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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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Visited the Malta Air Museum and the Malta War Museum last week. Kind of sad to see N5520 in it's current state, so yep, be nice to see it complete with those wings you have stashed away. Lovely work on your Hurricane and Tiger Moth restorations BTW.
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Message posted on: Thursday, December 31, 2009
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i think that the gladiator faith should be placed at the MAM i visited the MAM when i came to malta the first time & thouht that the efforts to restore the hurricane & spitfire were tremendous although i did,nt make it to the MAM the second time i was there i did see the mine sweepers i hope they recover more planes from the sea i have watched the restoration of the hurricane with great interest on the internet & i will be visiting MAM the next time we come to malta. fantastic place to visit everything is well restored & looked after
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Message posted on: Sunday, December 27, 2009
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I have read this thread with great interest, particularly William Coxhead's letter. My father was stationed at HalFar as the AEO of 728 Sqn, the Fleet Requirements Unit flying Meteor target tugs in 1966, until their disbandment and the closure of HalFar. We lived in one of the large old stone houses overlooking Kalafrana (the rocks of which we swam from) and the quarry in which Faith was dumped, I remember well, exactly as he described, by the road to HalFar.
The photograph which appears in the HMSO publication of 1944, The Air Battle of Malta, shows the airframe in the quarry and the building seen behind is, I believe, the large house in which the RAF Commanding Officer of HalFar lived during our time there. There was a group of about 4 or 5 houses, occupied by FAA and RAF Officers from HalFar..our neighbour was Lt Cdr Peter "Lofty" Wreford, CO of 728 at that time. As children we had the run of the area, and I have very fond memories of those times. Google Earth shows the whole area to be under a container port now. Sad.
As an aside, a few years ago I got to know a splendid character, Stan Hill, the last surviving ground crew member of the RAF High Speed Flight, who won the Schneider trophy with the S6B. Before those days he told me of his time stationed at with the RAF at Kalafrana, with a seaplane squadron, possibly Fairey IIIf's... his favourite job was hopping in the back to fly in the morning to Comino to pick up honey for the mess! Great times.
I sincerely hope that Faith gets the care that this iconic aircraft deserves in the hands of the MAM..good luck in your endeavours.
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Message posted on: Friday, October 30, 2009
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I have read this thread with great interest, particularly William Coxhead's letter. My father was stationed at HalFar as the AEO of 728 Sqn, the Fleet Requirements Unit flying Meteor target tugs in 1966, until their disbandment and the closure of HalFar. We lived in one of the large old stone houses overlooking Kalafrana (the rocks of which we swam from) and the quarry in which Faith was dumped, I remember well, exactly as he described, by the road to HalFar.
The photograph which appears in the HMSO publication of 1944, The Air Battle of Malta, shows the airframe in the quarry and the building seen behind is, I believe, the large house in which the RAF Commanding Officer of HalFar lived during our time there. There was a group of about 4 or 5 houses, occupied by FAA and RAF Officers from HalFar..our neighbour was Lt Cdr Peter "Lofty" Wreford, CO of 728 at that time. As children we had the run of the area, and I have very fond memories of those times. Google Earth shows the whole area to be under a container port now. Sad.
As an aside, a few years ago I got to know a splendid character, Stan Hill, the last surviving ground crew member of the RAF High Speed Flight, who won the Schneider trophy with the S6B. Before those days he told me of his time stationed at with the RAF at Kalafrana, with a seaplane squadron, possibly Fairey IIIf's... his favourite job was hopping in the back to fly in the morning to Comino to pick up honey for the mess! Great times.
I sincerely hope that Faith gets the care that this iconic aircraft deserves in the hands of the MAM..good luck in your endeavours.
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Message posted on: Friday, October 30, 2009
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What a mess! It is somewhat short sighted of the Government. They could compromise and allow the MAM to restore and display 'Faith' without giving up 'ownership'. They could come to some sort of arrangement that would allow the restoration of such a famous aircraft. Imagine the publicity and gratitude that they would receive.
Recovering an aircraft from the sea is not as easy as people might think. The costs of salvaging a plane would be very high and as this is a volunteer run museum, a lot of the donations they receive would be swallowed up, which would make it much less viable.
