Fortress Malta

An island besieged

The Island of Malta stands at the crossroads of the Mediterranean. During the Second World War it was besieged for three years whilst the Axis forces tried to bomb and starve its garrison and people into surrender. At stake was the supply line to the Western Desert which was continually harassed from this island fortress, denying the Axis forces essential supplies.

Our Malta historical tour takes in the major sites of the siege and the museums dedicated to the sacrifices made by both the armed forces and the civilian population. And, of course, in recognition of such sacrifice Malta itself was awarded the George Cross.

Much of our Malta history tour is based around James Holland's fascinating and very readable book, Fortress Malta which follows the story of the siege through the eyes of those who were there: young men such as twenty-year-old fighter pilot Raoul Daddo-Langlois, anti-aircraft gunner Ken Griffiths, American Art Roscoe and submariner Tubby Crawford - who served on the most successful Allied submarine of the Second World War; cabaret dancer-turned RAF plotter Christina Ratcliffe, and her lover, the brilliant and irrepressible reconnaissance pilot, Adrian Warburton. Their stories and others provide extraordinary first-hand accounts of heroism, resilience, love, and loss, highlighting one of the most remarkable stories of World War II.

"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".

King George VI

Day 1.

Fly London to Malta and check into our hotel for three nights. Before dinner we will take a guided tour through the historic streets of Valletta.

Day 2.

Our tour drives out to the ancient city of Mdina to gain a fine orientation of the island of Malta from Mdina's city walls. Visit one of the many shelters used by the population during the frequent air-raids and the military hospital at Imtarfa. After lunch we visit the Malta Aviation Museum at Takali, housed in former RAF buildings. Here we will see a rebuilt Hurricane and its crash site, just outside of Rabat.

Day 3.

This morning we take a trip around Marsamxett and the Grand Harbours to see, amongst others the submarine base, where the 10th Submarine Flotilla was based, the harbour entrance where HMS Urge was sunk; the damaged breakwater and Frenchman's Creek where HMS Illustrious was bombed. Disembarking at Valletta we explore St Elmo's Fort which contains the National War Museum.

Day 4.

Visit the Lascaris War Rooms underground complex and the Malta at War exhibition at Vittoriosa where you can explore the rock hewn tunnels and galleries and gain an appreciation of the tough conditions under which the Maltese population lived. Transfer to the airport for our late afternoon return flight to London.