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The fate of Gloster Gladiator "Faith"
Malta Aviation Museum Foundation has been since 1996 requesting for the transfer of the fuselage of Gloster Sea Gladiator Faith from the War Museum, in Valletta, to the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar at the Malta Aviation Museum to save and restore one of Malta's first WWII fighters.
The museum has received hundreds of letters in support of this project from historians, British and Maltese people who defended the islands during WWII as well as aviaiation enthusiasts and general public.
This forum's objective is to enable the general public to express its opinion on the fate of this very historic biplane fighter.
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3 Gloster Sea Gladiators - Malta 1940
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Gloster Sea Gladiatior N5520
(less wings, rudder and 100s of other parts as displayed at War Museum, Valletta)
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Without "Faith" the War Museum will have the space to display further items and re-arrange their existing displays to greater and better effect.
In turn the Air Museum will be able to fully restore a priceless part of Maltese Aviation History to her true glory like her counterparts!
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Message posted on: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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Visited both the War Museum in Valetta and the Aviation Museum whilst visiting Malta.
Gladiator "Faith" really ought to be relocated to be with the Spitfire and Hurricane to re-establish the 'rule of three'.
Losing Faith ought not to be seen as in any way diminishing the story told by the War Museum - both facilities tell two complementary parts of the same story.
When I was learning to fly back in the 1970s I had the privilege of flying with Jim Pickering who was one of the RAF pilots who flew "Faith" and other fighters in Malta in 1940/41. Jim sadly passed away a few years ago.
Good Luck
Pete
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Message posted on: Sunday, April 20, 2008
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Hello guys, let's adopt that baby! Let's bring it home and give it, its much deserved dignity! It's 1 of Malta's,and it's people, greatest heritage of ww2! Time to preserve it! It's just asking to be adopted by a loving FAMILY!
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Message posted on: Saturday, April 12, 2008
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Let the Old Fort look after his part in history and lets put the Gladiator in the right hands and environment, that way the a/c will get the best care from the people with aviation in there blood .............
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Message posted on: Monday, April 07, 2008
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Hello,
The war years in Malta was so difficult,hard fought starved people kept going,hero after hero emerged from all over the world.We even have ships and planes as hero's.Our war museum does no justice to what our mothers and fathers endured.The Malta Aviation Museum has been getting stronger in preserving our war heritage.Faith belongs there where it will be fitted with wings and give it some room and can be glorified.
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Message posted on: Tuesday, April 01, 2008
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I first knew of Faith Hope and Charity in 1954 aged 11 whilst recovering from a motoring accident. My parents encouraged me to take up model making as a help in rehabilitation , the first model I ever built was a Gloster Gladiator from a Kiel Kraft kit, enclosed in the kit was a description of the aircraft and it's part in the battle for Malta. I always vowed to travel to Malta to see Faith, the first opportunity to visit was thwarted somewhat ironically in that I had a serious motorcycle accident. We managed our fist visit the following year 1988, a visit to the war museum was arranged and my first emotional meeting with Faith took place, I was a little disappointed to see her in a confined space and without wings, I really feel that a more appropriate site would be at the aviation museum where a proper restoration could take place. I always visit the aviation museum on our frequent visits to Malta and would love to see her in pride of place between the Spitfire and the Hurricane.
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Message posted on: Thursday, February 14, 2008
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I would like to say thanks to all the volunteers of the malta aviation museum for all the work done on keeping our history alive by restoring the spitfire & the hurricane. Now its time for "faith" to get it's glory back!. The war museum isn't its place to stay in that sorry state. its a symbol of all those brave men and women that gave their lives to fight the axis powers in those dark days of ww2. so please to the authorities concerned ,move "faith " to the aviation museum the best place were it will be kept in it's original condition ang get it's GLORY BACK!
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Message posted on: Monday, November 26, 2007
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I THINK PLANES SHOULD BE STORED IN AVIATION MUSEUM AND RESTORED BY AVIATION EXPERTS NOT LEFT TO DECAY IN A HUMID FORT
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Message posted on: Saturday, October 20, 2007
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I am a regular visitor to Malta and have also fallen in love with the Island and its incredible history. I do RAF Living History presentations and talks and have had the pleasure to spend a few days at the Malta Aviation Museum re-enacting.
