’s wartime history and the endurance of its people.
Did you know the story behind the cross on Malta’s flag?
Photo Source : heritagemalta.mt
