Malta Gun

Malta Gun. . , 3.7 inch Static Mount Anti Aircraft Gun , The Malta Gun , , Between 1940 and 1943 the island of Malta, "Britain's unsinkable aircraft carrier" suffered almost continuous siege in the most sustained bombing campaign of World War Two. Germany and Italy carried out 3,332 air raids dropping over 16,000 tons of bombs. Sometimes as many as 200 aircraft would fill the skies above Malta. To counter these attacks Malta developed a layered defence system - the high altitudes were defended by Hurricane fighters and the air space beneath by anti aircraft guns. , , Unfortunately ammunition and spare parts were always in short supply and by February 1942 guns like this 3.7 inch were limited to 3 rounds per raid or 15 rounds per day. Many guns wore out but continued fighting even though they had become dangerous to fire. Malta's heavy guns managed to shoot down a record 102 enemy aircraft. For the bravery shown by the people of Malta, King George VI awarded the whole island the George Cross in 1942, the only time an award has ever been bestowed upon a community. , , This gun is one of the anti aircraft guns which contributed to Malta's gallant defence. , , On loan from the Royal Artillery Association.