I fully understand the war museums' reluctance to part with what could be argued is the most famous of all Malta's wartime aircraft. It could also be argued that it is their most important exhibit.
That said, if the conditions that it is stored in are causing serious deterioration to the aircraft then they have a major responsibility to protect the airframe. If they cannot do this then it should be moved to a location where it will be properly preserved and cared for and ultimately restored.
The Malta Aviation Museum have demonstrated their superb restoration abilities with the Hurricane and I have had the opportunity to speak to fighter display pilots in the UK who say that the fighters they fly are not in as good a condition as MAM's Hurricane!
I offer this plea to the War Museum at St Elmo and ask them to not think insularly of their loss of an important exhibit but to think of the good of the aircraft and of the demonstration that Faith is of the fighting spirit of the Country itself.
I often talk to the public in the UK about the Battle of Britain and the hardships that the fighter pilots endured in that summer of 1940. After the usual gasps of disbelief of just how hard it was have died down I say now you realsie just what they went through . . . let me tell you about how much worse it was on Malta!
Please lets see this icon of Malta's resiliance and spirit in a safe, secure and environmentally friendly location fully restored to her former glory and take her rightful place flanked on either side by her Wingmen of a Hurricane and Spitfire.
Yours Sincerely,
Sean Evans
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Message posted on: Tuesday, October 09, 2007
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MAM Member 285.
I too have fond memories of first seeing "FAITH" in the
Palace Armoury in 1952. It was probably safer from decay
while there than being tucked away underground in St.Elmo.
The Maltese people have always been an extraordinarily
resourceful race. The MAM enterprise endorses that quality.
I also as a young boy spent many happy times playing in
EN199 in Floriano before it found its way to becoming a
practice tool for fire-fighting exercises! Look at MAM's result with that project.Have faith in MAM and put "FAITH"
where she deserves and needs to be before it is too late.
The MAM team are great, but even they may struggle with a bucket full of alloy dust.
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Message posted on: Saturday, September 08, 2007
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I have onlyvisited Malta twice,fell in love with the Iland and will be back.
The main reason for my visits was to see FAITH, and was saddened on how such an icon is displayed.
hopefully someone in authority will see sense and permit FAITH to be restored to the glory she deserves.
Please thonk of one thing,MALTA is the one and only BRAVE MALTA but FAITH is MALTA and deserves PRIDE OF PLACE IN THE AVIATION MUSEUM
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Message posted on: Sunday, September 02, 2007
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It is a crying shame that the (in)competent authorities still persist in not enforcing the transfer of Faith to the Aviation Museum. This is an incredibly rare and evocative airframe that is THE symbol of the hard fighting against overwhelming odds by Malta in WW2.
Instead of moving heaven and earth to restore Faith and have the aircraft displayed in a fitting location, we're stuck with outdated thinking and pure selfishness.
It seems to me that the St. Elmo Museum is more concerned about continuing to make a cheap buck - at the expense of further deterioraton. What short-sighted idiots. NOBODY on the Island is better equipped than the Malta Aviaton Musuem to lovingly restore Faith to it's original condition. Parts have been sourced, the knowledge and experience is there....and the dedication of MAM's members has to be seen to be believed. They have worked miracles in a short time, and should be entrusted with this project once and for all.
MAM, keep on fighting!! You will surely succeed...and best of luck!!!
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Message posted on: Wednesday, August 22, 2007
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Reading these posts about our "Faith" changed my bright day in a very short moment.
My point of view is simple - PLEASE leave the work to the experts. Heritage Malta you are no expert in any field except bearocracy as any other governmental organisation.
Heritage Malta should encourage people to believe in the sense of patrimonial belonging and iron the way for private initiatives to restore our patrimonial heritage and not hinder initiatives.
