These include a German submarine cannon, German and Austro-Hungarian torpedoes, and several uniforms, medals and decorations, all documenting the Maltese connection in WWI. Some relics of World War I are also included in the permanent exhibition of the museum. In the Navy section, the museum exhibits two of its main attractions, namely the display of photographs depicting Operation Pedestal or the Konvoj ta’ Santa Marija and another display portraying the attack on HMS Illustrious in January 1941, together with a replica of the ship’s bell. For example, in the Air Force section one can find aircraft parts considered as archaeological “war trophies” from British, Italian and German warfare machines such as the Italian “barchino esplosivo” commonly known as an E-boat.

The museum is divided into four main sections – Navy, Army, Air Force and Maltese Regiment, and Civilians – and each section contains a vast array of artefacts related to its specific theme.

It includes all types of wartime memorabilia, ranging from vehicles and motorcycles to photos, medals and ammunition, including torpedoes and cannons. The collection is displayed in a courtyard, a hall and an annex. The museum’s collection takes visitors back to the events of World War II, with a special emphasis on the involvement of the Maltese islands. On, the Museum was officially opened by the then Culture and Education minister Agatha Barbara. One of the very first artefacts exhibited in the Museum was the Gloster Sea Gladiator Faith, the sole survivor from the trio Faith, Hope and Charity, that together formed the entire air defence for Malta when World War II broke out. Permission was obtained to house the museum in the drill hall of Lower Fort St Elmo and the members started collecting as many war-time artefacts as they could lay their hands on. They soon joined forces in what became known as the National War Museum Association. The National War Museum in Valletta, which falls under the charge of Heritage Malta, dates back to 1974 when a group of volunteers came up with the idea of setting up a war museum to honour those who had defended our country during World War II.

National war museum valletta malta