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Message posted on: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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haveing been a member of malta aviation museum for the past 12 years or so i am still wodering why the war museum at fort st elmo will not release FAITH to the air museum where it will be restored back to flying condition as other aircraft has been restored come malta war museum do the right thing for once
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Message posted on: Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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My Grandad, who served in North Africa with the RAF, filled my head full of stories of Faith, Hope and Charity's battles against the odds. The old girl should be made whole and displayed in her full glory. Maybe one day Ill get to Malta to pay the old girl my respects. Hopefully alongside the Hurricane and Spit.
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Message posted on: Sunday, April 26, 2009
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I visited the Malta Aviation Museum some four years ago,
From what I saw I was most impressed, by the restoration standards achieved.
The Hurricane stands to show what the people at the MAM can do.
Being involved with the Queensland Air Museum in Caloundra Australia
I know first hand what’s involved in restaurant an aircraft, as accurate as possibly can.
So why the pussy footing, by the people in Government?
Pass on the old lady to the MAM they are in the know, they will bring Faith to her former glory.
Live long Gladiator
Angelo Calleja
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Message posted on: Monday, March 30, 2009
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Dear Ray, I had the pleasure of visiting you a couple of weeks ago and didn't realise you were having difficulty in shifting " Faith". We, at the Boulton Paul Heritage at Pendeford UK, have the same obstinate problem with the Coventry Museum who won't let us have the BP, P 111 Delta to place in our Museum out of the weather instead of lettng it rot outside. I wish you and your team every success in prizing the old girl loose and placing her where she belongs in your new site.I hope to visit again next year and "hope" I will be able to view her there. Sicerely, Jim Wood.
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Message posted on: Thursday, February 19, 2009
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Happy New Year to all at MAM Maybe this year "Faith" will end up where it belongs,in The MAM.Once again many thanks to Ray and all the other people who keep the Museum going.
(Blwyddyn Newydd Dda).George. Pontardawe RAFA.Wales.
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Message posted on: Thursday, January 01, 2009
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One way to release "Faith" from the War Meseum would be to recover what ever remains of the Gladiator that was shot down in the sea and display them at the War Meseum instead of "Faith".
The other woud be to restore the wings at M.A.M and let the people of MALTA see what the rest of "FAITH" deserves to look like..
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Message posted on: Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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HAVING SEEN THE EXCELLANT JOB DONE BY MAM ON THE HURRICANE AND SPITFIRE, MY VOTE WOULD BE FOR THE GLADIATOR TO BE TAKEN TO TA'KALI AND BE FULLY RESTORED THERE.
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Message posted on: Monday, December 01, 2008
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Send that brave old soul to Malta where she belongs!!!
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Message posted on: Thursday, November 27, 2008
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I support the initiative to move the Gladiator fuselage to the MAM. The War Museum in Valetta is brilliant but it is not the right place to display the incomplete airframe. Without the wings the fragility of this biplane fighter cannot be appreciated. The Gladiators flew against much more advanced and faster enemy aircraft but still gave a good account of themselves when flown by their Navy pilots. Please move the fuselage to the MAM where it can be restored to its former glory. It is a too precious relic not to be displayed properly for everyone to enjoy and wonder at.
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Message posted on: Friday, October 17, 2008
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I have seen the aircraft in its present location and it is obvious that the aviation museum would be a far better location to be able to view the aircraft in a fully rebuilt state but it would seem that trying to get the fuselage from the war museum is much the same as trying to take a toy away from a child
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Message posted on: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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As a boy in the 1960's I visited "Faith", my memory has the aircraft intact. I have always looked forward to visiting Malta and "Faith" again. I hope that she can be restored to original condition.