Heritage Malta, I urgue to look around and review your projects - Is St. James Cavalier work to be called restoration and conservation or a condemmed modern piece of art? And the Ggantija Temples, I guess could be a modern steel work exposition then.
The true fact is one - Heritage Malta does anything exept preserving, restoring and conserver our Heritage.
The last word to conclude. Heritage Malta states that the plane should be stored in its rightful place. I believe that airplanes have 3 rightful places - the air, the airfield and the hangar. Unfortunaltely our plane cannot fly so the air is no option and there are no military or commercial airfields that would like to give home to Faith. But there is one hanger willing to do so that is owned by the Malta Aviation Museum which is also promising to restore her to its formal glory and Malta Aviation Museum has a track record to proof that they are able to do it.
Heritage Malta at the end you would be winning to - read the posts in this forum for many reason and at least you to can have on your record that a project of International importance was carried successfully.
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Message posted on: Wednesday, August 01, 2007
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Dear Mr. Coxhead
Thanks a lot for infomation on the Gladiator. We have unsuccessfully tried to contact you by email. Would you kindly get in touch with me via email info@maltaaviationmuseum.com .
Ray Polidano
Director General
Malta Aviation Museum
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Message posted on: Friday, July 20, 2007
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Hi All. have just looked at all the posts, and must say the authorities have let us all down again by not taking the obvious decision. My friend Dr. George Said (see post 28 below) is perfectly right in what he is saying. This historic aircraft belongs to us, the People of Malta. Are the authorities denying Us Our rights? Is there nothing we can do legally to take possession of what is ours by right, and to place Our property in the care of the right people?
May I appeal to the authorities to read the book 'Faith, Hope & Charity' by Kenneth Poolman (I would gladly lend them my copy) and decide with their hearts, ignoring any other influence other than that of the People of Malta.
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Message posted on: Friday, July 06, 2007
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I also would like to see that Gladiator Faith finds its way to Malta Aviaiton Museum to have a safe home and be restored to its former glory.
I was born 1930 at Birzebbuga which is next to the Kalafrana R.A.F seaplane base. I do remember WW2 very well and I also know the famous Gladiator Faith. Sometime during 1942 Faith was moved from Hal-Far and placed in a small disused quarry at Hal-Far Road not far from the main road that took you to Kalafrana. This quarry was by the side of the road and directly behind the quarry was the R.A.F. Officers Mess building. The R.A.F. unit was 137MU. I have a photo of what was left of Faith just a skelton of the fuselage seemingly abandoned in this quarry. The area where this quarry was located used to be called 'ta - Gunner' and nearby there was an A.M.D.W (Air Ministry Dept of Works) workshop where many men from Birzebbuga used to work.
Myself and a group kids from Birzebbuga often walked up Kalafrana road and to this quarry and spent many hours jumping up on Faith playing as kids do. We used to take some tools with us.
While playing on Faith and other wrecked aircraft we were always searching for small wheels or ball bearings so we can use them to make a scooter. I don't think we found any of these on Faith. A little distance further up there was another small quarry that belonged to a family by the nickname of 'tal-Pijti'. This quarry was used to dump aircraft that were shot down. I remember a large fuselage of German plane. We spent many days playing on these wrecked aircraft.
Faith was left in this quarry for quite a long while. I left Malta for Melbourne in Sept 1951. My first visit to Malta was during 1992 and again during 1995. On both occasions I visited Faith at the Museum with my son and while there I told this story to my Aussie born son and took photos. I hope on my next visit Faith would be on display at Ta Qali Museum.
I'll try to post the amall photo of Faith taken in the quarry in this Site.
Thanks for this lovely Website.
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Message posted on: Monday, July 02, 2007
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You can download a free 61-minute movie called "Faith, Hope and Charity" from the Web site at the bottom of this post. The filmmakers admit to taking artistic license with some of the facts, but it's an entertaining and exciting film about the heroic defense of Malta during WWII from the perspective of George Burges, John Waters and Timber Woods (three of the Gladiator pilots during the war). The film uses a combat flight simulator to capture the aerial excitement and is a great look at what the brave RAF pilots who flew the Gladiator faced. You can download the 633MB film here:
http://www.wingmenproductions.com/content/movie.html
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Message posted on: Saturday, June 30, 2007
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My father flew these aircraft in WW2 and later went on to fly hurricanes, and it would be the best possible memorial and mark of respect to the airmen who flew these aircraft, to have Faith turned over to the Malta Aviation Museum to restore her to a condition that the the museum are capable of doing.
