2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. As members of Generation Z, we cannot fathom to understand what life was like for those who suffered through the bombings, food rationing, and constant fear – and hopefully we will never have to experience this. Yet, it is important to learn about this so that we can appreciate what our grandparents and great-grandparents experienced during such horrific times.
My Nannu, Emmanuel (Leli) Cuschieri, who was born on Boxing Day in 1937, grew up during this period. Born in Mosta in the British colony of Malta, he emphasised to me that as a child he did not really fixate on the consequences of the War. He remembered key events, but his parents and siblings continued their lives as normal as possible. When the War started, he was just under two years of age. Little did he realise that his childhood would be marred by air raids, the presence of the Allied naval vessels docked at the Island, and the destruction that the War brought.
Malta was a key strategic navy base for the British while also acting as a key part of the supply route. Located in the middle of the Mediterranean, it was close in proximity to Italy and the North African Theatre of warfare. Immediately after Mussolini entered Italy into the War, Valletta and the Grand Harbour were bombed. Over a 154 day period, Malta became the most heavily bombed place during the War. With only a population of 250,000 people, it sustained around 6,700 tonnes of bombs during this single period alone, while being hit with over 15,000 tonnes of bombs during the entire Second World War.
Malta eventually became the launchpad for the Allied invasion of Italy. On 8 September 1943, the Italian Navy surrendered and Italian naval ships docked in Taranto set sail to Malta as part of the armistice. It was quite poignant as this was 378 years after the Turkish attempted to invade and siege Malta. By the end of the War, over 1,500 civilians were killed and around 7,500 were injured. Over 10,000 buildings were also destroyed or damaged, including famous buildings such as the Royal Opera House in Valletta which was never rebuilt, now serving as an open-air theatre.
One such damaged building was the Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (Mosta Dome), located in Mosta where Nannu grew up. Attacked on 9 April 1942, he recounted the story of how the 500lb bomb was dropped by the Luftwaffe and pierced the Dome, one of the world’s largest unsupported domes. Inside at the time was a congregation of around 300 people waiting for mass to commence. However, in what is widely considered a miracle, the bomb did not explode.
Nannu was young during the War so he does not remember too many details. He said that you don’t take notice of such things around you as a child, especially the War. He did recount going to the bomb shelters. He would go with his other siblings and parents to the shelters while loud sirens would warn them. He said the rooms were dark and families would be praying. It would last a few hours and when people emerged they would check to see if there was any damage to their property and the homes around them. This would occur at least once a week and there were various shelters in the area which they would go to.
As a child, he, along with his siblings, would watch as the planes flew over the Island. He would stand on the roof of their home and watch them as they would fly by. This was regular as Royal Air Force (RAF) Station Ta Kali/Ta’ Qali was located near Mosta, and as a consequence was the target of various attacks from the Luftwaffe.
While the War continued, Nannu spoke as if life was normal. He said he would see the soldiers in the street and randomly call them all “Joe”. He would play football in the streets of Mosta with his friends and siblings, and would go to school on a regular basis. He recounted that his school was enjoyable, and his teachers were strict (unlike today’s teachers according to Nannu). But he claims that he was a good child and never got into trouble so he never got punished. When asked about life during the War, he put everything down to family, noting that his parents took great care of them and that he and his siblings were always together, which was nice. He said they never went without food and they always had each other.
When the War ended, Malta was badly damaged and economically poor. He said that people were happy the War was over and everyone celebrated – but many lived in turmoil and it took some time for life to get back to normal. Homes were destroyed, supply lines tattered, and the economy was decimated. Nevertheless, the Maltese people remained resilient. As a tribute for their bravery, the Maltese people were awarded the George Cross in 1942. You can still see the icon of the medal proudly displayed on their flag.
When Nannu left school, he became an electrician and undertook an apprenticeship. Eventually, like many of his generation, he left Malta to seek work elsewhere. It was in 1954 that he moved to Australia, where he found well-paying work. Two of his sisters eventually joined him in Australia and he then started his own family, getting married in 1962 to my Nanna, Rita, and having two sons, one daughter, and eight grandchildren.
Nannu considered moving back to Malta in the late-1960s. By this time Malta had recovered and became an independent country, the world was in the midst of the Cold War, and he and Nanna had a young family. He thought about buying a house there and returning to the country of his birth, but he had a good job in Australia. While he misses Malta, he has always told me how lucky we are to live in Victoria, with Australia providing him a home for most of his life and giving him opportunities to work further after the destruction and horrors of World War II.
This is what it was like to grow up as a child during the Second World War and in the years following. Being under two years of age when the War began, Nannu knew no better, thinking conditions under the War seemed like the norm. Yet, with the love and support of family, he did not fixate on the horrors of the bombing and destruction. Yes, he has memories of the vast destruction and air raid sirens, but he also tells how lucky he was as a child to have his family, food, school, and some fun. His life after World War II is also like many of our grandparents, leaving his homeland to find work and start a family somewhere else, while loving his country from afar.
We pay homage to those who lived during the strife and witnessed first hand as civilians the horrors of the conflict. Nannu’s memories show us how lucky we are today to live in a somewhat peaceful world, but his memories also remind us how family and camaraderie can overcome most issues. This is quite a poignant and beautiful message, especially during these unprecedented times in which COVID-19 has tested everyone around the world. As we move into 2021, we should remember this important message and also be thankful for our blessings, especially when looking back at the horrors of 75 years ago.
