WWII anti aircraft gun displayed at Fort Rinella

A World War II 3.7inch Heavy Anti-Aircraft Gun has been acquired by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna through financial assistance received from Bank of Valletta. The gun will be put on display at Fort Rinella in Kalkara along with other examples of historic artillery that once formed the defensive armament of the Island.

The 3.7-Inch Anti-Aircraft gun was Britain's primary heavy anti-aircraft gun during World War II and was the mainstay of Malta's aerial defence system during the War.

This gun, designed by Vickers is a mobile version and came into service in 1937. Records show that around 10,000 of this type of gun were built, testament to its superior performance during that period. This particular model was constructed by General Electric in Canada during the War.

Presenting the new artefact, Mario Farrugia, CEO at Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna said "This is another milestone in the process of constructing a snapshot of Malta during World War II. This type of gun was responsible for defending our Island against the fierce onslaught of the Axis forces and is a major factor that kept Malta from being invaded".

"As the main partner of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, we are proud to be part of this initiative that serves to enrich Malta's cultural and historical heritage  whilst making the site more attractive and accessible both amongst tourists who visit us as well as amongst the Maltese public", said Charles Azzopardi from Bank of Valletta.