Regards
lawrence
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Message posted on: Saturday, June 16, 2007
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I write to add my voice calling from Australia for Faith to be moved to the Aviation Museum. This fighter should be respected almost as a holy relic. Its presence in the sky was an inspiration to my late grand father Pinu Caruana (Royal Malta Artillery) and gave him much comfort in the heat of battle.
Please, Please, Please do not let it fall in to disrepair.
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Message posted on: Saturday, June 16, 2007
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When i visited Malta on my honeymoon last year i dragged my new wife round the Malta Aviation Museum but was not able to get to the War Museum as we only had a week but i have heard a lot of people tell me that it is not the best place to have an aicraft and after seeing pictures of the room, which seems to be ten times too small, and the state of Faith, an aircraft on display has to be complete otherwise it is not an aircraft, Faith has to be moved to Ta'Qali immediately otherwise it will be too late.
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Message posted on: Wednesday, June 13, 2007
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With reference to the mass of correspondence appearing with regard to the restoration and relocation of the Gloster Gladiator Faith, the Old Motors Club of Malta would like to voice its support of the Aviation Museum's efforts to add another milestone to an already remarkable list.
The Old Motors club can draw many parallels with the arguments for and against restoration. Without wishing to enter into the technical merits of the case, this is a problem often faced by fellow enthusiasts in our club. Most of our members tend to support the view that a vehicle with reasonably good paintwork and in generally acceptable overall condition is best left unrestored so as not to destroy the patina of passing years. On the other hand, many local vintage and classic cars have benefited from nut and bolt restorations for the simple reason that they were too badly damaged to be of any historical, recreational or indeed commercial value in their "as found" state. Restoration may also involve the reversal of previous well-intentioned repairs that were botched to keep an ageing vehicle on the road and that were far removed from the manufacturer's original designs.
This latter view seems very much what most aviation experts and enthusiasts are subscribing to, in that the remains of Faith have already been modified with incorrect repairs and details such that its originality has been tarnished. Given that we are blessed with the means to properly restore a vital piece of Maltese history and that we are lucky enough to have acquired a pair of wings to further boost the project, the Old Motors Club unreservedly supports the relocation of Faith to the Aviation Museum before further damage is caused and the entrusting of its proper renovation to willing enthusiasts.
It would indeed be a pity if petty bureaucracy and squabbles got in the way of such an important project.
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Message posted on: Sunday, May 27, 2007
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As a child in the late forties I read the story of ‘Faith, Hope and Charity’ and their valiant battle over the skies of Malta. The brave deeds of these planes and their pilots caught my childish imagination. The Gladiator was one of my favourite models in my model building time. Over the ensuing years Malta was always near the top of my “must visit” places.
Eventually in 2005 I made my first visit, and of course the first thing I wanted to see was ‘Faith’. To see this plane in close up and even to touch it (yes I know it is against the rules) was a memorable occasion for me, but disappointing to see only the fuselage. An aeroplane is nothing without its wings.
We visit Malta regularly now, and the chance to see one of these historic aircraft in all its glory would be absolutely terrific, but this could not take place in its present setting due to lack of room so museum at Ta’Qali is the natural place for its home.
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Message posted on: Wednesday, May 16, 2007
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i agree that the best place for the gladiator "faith" is at the malta aviation museum
let them restore and display it, you only have to look at the other aircraft their to see what a fantastic job they do
i visited the museum in 2005 when the merlins(spitfire & hurricane) were over from the uk and i was very impressed with the work that had been done
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Message posted on: Wednesday, May 16, 2007
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I saw the fuselage of the Gladiator in the War Museum in Valletta in 1980, it was not in a good condition then partly due to it's location. I think it should be transferred to the Aviation Museum so that it may be restored to it's full glorious appearance. It does not matter that the true covenance of the aircraft is mixed from various parts, many vintage aircraft flying today are made from many different sources. What matters is that the aircraft should be seen complete and as living symbol of your brave wartime record. Good Luck!
