Malta Military on Parade

It is understandable, given Malta’s history of being colonized by every great power of the Mediterranean, that it retains a focus on its military past. The great Siege is still remembered and celebrated even though it occurred in the 16th century.

Every corner of Valletta has a Museum of War from its most recent experience in World War 2. We visited the Malta at War Museum on the other side of the Grand Harbour. In addition to the military uniform and weapon displays, it is housed in a fortified complex that included underground chambers for more than 600 people to shelter during air attacks. We saw individual chambers for the rich people (for which they paid a premium), dormitory chambers for the poor and even a birthing room – just in case nature timed it rather badly.

We also visited several forts – walked down to St. Angelo that we can see across the harbour from our hotel. It was built by the Knights of St. John but still used in World War 2 as Allied Headquarters.

We toured Fort Renella that houses the world’s largest cannon. This visit was memorable for the display of marching, bayoneting and firing of old muskets. One musket dated from the days of the Knights in the 16th century. All this with only three soldiers!

If the gas did not get you, then the asbestos in the mask did.

The birthing room.

Robert with the 1884 Armstrong 100 ton gun.

Bayonet Practice.

Rifle practice.

Fort St. Angelo across the water from our hotel.