MALTA’S ORDEAL

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21689, 27 March 1942, Page 4

MALTA’S ORDEAL

1500 AIR RAID ALARMS DESIRE TO HIT BACK GRATITUDE TO NAVY (United press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, March 26 Malta, since June, 1940, has had over 1500 air-raid alarms and the tempo has increased with the release by the Germans from the Russian front of squadrons of Junkers bombers and Messerschmitt fighters. There were 258 alerts in January of this year, an average of about eight daily. There are gaping wounds "and scars where indiscriminate bombing has wrecked homes and churches but the chief concern of the islanders is to hit back harder. Hundreds of men are playing their part in the war work cf the three services and hundreds more are eagerly waiting a chance to take an active part in the fighting. Raid shelters are cut and tunnelled out of solid rock. They number about 6000, and another 1500 are being constructed. They are mostly over 100 ft. deep and house as many as 1500 people, with a bed for each. Nearly every shelter is equipped with electric light, wireless, and washing and cooking facilities. Some have small altars. The food situation is remarkably good. There is plenty to eat for all. For those who have lost their homes soup kitchens are organised where meals are obtainable for a few pence. The Government provides warm clothing and makes grants of money in necessary cases. Children are provided with fresh milk daily. Maltese Gratitude On all sides there are expressions of the deep esteem with which the Maltese hold the defenders of the island, particularly the Royal Navy, which, with the merchant marine, brings food and other supplies to the fortress, and the Royal Air Force that is always on guard. Every letter that leaves the island bears a stamp with the flag of the two services and the inscription: “Malta is grateful to the Royal Navy and the Royal Air for the safe arrival of this letter, but Malta hits back vigorously.” Astride the enemy’s chief line of communication to North Africa, the Navy and the Royal Air Force have taken heavy toll of shipping convoys and thousands upon thousands of tons of supplies never reach Tripoli or other parts or Axis North Africa. One London newspaper this morning suggests that the Victoria Cross should be conferred not only for individual gallantry, but also to communities. Thus, Malta should be the first to receive it.