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Message posted on: Monday, May 14, 2007
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According to Heritage Malta's principles on restoration - as asserted recently on TV by its chairman in the case of the Gloster Sea Gladiator which remains exhibited at the War Museum - since the wings and other parts stored at the Malta Aviation Museum are not the original, to have them mated with the airframe would go contrary to the genuineness of the aircraft (which is not "Faith" at all, as the name was inexistent during the aircraft's operational activity - vide F.K. Mason, The Gloster Gladiator p. 82).
As it happens, would not the rudder, the main undercarriage tyres and the complete tail-wheel, the engine with cowling and propeller, the covering fabric incorrectly shaded, the Perspex cockpit canopy, and various other panels on the exhibit which are definitely not genuine and of incorrect shape and construction be replaced by acquired or if need be by remanufactured parts so that the entire aircraft will look exactly identical to what it was when in flying condition?
Is a man with a corneal or renal transplant no longer the same father to his children once he is no longer in possession of the original organs he was born with?
The Malta Aviation Museum offered to restore the aircraft to its former glory. Let not this opportunity be lost by Heritage Malta to the detriment of the whole Maltese nation.
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Message posted on: Thursday, May 10, 2007
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I believe that we should restore such a precious and unique part of our history to its former glory. The fuselage of WWII fighter Faith should be moved from the War Museum to the AIR BATTLE OF MALTA MEMORIAL hangar at the Malta Aviation Museum in order to receive proper restoration and reconstruction as soon as possible.
It is presently deteriorating away in a damp vault, missing its wings and other parts, and with a badly reconstructed tail and skin.
We have all seen and admired the excellent work already done on the Spitfire and Hurricane, among others, by the dedicated and professional team of aircraft restorers at the Malta Aviation Museum. The Gloster Gladiator deserves to be entrusted to the same able and willing hands.
Faith did its best to preserve us, now it is our turn to do our best to preserve it. So let us leave it in the best hands.
Just think of how exciting it will be to hear its radial engine growl and to see it take to the air again.
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Message posted on: Saturday, May 05, 2007
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I WOULD LIKE TO SEE GLOSTER GLADIATOR FAITH IN THE HANDS OF THE MALTA AVIATION MUSEUM AND TO HAVE IT RESTORE TO ITS FUll GLORY AND JOIN THE SPITFIRE AND HAWKER HURRICANE.
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Message posted on: Friday, May 04, 2007
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If there was a World Heritage Register for aircraft then "Faith" would be close to the top; she is an airframe of international importance. The conditions in which Faith is currently kept are far from ideal and action must be taken urgently to prevent any further deterioration. I can understand the Malta Government's reluctance to give Faith up but there can be no better place to preserve her than the Malta Aviation Museum. There she will be looked after by people who have the passion and the ability to stop her deteriorating and to restore her so that she once again looks like an aircraft. Like Malta after the siege, Faith must rise from destruction as a symbol of victory over tyranny.
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Message posted on: Sunday, April 29, 2007
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Being a member of the aviation museum since it opened up I know what kind of work is carried out there. Surely'Faith' should be there with other historic aircraft that played such an important role in Malta's history. I put my faith in both sides to come to a decision that will make sense and see this wonderful aircraft in the hangar with both the 'Hurricane' and 'Spitfire'. Thanks to all.
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Message posted on: Saturday, April 28, 2007
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Hello,
I am a Maltese man living in Canada.I visit the island a lot,I always visit the Aviation museum since it was a small place by the stadium.I always admired the work that Mr. Polidano has been doing to restore our War Aviation history.I always said that he was capable of doing what any government did not do since the war.With the equipment on the island after the war we really had nothing to show.The war museum and the other museums do no justice to the our country's fight in the war.The Aviation museum has serously been doing a fine job since they started.When I heard that there was a possibility of Faith going to the museum I was very happy.Finally it is going to look like an airplane in it's glory days.Every kid in my generation new about Fait,Hope and Charity.Last time I was at the museum last year I noticed a young man working on the Hurricane.I said to myself,if young people do this kind of restoration then there is hope that our future in restoring our history is in good hands.
