Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna are looking to raise €30,000 to seal the purchase of two World War Two-era tank variants which saw service in Malta during the second world war.
It is a lesser known fact that during the war, Malta had its very own armoured unit. This unit was formed in 1940 with four Matilda tanks – nicknamed Faulknor, Gallant, Greyhound, Griffin – and two Vickers Light tanks making up the bulk of the force.
The unit later gained the services of Valentines tanks, A9 Cruisers, and A13 Cruisers which were all sent out to the islands at different periods so to boost the island’s defence against a potential Axis assault.
Such an assault did not materialise, even though there were plans for it in what was called Operation Hercules, meaning that the tanks never did see the fields of battle. They were however valuable for keeping Maltese morale up, helping to promote a feeling of security in the Maltese people in the midst of the blitz. They were used primarily for patrols around the island’s bases, and as tugs to clear fallen aircraft away from the island’s valuable runways.
More tanks were eventually seen on the island, but these were American tanks brought over when the tables had begun to turn in favour of the Allies and when preparations for Operation Husky – the invasion of Sicily – were in full-swing.
Some 70 years later, the Malta Heritage Trust has acquired two original tanks: a Matilda and an M3 Stuart Tank which will go on display that the new Military Vehicles Museum Exhibition at the Lascaris War Rooms in Valletta.
Almost 3,000 Matildas were built during its six year production history, and it remained in active service up until 1955. In Malta it sported a unique rubble-wall camouflage, blending in to the rural Maltese surroundings. Today they are a rarity, which makes the Malta Heritage Trust’s acquisition all the more valuable.
The acquisition of the two tanks was funded through donations, with the help of a bank loan. Now, the Trust needs to pay back that bank loan. It also needs to raise more funding to build a permanent shelter and display space at the Lascaris War Rooms.
As a result, Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna launched a €30,000 crowd funding campaign which will run for the coming months. The foundation is offering various gifts for those who donate different amounts of money, ranging from a simple postcard to those who donate €5, to a copy of the pictorial history of the Malta Tank Unit, a VIP invitation to view the tanks for two and a three year museums card for two giving access to all Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna museums for those who donate €1,000 or more.
“The addition of the tanks and the new museum display space will go a long way to first commemorate the unsung tank crews who at the height of World War Two defended Malta and will also greatly augment the overall visitor experience at the war rooms”, the Foundation said in their call for funds.
In case of the €30,000 amount being asked is exceeded, the Trust will use the excess funds to attempt to acquire a third tank for the collection; an M3 Lee Grant tank, or an M4 Sherman tank or an M7 Priest self-propelled artillery piece, all of which were the mainstay of the Allied invasion into Sicily.
All those interested in contributing to the Foundation’s cause can contact Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.
Pic Caption: One of the Matilda tanks based in Malta affectionately known as Griffin, sporting the unique rubble-wall style camouflage
Photo by: IWM