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Message posted on: Monday, October 06, 2008
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I am most disappointed that the Gladiator has not been moved to MAM, it is OBVIOUSLY the best place for its future health
What is the War Museum thinking about, they should do the right thing and place it with MAM for consevation and restoration
The war museum could quite easily obtain important items to show and attract lots of visitors in its place
Come on War Museum do the right thing
Ray McElwain, North Yorkshire
Coming over to visit once more on 23rd (7 days time)
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Message posted on: Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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Hi I have only just read all the comments about relocating Faith to the Aviation Museum.I have visited Malta for many years and remember the start of the work on Mary Rose.Please do not let Faith end up the same as a TV Show I saw a few years ago when they could not find any Ack-Ack Guns as they had all ended up as Scrap.I have seen the work done by Ray and all the enthusiasts this is of great credit to everyone at MAM.All Aircraft should be in an Aviation Museum and lovingly looked after as at MAM.I will be in Malta on Sept 2nd and will call to the Museum as I do every year. Best Wishes. George Parsons. Pontardawe Branch. Royal Airforces Association.
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Message posted on: Saturday, August 16, 2008
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maybe a little solution to put an end for this drama is to transfer the ww2 museum to ta qali also . it should suit well there`s plenty of space to build another building and telling the truth even the war museum is to small to exhibit all the war things there . it would be in a place that was a centre point in ww2. i know that the aviation museum is totaly different from the war museum but we all know that our aviation history is connected with military aviation.then if this happens fait will be restored and the 2 museums would be happy to show their exhibits. thanks
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Message posted on: Monday, August 11, 2008
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Having last visited Malta in 1993 while serving on HMS Ark Royal with 801 Sqdn Seaharrier FRS1's. I took a avid intrest in Faith,having been involved a few years earlier in the static restoration of N3905 for the Fleet Air Arm Museum ( Which know lives at the IWM Duxford and took to the air again in mid July 08 ). Although a good job of restoring the airframe had been carried out. It was and probably still is,suffering from the damish conditions that prevail in the Fort at Valletta. Also by moving it to the Malta Aviation Museum, would allow Further restoration. Also the chance to fit it with a set of wings to bring it back to its natural form and also the chance to see it in day light
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Message posted on: Saturday, July 26, 2008
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I know that `Faith' has been at the War Museum for years but it really should go to Ta Qali to be restored to its former glory.
It seems that the War Museum is being very short sighted by quibbling about handing this historic aircraft over, especially as a set of wings have already been donated by the RAF Museum.
As the Malta Air Museum seem to know of a number of underwater wreck sites around the island could an operation possibly be mounted (maybe funded by the Maltese Government or the European Union) to recover one of these aircraft and donate it to the War Museum in exchange for `Faith'?
This could then be displayed in its recovered state alongside the existing Spitfire wreck and would fill the space left by this famous `Sea Gladiator' in the War Museum using an interesting and poignant exhibit which would add further to the heritage on display in Malta as a whole.
I know that this is a very simplified scenario but it could maybe result in a win win situation all around?
All the very best
Tony O`Toole
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Message posted on: Thursday, July 17, 2008
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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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Gloster Gladiator 'Faith' made its mark during the early months of the Second World War when Malta's few fighter pilots with the support of groundcrew went beyond their call of duty to fight against incredible odds. Thus, this historical aircraft is as precious as The Hypogeum Temples and we Maltese are duty bound to preserve our heritage. We are responsible to past and future generations. Let's not let silly rivalry destroy a precious jewel of our aviation heritage.
'Faith' must be restored and preserved in the hands of true professionals at the Ta' Qali Aviation Museum.
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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Further to my letter in the Times regarding this matter, the authorities concerned are reminded that Faith belongs neither to the National War Museum, nor to Heritage Malta nor to the Government of Malta nor to any other body whatsoever!
Faith belongs to the People of Malta and therefore it is they who should determine how she is restored and how she is to be displayed.
Standing, as she is, in the obscurity of the National War Museum, means that the Maltese People are being deprived of viewing her in her full glory and of understanding her full significance.
The Authorities therefore have a duty towards the People of Malta to move this illustrious aircraft to the Malta Aviation Museum which in my opinion and the opinion of many is Malta's foremost museum as regards standards and progress, so that she can fully serve in her role as a symbol of our country's bloody struggle and final victory against and over Fascist and Nazi aggression.
Enough time has been wasted. Faith must move to her true and deserved home immediately!