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Message posted on: Thursday, April 26, 2007
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YES I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE GLOSTER GLADIATOR FAITH IN THE HANDS OF THE MALTA AVIATION MUSEUM TA-QALI. TO RESTORE IT TO ITS FINAL GLORY AND JOIN THE SPITFIRE AND HAWKER HURRICANE IN THE AIR BATTLE OF MALTA HANGER
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Message posted on: Thursday, April 26, 2007
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Be nice....give it back its wings :) Don't we restore towers and forts that are crumbling? There is nothing historic about having it's wings removed. When it flew the skies and played such an important role it did it with its wings no? Looking at plane in mueseum without wings is like looking at car without tires. Doesn't really make sense does it?
just a couple of thoughts...
P
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Message posted on: Thursday, April 26, 2007
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Just remembered! It was John Waters who gave "Faith", "Hope" and "Charity" their nicknames according to one book I read.
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Message posted on: Thursday, April 26, 2007
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As a member of the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation and having seen for myself the quality of the restoration work carried out by Ray Polidano's son David and all the other dedicated volunteers, there is no doubt in my mind that the remains of "Faith" should be moved to the MAMF for full restoration. It is only the pig-headed and selfish few who would want to keep it at Fort St. Elmo languishing and rotting away to eventually be scrapped.
One cannot over-stress the historic importance of this airframe.
From a more personal point of view, one of the pilots who flew "Faith" all those years ago was PO John Waters, a personal friend of my late father, G.R.I.'Sailor'Parker, WW2 Mosquito night fighter ace and post-war test pilot. They served together in No.3 AACU before the onset of war. John Waters taught my father to fly unofficially, going solo after only 2 hours official training in Canada a few years later during the war.
Ironically, both my father and John Waters were killed in flying accidents.
What would be better than to have "Faith" fully restored as a lasting memorial to all those involved with the initial defence of Malta?
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Message posted on: Thursday, April 26, 2007
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I was a member at the war museum when I was fourteen years of age back in 1976 and used to give some helping hand for two years. I had remarked to an older member that its place wasn’t in there without wings. He had said we will find a place for it when we obtain the wings!!
Its rightful place is at Ta`Qali now.What is wrong with restoring its wings. If it is the Faith it will remain so. Contradictions will always arise however let us think logically now.
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Message posted on: Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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Having been involved with the aviation museum at Taqali from its beginings with the rebuild of EN199.I have always felt that the best place for the aircraft exhibits at Fort St Elmo should be Taqali. It is blatantly obvious that there is no one at Fort St Elmo with any conservation skills.This is bourne out by the shamefull condition of George Beurlings Spitfire remains that are rapidly turning to powder.The ME 109 parts being a better specification of material are lasting longer.The main problem is Faith she is deteriating very rapidly,I feel that before long the fabric covering will actually begin to separate from the structure .I have great concern as to what effects the atmosphere in the museum is doing to the structure inside and I feel that the structure good be beyond any straightforward restoration very shortly if it has not already reached that stage.It may look reasonable from the outside but it very easily suddenly collapse.
No consideration seems to be being given to the preservation for future generations of not only a significant time in Maltas history but also a significant artifact known and respected world wide.
I think it is ahamefull and disgusting if this situation is allowed to continue.And if there is no positive outcome to this matter I am sure that History will record the negligence of the individuals concerned and I trust that they will be identified for posterity.I also feel that the people of Malta should be ashamed if they allow an Icon of the period that the Island won the George cross should be allowed to rot away because THEY DID NOT CARE ENOUGH !!!!
