Three generations of Anglo-Maltese connections : a family history

Abstract

My chief aims for this dissertation were to firstly investigate and document a Maltese family’s experiences during times of war and peace and also to gain a clear insight into Anglo-Maltese connections giving a specific focus to those who had served for the British forces or worked for the British establishment in Malta. For this dissertation I used a micro-historical approach which enabled me to take a closer and more personal insight into each individual family member’s history which in turn gave a wider macro understanding of the Anglo-Maltese interrelationships that occurred in those days especially with regards to Maltese serving In the British services. I hope that this dissertation will also give us a wider understanding of what many Maltese families had to endure during the World War Two. With regards to war and conflict this dissertation will mainly focus on the family’s experiences during the Second World War, thus also enabling a wider understanding of the tragedy and loss that saw Malta become the target for some of the most intensive, prolonged and destructive bombing raids in human history. The research carried out for this dissertation came from multiple sources that were retrieved locally and also abroad from relatives and archives in the United Kingdom and United States of America. Primary sources included original documents, photos and archival evidence coupled with oral testimonies, whilst the secondary sources used came from various books, journals, magazines and online sources. Using this combination of sources I was able to delve into the unique stories and service histories of my family members which enabled me to give a clear insight into their lives and when, where and how they had served with the British services. This approach also enabled me to elaborate in detail on a number of tragedies that my family had experienced during the Second World War. The first chapter of this dissertation gives a concise introduction into the topic containing a literature review and methodology, whilst also outlining the sources used and the contents of the following chapters. The second chapter documents the tragic story of some of the first victims of World War Two in Malta. While the third chapter tells us the story of a courageous member of the Mangion family who joined the Royal Air Force in order to avenge the deaths of his sister, two nephews and niece. The fourth chapter focuses on several family members who had served with the British Royal Navy and British Merchant Navy. Finally the fifth and final chapter documents the life and experiences of a member of the Farrugia family who had served for the British royalty in Malta and who later after obtaining a British passport decided to emigrate to the United States of America serving with honour during the Second World War for the United States Army and United States Navy.