Malta Command World War 2 Living History Group: Stepping back in time and bringing History to life
Interviews, Photo gallery, WW2By Pierre Kosmidis
Photos © Malta Command World War 2 Living History Group, credited to their respective owners and used by permission
Malta Command World War 2 Living History Group is recreating the Maltese Gunners and Infantrymen serving in the British Army in the defence of Malta during World War 2. Malta was a military and naval fortress, being the only Allied base between Gibraltar and Alexandria, Egypt. In peacetime it was a way station along the British trade route to Egypt and the Suez Canal to India and the Far East. When the route was closed, Malta remained a forward base for offensive action against Axis shipping and land targets in the central Mediterranean.
www.ww2wrecks.com reached out to Malta Command World War 2 Living History Group to learn more about its origins, as it was established in 2006, as well as keeping History alive: “Our aim is never to forget our past, especially because of what our forefathers experienced in the defence of our dear islands.
With a rich military historical background, Malta endured harsh years of famine, sickness and misery which the Maltese citizens and enlisted soldiers endured with great perseverance towards the defence of our nation.
We as Malta Command World War 2 Living History Group strive to recreate the everyday life of the Maltese soldier, by studying and researching events and all relating aspects such as drills, weapons, uniforms, equipment, vehicles etc….keeping each of the Maltese citizens and soldier’s wartime memories alive.”
Describe your re-enactment group, which unit/s do you represent and why. When did you start, what is your goal and how many persons are involved?
The group was founded February 2006 and presently has seventeen members. The main aim of the group is recreating the Maltese Gunners and Infantrymen serving in the British Army in the defence of Malta during World War 2.
Primarily we represent the two Maltese Regiments, being: Royal Malta Artillery (R.M.A.) and Kings Own Malta Regiment (K.O.M.R) since these consisted of enlisted Maltese personnel and therefore directly connected to our islands World War 2 history (further discussed in detail, in question 3). Additionally we also represent the following: Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Long Range Desert Group (LRDG), 1st Battalion Border Regiment & Paratroopers, Malta Home Guard and Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP).
The Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Malta Home Guard and COPP are all linked to Malta’s World War 2 history, since these units operated directly from the island, whilst the LRDG and 1st Battalion Border Regiment & Paratroopers had a link with Malta’s military history throughout the Mediterranean campaign.
What have been your activities so far?
We have participated in various national events and apart from training sessions for such events, we organise weekend camps, visits to local places of historical interest and also overseas trips.
In addition to the above we are also called on film or TV series projects (local and foreign productions) to portray historical characters and events through authentic use of uniforms and equipment. Furthermore we have been also assigned to give our input during filming projects for historical accuracy.
Malta has been an important WW2 stronghold and its strategic importance has been obvious. What is the most important aspect of your re-enactment, related to the Malta campaign?
As Malta’s peak involvement during World War 2 was between 1940-42, we give importance to this period because of the blitz years and when the two Maltese regiments were mostly active.
The most important aspect of our re-enactment is the defence of the islands against aerial attacks and bombardments by portraying the Royal Malta Artillery with particular reference to the 3rd LAA (Light Anti-Aircraft) Regiment and the coastal defence of Malta against the treat of German-Italian invasion, through portrayal of the 2nd Battalion Kings Own Malta Regiment.
The 3rd LAA RMA Regiment was formed in 1941 and equipped with the Bofors 40mm gun. Its main purpose was to engage low flying aircraft during the great number of air raids on the island. Together with their British Royal Artillery counterparts, the members of the Royal Malta Artillery showed courage and determination under continuous ferocious and harsh attacks by German and Italian aircraft.
During World War 2 the KOMR was expanded to four battalions, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 10th, and all rendered sterling service. The main role of the 2nd battalion was manning of coastal pillboxes. The regiment was also put to good use to man machine gun posts against low flying aircraft strafing the islands’ airfields. The KOMR also assisted it’s British Army counterparts garrisoned on the islands and provided aid to unloading of cargoes from convoy ships, guarding supply dumps and clearing runways from air raid stone rubble together with filling in bomb craters.
Is the younger generation interested in History? How do you help the local community keep the memories alive?
When participating in national/foreign events or when we may be called to participate in filming projects, we meet a lot of people which show interest (including young people) in what we do for living history. Being both curious in asking why we do such living history or just merely wanting to know more of the Maltese World War 2 history and possibly one’s historical background, people automatically get immersed in what we offer. We always make sure that all the historical information delivered is as accurate as possible to help visitors and public in general appreciate our past and what our forefathers had to endure during such difficult times.
To help attract the interest of the young generation we sometimes are asked to deliver short lectures in government or private schools, dressed up in authentic wartime uniforms and equipment. This helps provide a realistic image of history together with the delivery of information about wartime Malta.
We help the local Community in keeping memories alive by participating during commemorative events such as Operation Pedestal (held yearly during the month of August), launch of restoration projects for historical buildings or being present during key historical events linked to Malta’s military history which was affected by World War 2. During events we also showcase and display authentic militaria, firearms and paraphernalia which instil memories to visitors, especially to those which had relatives serving in the military.
We continuously advertise and promote the young generation to join our group, however we at times face lack of people wanting to join due to the fact that our hobby entails a big expense to maintain, which unfortunately disheartens new members.
Do you cooperate with any other re-enactment groups in Malta or abroad?
Yes we do cooperate with various local living history groups, which portray different historical eras together with foreign re-enactment groups, mainly from UK.
At times we are invited to participate abroad with our colleagues from other re-enactment groups and we also invite foreign groups to participate with us during events in Malta.
Do you use original WW2 equipment or modern replicas? How do you keep as close to the period as possible?
When it comes to equipment and firearms we do use originals, however as time passes by and original militaria is becoming scarcer and expensive to obtain we have to resort to buying replicas and reproductions, however making sure that they are authentic in every detail.
What would your key message be to a general audience. What do you want to convey to your local community and abroad?
Our key message is never to forget our past, especially because of what our forefathers experienced in the defence of our dear islands. With a rich military historical background, Malta endured harsh years of famine, sickness and misery which the Maltese citizens and enlisted soldiers endured with great perseverance towards the defence of our nation.
We as Malta Command World War 2 Living History Group strive to recreate the everyday life of the Maltese soldier, by studying and researching events and all relating aspects such as drills, weapons, uniforms, equipment, vehicles etc….keeping each of the Maltese citizens and soldier’s wartime memories alive.
Which are the most “treasured” items in your collection, or used by your re-enactment group?
Anything which is linked to Malta’s World War 2 history is classified as treasured, to us members within the group, such as buttons, cap badges, uniforms, personal equipment and firearms. One can have the opportunity to view and admire such original items during exhibitions held occasionally or events at which we participate in, featuring the latter items during static displays.
Malta Command World War 2 Living History Group on the internet:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maltacommandwwiiLHG
Facebook (community group blog): https://www.facebook.com/groups/73343778388
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maltacommand_wwii_lhg/?hl=en
You tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChy7DSJ14m0sLfhpx2VvH4w
Website: http://maltacommand.com/