Mike Eastman
Project Engineer Malta Spitfire EN 199
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Message posted on: Tuesday, April 24, 2007
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Back in the early seventies a small group of enthusiasts started a labour of love - an exhibition of artefacts related to Malta's crucial role in World War 2. Up till then nothing much had ever been done to record and preserve the memory of our Island's contribution to modern history. Some items were thoughtfully presented to the Maltese people by the British military authorities, whilst progressive governments did not preserve anything.
The Museums Department 'dumped' the Gloster Gladiator, Eisenhower's Jeep, some torpedoes and two Italian cannon in the Palace Armoury, where they were tolerated rather than appreciated! In fact one could not gather any information about them apart from that originally provided with three of the exhibits by the British Forces.
When it was decided to remove them from the Armoury, as they jarred with the building and the rest of the items on display, no alternative home was planned or proposed. In fact they were unceremoniosly removed to Government stores.
This is where the group of enthusiasts came in. Permission was sought to hold an temporary exhibition with these items as the main attraction, supplemented by other artefacts loaned from private collections. The venue allocated by the Government was the old Drill Hall at Lower St. Elmo, which proved acceptable for the temporary exhibition, but which was later to be a constant cause of concern when the Exhibition evolved into the War Museum.
The concern was about two problems which constantly bugged us, namely the lack of security, and the salt-laden atmosphere caused by the sea's proximity.
Countless representations were made to the Authorities by the War Museum Association, which we had formed to manage and constantly enlarge and improve the Museum, but our requests always fell on deaf ears. Lip service was rendered on many occasions, but never led to action.
In fact, with the Authorities' blessing, many artefacts which, for want of proper storage facilities were being kept in the parade ground exposed to the rather hostile elements, were removed by a local scrap merchant to 'clear' the place for the filming of 'Midnight Express' Among these artefacts was the fuselage of the Spitfire which we had saved from Targa Gap!
So much for conservation....
It appears that our concern about the atmosphere at St. Elmo was well founded, and unfortunately 'Faith' is proving to be its' greatest and most important victim.
Who cares????
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Message posted on: Tuesday, April 24, 2007
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I have visited the War Museum in 2006, the conditions
there are not ideal for exhibiting an airplane.
But its however a very interesting museum.
The very best would be of course the tranfer to Ta 'Qali.
And imagine all this famous airplanes all together
where you can really admire them in a dry and sunny place.
Perhaps one could make some compensation for the War Museum in form of a model of the Gladiator with a diorama
of an air field, which would fit much better in the small room.
Museums must work together, publicity must be made vice versa and so increase the number of visitors for all.
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Message posted on: Tuesday, April 24, 2007
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The excellent article written by Ray Polidano, director general of the Malta Aviation Museum (The Fate Of Faith, April 9), is essentially about what would undoubtedly be the best place where to have the gladiator Faith. But it suggests several other vital themes which warrant serious consideration.
One of these is what is increasingly emerging about Heritage Malta. It is - slowly but surely - coming out ever more into the limelight that, policy-wise, Heritage Malta seems - particularly through the way some of its top executives are operating - hellbent on ensuring that every single thing worth having and conserving in this country should be under its total and constant control. Its very gentle chairman, Mario Tabone, very often cannot be blamed for giving signs of unawareness of his executives behaving in this way. He probably is either not informed, or may not have the time to go into such issues.
Some of the reasons often being brought for denying that certain items move into the hands of other organisations who, at least morally and organisationally, are certainly better justified and able to retain them, are sometimes couched in purely legalistic or other concepts that should certainly not be the pure motivator for Heritage Malta clinging on to such items. Heritage Malta could indeed in some cases restore, repair, or whatever, but then return the items to the tutelage of their owners.
A case in point - and this is where the fine analogy with the War Museum's justified claim lies - is the case of a jacket which Malta's former GOC Troops Major-General Leakey had donated to the Warrant Officers & Sergeants' Mess of the former 3/11 Regiment RMA(T) during a visit to that mess.
