These chambers, cut out of Malta’s rocky core were a command centre for the Allied Forces during the Second World War and this is where all the Operation Husky drama unfolded as the invasion of Sicily was planned in 1943, and the British organised the submarine attacks that disrupted Axis supplies.

There are slightly wax naff dummies dressed up and playing their parts around the Triangulation table where locations were obtained, the Plot table – where women are shown moving the ships around – the wall map used in Husky and around the squadron rooms.

The tunnels you’ll wander though were originally hacked out in the 17th Century by the local Knights who used them to house their slaves – in not very nice conditions.

It’s a little tricky to find the entrance to the War Rooms, but that’s rather the point isn’t it, they’re off the Pjazza Kastilja past St. James’ Bastion. Go with a guide who’ll help set the scene of crackling radios, Morse code beeps and hushed anticipation or get an audio commentary to do the same.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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The photo shows part of what was the Lazarretto or Quarantine Hospital on Manoel Island. The War Rooms are in Valletta on the side of the Grand Harbour. They are currently closed and being restored and rehabilitated by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna.

 

Comment posted 30th June 2009 by Denis A. Darmanin.

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