We have heard a great deal lately about the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, following the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by members of the Hizbullah group. Unfortunately, wars between relatives, tribes, or States, whether singly or in alliances have been part of life since prehistoric times. We in Malta are lucky to have lived in relative peace for at least 60 years.

A few days ago, I was given a short book, It-Tlett Ibliet Matul l-Ahhar Gwerra – Storja u Tifkiriet, 1940-1943 written by Dr Charles Boffa some years ago. The book focuses mainly on what happened in Cottonera during the last war, an area that undoubtedly bore the brunt of enemy aerial attacks.

The book traces various events and episodes, including the plight, the sufferings, heroism and the exodus of people from that area, perhaps the biggest relocation of people of all time here.

The author ably and skilfully describes the events in detail, including the attack on the “Illustrious” the distress, suffering under these strenuous circumstances and what makes this rather short, easy to read book is that the author himself lived and experienced these times. In fact, he quotes various people from all walks of life. He records the hard work put in by officials and workers in various sectors, who through their courage and determination succeeded in keeping the wheels of administration moving, notwithstanding the great, almost unsurmountable difficulties encountered. These included civil defence officials, medical staff, police officers, tradesmen, army personnel, teachers, rescue and protection services and workers whom we call “the man in the street”.

In this short book, Dr Boffa managed to capture the essence of the wartime period admirably and is highly recommended especially for the younger generation who perhaps know about the terrible effects of war only through films or TV, but have not experienced it personally like their forefathers.

Joseph J. Mifsud

FGURA