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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Until one sees with his own eyes the painstaking and dedicated work by the Malta Aviation Museum members to restore war memorabilia from a heap of scrap metal back to its original WORKING condition,supported by their colleagues from aviation museums worldwide,one cannot appreciate the motive behind their anxiety to get cracking on the restoration of the Gladiator, before it is too late. Let the Heritage Malta Board visit the Malta Aviation Museum to see why they need not hesitate any longer to entrust FAITH into the expert hands that it deserves, IN THEIR OWN AND THE NATIONAL INTEREST.
After all, the plane is not going anywhere other than Ta' Qali.
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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Can I add my contribution to this discussion. I saw Faith last year on a visit to the island. As someone who contributes to an aerospace museum in the UK I was saddened by the state of the airframe. There is obvious signes of corrison and general neglect on whats left of the airframe added to that the airframe is incomplete, its a sorry state for such an historic aircraft.
After seeing the efforts of the museum on restoring the Hurricane and Spitfire and the fruits of their labour there can only be one outcome give whats left of Faith to a group who know what they are about and let them restore and display this historic aircraft with its brothers and sisters in the Aviation Museum in memory of those who paid the ultimate price. What price the photo of Faith Mary, Rose and the Hurricane in the New Museum.
Sorry for the rant but in the UK we are a bit lacking in preserving our aviation heritage please Malta dont make the same mistake.
Gerard
Warrington UK
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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I have recently read quite a few articles about the Sea Gladiator, better known as 'Faith' which is kept at the National War Museum in St Elmo. Should it be left to fade to ruins or should it be transferred to the Aviation Museum at Hal Far to receive the complete make-over it deserves?
An opinion poll held recently showed that it should. The last time I saw it, which was quite a few years ago, it was in a rather pitiful state because it had no wings and most of the metal parts were corroding. It came to my attention that the volunteers of the Aviation Museum are offering to take the relic in their care and do whatever is necessary to restore it to its full glory. Amazingly, this encountered strong opposition from the management of the National War Museum.
Can this really be allowed to happen? I was talking to one of the volunteers at the Aviation Museum and he explained that a set of original wings are available at their hangers ready to be mounted on the fuselage once it has been restored.
Would it not be nice if we could see 'Faith' back in its full splendour? Would it not be wonderful if this war hero could join its four other comrades which have already been restored by the Hal Far volunteers? And would it not be of greater satisfaction if we could perhaps hear its engine roar again?
I strongly urge the authorities to take this matter into their hands and not allow this national icon to go to ruin. After all, the past performance of the management of the Aviation Museum is evidence enough of the standard of work they are capable of.
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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Having been involved from the beginning in the building of the Spitfire in Malta (EN199) and watching with great interest and admiration the work that has gone on, I would hope my encouragement and inspiration has helped greatly.
It is with great sadness every time I visit Malta to see the further deterioration of the exhibits in the War Museum at Fort St Elmo. Because of lack of any preservation work the remains of George Beurling's famous Spitfire will soon be nothing more than a pile of crumbling aluminium dust.
Also, the continual deterioration of the Gladiator is very sad. I am sure the many thousands of ex-servicemen who visit every year cannot fail to see how the aircraft is rapidly following George Beurling's Spitfire. The aircraft needs urgent conservation work as a minimum. A head in the sand policy will only result in Malta losing a very important piece of its heritage.
What will be left for future generations to view in ten years' time? What, besides photographs, will be left to show one of the aircraft that helped to protect Malta during a time of great need and heroism of both Maltese and British servicemen? Very little, I fear.
I urge those with any influence to allow the aircraft to receive the urgent work they need and where better than the now internationally recognised restoration centre at Ta' Qali? I only hope that common sense will prevail.
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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I have visited Malta many times over the last 30 years and have been to both the War Museum and the Aviation Museum on quite a few occasions.
I was so impressed by the progress made at the Aviation Museum that I became a member and contributed to the new hangar, so you could say that I am a bit biased on the subject.
But it seems to me that the best way to view the Gladiator Faith is in its natural environment completely rebuilt, and by being able to stand back and have an overall view of the aircraft, which is not possible in its present situation.
It would also be nice for the younger generations of Maltese people to see this aircraft, which played such an important part in the defence of the island, in its complete state and not just a fuselage in what is basically a tunnel.
