Memorial Siege Bell
The Valletta Memorial Siege Bell is a widely visible and audible reminder of the hardships and horrors the people of Malta had to endure during the intense attacks in the Second World War.
Especially between 1940 and 1943 Malta was the target of permanent bomb raids. During the first half of 1942, Malta faced 154 days and nights of continuous bombings. This time is known as the siege of Malta, as nearly no supply ship made it to Malta, causing hunger and distress to the Maltese. The siege was finally broken with the Operation Pedestal, the biggest escort the British fleet had ever assembled. Only 5 of 14 merchant ships made it to the Grand Harbour, saving Malta from starvation. 400 Allied troops lost their lives in the operation. More than 7000 servicemen and civilians died during the 3-year siege.
To honour the defiance and courage of the Maltese people, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the island. Until today, the George Cross is part of the National Flag of Malta.
50 years later, the George Cross Island Association chose the location near the entrance of the Grand Harbour to commemorate the hardships of war with a monument. Inside a neo-classical temple an enormous bell rings every day as a symbol of peace and a reminder of the heroism of the Maltese people.
How to log the cache
From the Lower Barakka Gardens you have a beautiful view over the harbour entrance and the Memorial Siege Bell. To log the cache, go to GZ and take a picture of the Memorial Siege Bell with your GPS or your hand pointing to the Monument.
Please note that GZ is on the level of the gardens, not on the street underneath or under the bell.
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.