Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why did the island of Malta receive the George Cross during World War II?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
medal
Pierre and Marie Curie depicted on the obverse of a medal from the Unio Internationalis Contra Cancrum (International Union Against Cancer) commemorating the Curies' discovery of radium in 1898.
The island of Malta was awarded the George Cross in 1942 by King George VI in recognition of the extraordinary bravery and gallantry displayed by its inhabitants during World War II.12
During the conflict, Malta served as a vital strategic base for the Allied Powers in the Mediterranean. Consequently, the island endured heavy and persistent bombardment by German and Italian aircraft, which resulted in widespread devastation. The George Cross, which is a British decoration instituted for acts of the greatest heroism or conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger, was bestowed upon the island to honor the resilience and heroic defense maintained by the Maltese people throughout these intense attacks.2314