As for the suggestion of stripping off the fabric and leaving just the framework, I am lost for words.
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Message posted on: Monday, April 23, 2007
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Please make the right decision and move Faith to a home where she will be treasured and restored by true craftsmen to her former glory. To have a Spitfire a Hurricane and Gladiator under one roof would be a fitting tribute to the heroism and sacrific of the People of Malta in the hardest years of the 20th Century.
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Message posted on: Sunday, April 22, 2007
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only one comment.
compare the state of exhibits at the aviation museum ta qali with those at the war museum valletta. no contest faith needs a new and loving home.
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Message posted on: Sunday, April 22, 2007
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Please be aware, the Malta Aviation Museum is now a MAJOR tourist attraction and and I assume it contributes to the economy of Malta. Therefore it deserves the support of all Maltese.Good luck in your efforts, and I hope to see the Gladiator at the "Premier" attraction in Malta.
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Message posted on: Sunday, April 22, 2007
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I have written to The Sunday Times on 22nd March and emailed again on the 17th April highlighting my views regarding the "Faith' saga. So far none were published. This is an indication that for every "pro" letter published, quite a few remain unpublished. My email dated 17th April was this:
"THE GLADIATOR 'FAITH' AND ITS FATE.
Please allow me to express my disgust at the chairman of Heritage Malta - Dr. Tabone's comments during yesterday's local TV news bulletin. They confirm the lack of knowledge of the respected gentleman at least in the field of aircraft conservation. He stubbornly insists that 'Faith' should remain in its 'preserved' condition at the War Museum. As everybody knows, especially foreigners, this aircraft has a dummy rudder of the wrong shape, a false engine cowl, false finish, and extremely amatuerish fabric covering. A carnival float is more authentically represented than the present condition of 'Faith. This of course besides the inadequate place and conditions it is 'displayed' at. Is this what Heritage Malta wants to preserve? Is this what Heritage Malta can decide for part of the heritage it is entrusted with? No wonder most of our heritage is in a sorry state and in abandon. No wonder our ancient temples were not even recommended to become a possible Wonder of the World. We have an army of wage earners but no doers."
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Message posted on: Sunday, April 22, 2007
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Short and sweet ! The Faith episode and the senseless insistance of the misinformed and incompetent few, is a sad and ridiculous and most of all unfortunate issue. Lets get it over with for God's sake and lets start restoring it to its original, and most of all IMPORTANT (crucial !!) glory (with the correct colours this time around !!).
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Message posted on: Saturday, April 21, 2007
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"Faith, Hope and Charity" became famous worldwide, not only in Malta - even if none of the Gladiators used in the defence of Malta were individually so named. "Faith" is a very, very historical aircraft indeed, and it deserves to be properly restored, displayed and looked after. The War Museum has neither the space nor the expertise to do so. The Malta Aviation Museum has both. Let us hope the voice of reason eventually prevails and Faith finds its true home alongside the Museum's Hurricane and Spitfire.
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Message posted on: Saturday, April 21, 2007
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There's only one resting place befitting a main protagonist in The Air Battle for Malta.
It goes without saying The Air Battle for Malta Memorial Hangar at Ta Qali.
Words speak for themselves.
This famous aircraft could finally be restored and taken care of by professional people in the right surroundings,and most important proper the most adequate place with the right climatic conditions for its preservation for years to come. to be admired by future generations
I am very sure and quite positive that the people of The Aviation Museum would do a magnificent professional job and restore this famous Aviation Relic to its former and famous glory.
One can see for himself the result of all their mamoth projects at the museum itself
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Message posted on: Saturday, April 21, 2007
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There is only one place where 'Faith' can be displayed - Malta's Aviation Museum alongside the other other two stalwarts of Malta's defense; our Spitfire & Hurricane. Procastination on the part of the relevant authorities will only hasten the corrosive process. Hopefully decisive action and common sense will prevail and a proper restoration will commence asap.
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Message posted on: Saturday, April 21, 2007
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I believe 'Faith' in its totality belongs to the National Aviation Museum located at a place where the aircraft actually operated from.