Prior to disbandment of that regiment, the private property of that mess had legally passed to the 3/11 Regiment RMA(T) WOs & Sgts Association. But in a manner which this association can clearly show was a mistake committed at the time by one of the former regular PSIs attached to the regiment, that jacket ended up first in the AFM Officers' Mess in Luqa, and later found its present place in the War Museum.
Efforts by this association to retrieve that jacket were eventually shot down by Heritage Malta's lawyer, simply denying our association's right to it on the mere ground of "prescription". Is that, at least morally, fair?
This association will be suitably celebrating its 35th anniversary this coming May 8, and we again appeal to Heritage Malta to return to us what is rightfully ours. It would be a nice gesture of acceptance of subsidiarity by Heritage Malta towards our association on what for us is an important birthday celebration.
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Message posted on: Tuesday, April 24, 2007
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We have recently had the opportunity of listening to Mario Tabone, chairman of Heritage Malta, advising us of the difference between restoration and conservation. This few minutes' advice was offered to us on the TVM news in respect of Malta's Gloster Gladiator Faith, which the Malta Aviation Museum Foundation are offering to restore and exhibit at the Aviation Museum at Ta' Qali, together with their restored WWII Hurricane and Spitfire fighter aircraft.
Dr Tabone is against this restoration going ahead in principle, as he says that although the MAMF have genuine Gloster Gladiator wing parts these are not Faith's, so there exists a conflict which goes against Heritage Malta's principles of restoration. Therefore, applying these same principles to the Royal Opera House site in Valletta, the (Barry) Opera House can never be reconstructed as this will be a copy, and worse still with new stonework.
Therefore, only the conservation of the few remaining stones left standing will be permitted, and of course the parking of cars inside!
Therefore, all you lovers of Valletta's heritage, be informed that this site will remain as is, unless Mepa stands in and sanctions the erection of a monster concrete and glass tower as is the fashion nowadays.
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Message posted on: Tuesday, April 24, 2007
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I really think that Malta should do all they can to preserve the Gladiator, it is part of their magnificent history.
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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In 2007....with internet so easily accessible i decided to have a look at the Heritage Malta website to check whether any reaction in the form of a forum or other equal discussion had been thought of to counter THIS forum. To my disbelief i found that the Heritage Malta website has last been updated in 2003...at least the envisaged projects listed are for 2004 - thats 3 years ago....so which other projects had been planned / were accomplished?
This is precisely the attitude that we are trying to highlight and prevent...complacency on an organisational level...that a lack of funds given to Heritage Malta from central funds will inevitably lead to deterioration !!...amongst them of 'Faith'...it already HAS
Maltese history and artefacts surely deserve MUCH better...'Faith' deserves MUCH better...the Maltese people surely deserve MUCH MUCH better....and what about future generations? what are they going to inherit? dust?
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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This is terrible that this nonesense is still going on.
I was a service kid living there in the middle 50's, & my parents naturally had many friends whom lived through the struggles of WW2. 'Faith', together with 'Hope' & 'Charity' have been known the world over for their pilots courage during the early years of the war.
Even when I lived in Canada for 20 odd years in the late 70's on, 'Faith' 'Hope' & 'Charity' often came up in aviation feits & topics.
I went to see see 'Faith' at the war museum in 2003 & 2004, & even my wife commented, that it cannot lasat long in this damp environment.
This is part of Malta's history, & should be treated with respect & looked after for those to see in years to come. I realize the war museum feels justified in keeoing it in the museum in Valetta, but at what cost...
At the time 'Faith' was put in to the care of the museum, there was no dedicate 'aviation' one; now there is. It is time to be very realistic in such matters. I appreciate that the museum had given it a home, but it's not the same as look after a solid metal gun that cannot deteriate the way wood & fabric does.
For goodness sake, let it be moved to the Malta Aviation Museum where it really belongs. They are willing to restore it, put wings back on, & treat it with respect that any custodian of such rare & delicate artifacts should.
I am also an aviation enthusiast, & I enjoy seeing such rare aircraft lovingly restored for future generations to see. There are no Sea Gladiators, & this alone is not rocket science, & needs to be care for.
I am proud of the Maltas history, & I'm not even Maltese.
Caz :((
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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