| Malta in World War II |
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Exhibition of Books and Artifacts about Malta's role in World War II |
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Eric Bonanno, organizer of the Malta Exhibit |
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| Malta was strategic to the outcome of World War II in both the Mediterranean and Africa. Because of its geographical location, the small island was a vital and valuable transit point. From the island, Britain was able to interrupt the steady flow of troops and supplies to Rommel's army in North Africa from Italy and Germany. Eric Bonanno, a teacher in Rabat, one of the largest villages in Malta, wrote to countless veterans and others, asking for books and artifacts to exhibit, and they responded to his appeal. A group of Veterans from the Spitfire Society (U.K.) even came to meet the students and open the exhibition. Preparing for the exhibition took a whole year and a half, and he collected autographed books and stories about the veterans' personal experiences. These formed a most important part of the entire exhibition and really stole the show. Eric had prepared a big collection of photographs (many were originals and gifts from the veterans), authentic memorabilia with which to intrigue the visitors, a Special Exhibits section, model aircraft section, an interactive section, and a collection of books donated by veterans. Photocopies of the veterans' experiences were made and exhibited, so that they could be handled by the visitors. Scans of the originals, together with recordings of certain veterans recounting their experiences, were also set up as an interactive computer presentation. |
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Some of the exhibits are shown. On the left, a display case holds some of the books received, including a copy of The Black Pit (fifth book from right in the bottom row). The centre photo shows photographs, and authentic memorabilia from the war years. Another section of the exhibit contained newspaper cuttings, and stories about the veterans' personal experiences. The photo on the right shows newspaper cuttings and other information that was donated by Gordon Mumford. On the top left is a biography and a photograph, while on the top right is a small booklet called "Malta" that contains the chapter on Malta from The Black Pit ... and Beyond. At the bottom there is a newspaper clipping about Gordon, illustrated with photographs from his past, including one of his ship. |
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This page was updated on
May 16, 2008
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