Event Details
- Date:
- Sunday, 14 April 2024 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm
- Location:
- Second World War Forecourt, Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3001
- Details:
- Admission is free.
- This venue is wheelchair accessible.
During the Second World War, the small island of Malta proved to be of vital strategic importance for the Allies. From there, British sea and air forces based on the island could attack Axis forces almost anywhere around the Mediterranean. Knowing this, Axis forces besieged Malta and for two years attempted to bomb or starve her people into submission.
The people of Malta endured incredible hardship during that time. At the height of the siege food, fuel and ammunition were all in short supply. At one point, ammunition was so low that anti-aircraft guns could only fire a few rounds each day. The people of Malta came to the brink of starvation. The island is considered to be the most heavily bombed place of the Second World War.
On 15 April 1942, King George VI recognised the bravery and sacrifice of the people of Malta and awarded them the George Cross. The George Cross is considered the highest award for bravery available to civilians and was awarded to Malta to "bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history".
This would be the first of only two times that the George Cross would be awarded to a group, rather than an individual. Today, the flag of Malta recognises that award with the display of the George Cross in its top hoist corner.
Shrine Representative:
- Shrine Governor Colonel Jason Cooke
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