On 29th July, 1974, a group of Maltese enthusiasts met to form The National War Museum Association, a purely voluntary organisation. What brought them together was the realisation that, despite the lapse of thirty years since the end of the Second World War, no tangible steps had been taken to record Malta's ordeal.

The aim of the Association is twofold: to establish and maintain a National War Museum; to set up a reference library comprising an archive and a photographic collection. The success achieved has been due to the dedicated efforts of the Members of the Association, who have found co-operation from the various Ministers responsible for Culture, the Department of Museums, the Armed Forces of Malta, overseas museums and local and overseas donors. Numerous photographs have been received whilst several books, documents and hitherto unpublished material have also been made available. Moreover, many persons, who took part in the Battle for Malta, were interviewed.

This has led to the publication of this book, which relates the story of Malta during the Second World War as seen through the eyes of Maltese civilians and servicemen, and of British Commonwealth sailors, soldiers and airmen. The opportunity has been taken to include the Roll of Honour of Maltese civilians and servicemen. The memory of servicemen from Britain and the Commonwealth, who lost their life in the defence of Malta, is also recorded.

To those who were in Malta during the war years, this book will revive memories; to those who were not, it will show how the Maltese were blitzed but not beaten.