Heritage Malta should stop being puritanical and adopt a more pragmatic and practical approach to this problem; it should recognise and accept that there are more experienced organisations that are capable and able to understand what's required to keep Malta's aviation heritage alive.
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Message posted on: Saturday, April 21, 2007
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History and aviation enthusiasts alike look forward to seeing Gladiator 'Faith' at the Aviation Museum in Ta' Qali, very soon. This is THE place where ALL historic aircraft and aviation related artefacts from all periods of Malta's glorious history belong
May common sense prevail and long may we Maltese, Gozitans and all visitors to our shores enjoy learning about these aircraft and our history in general
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Message posted on: Friday, April 20, 2007
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I have visited the Malta aviation museum on a number of occasions. Each time I have been deeply impressed by the very high standard of the aircraft restorations and the dedication, care and enthusiasm of the museum staff and volunteers. It is apparent that the only place in Malta with the knowledge and skill to take proper care of Faith is the aircraft museum.
I am a frequent visitor to other museums in the UK, such as Duxford and the RAF museum, and in my opinion the Malta Aviation Museum is of a comparable standard in restoration and care of their exhibits. They must be allowed to give Faith the love and care that she needs!
Moving the aircraft to Ta'Qali would also create valuable space in the Valletta War museum which I am sure would be put to good use.
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Message posted on: Friday, April 20, 2007
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Sir,
I first saw N5520 in 1951 whilst passing through Malta on my way to Korea with the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. The airframe was then on display in the Palace Armouries.
I next saw 5520 on a visit to Malta GC in January of 2006 in the War Museum. In all those years it had hardly altered in appearance. The only place, as a fitting tribute to those who flew in the defence of Malta GC is at the Malta Aviation Museum where it can once more be seen in its entirity, fully restored by a group of dedicated people, and enabling it to take its place alongside the other beautifully restored aircraft at Ta'Qali.
I implore the powers that be to allow this fine machine to be placed in the museum at Ta'Qali where it so rightfully belongs.
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Message posted on: Friday, April 20, 2007
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Hope that Gladiator Faith finds its way to Malta Aviaiton Museum to have a safe home and be restored to its former glory. The Gladiator, followed by the Hurricane and Spitfire were the three key defenders of Malta During world war II.
Its about time that after being seperated from each other for over 65 years these three defenders will be displayed next to each other in a memorial hangar that gives tribute to those who gave their lives while protecting our island and relatives.
Keep up the good work you guys at Ta' Qali are doing. From a look at the website I am amazed at the rate at which the museum had expanded since my last visit 4 years ago. I must pay a visit to the Museum next weekend.
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Message posted on: Friday, April 20, 2007
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It is an honour to Malta and the Maltese people to have a number of dedicated people giving resources, not least time and money, to conserve and restore Malta's Heritage.
Like the several NGO involved in restoration and conservation of items of historical importance, the Malta Aviation Museum is doing a great service to the country.
I have to show appreciation to the people who were involved in salvaging parts of Faith. Without people with passion, nothing would have been left.
Faith is at the moment a dismembered relic, a fuselage without life, without wings. I have no doubt that people with real heritage in their heart, far away from petty politcal and recognition piques, would be wanting Faith to be restored once again as an aircraft by giving it wings, dressing it up with its parts and placing it alongside other important wartime aircraft such as the Spitfire and Hurricane.
I also have no doubt that the people behind the Malta Aviation Museum have the knowledge and expertise to do the job. The government should do its job too by giving direct support, financially as well.
The Malta Aviation Museum is the right home for Faith. Perhaps talks should start for the overseeing of the War Museum too! This might be far fetched today, maybe not so in the future, but it is fit for Malta to have one body which is able to take decisions in the interest of Malta and the Maltese.
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Message posted on: Friday, April 20, 2007
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Referring to a letter 'War Relic on Display' by Pierre Cassar from Heritage Malta on Times of Malta , one cannot but wonder in whose hands our heritage presently rests.
This learned gentleman illuminates readers with a little history which obviously he should know, but also exposes the reasoning of these people, none of whom are in any way qualified in conservation restoration/replication where aircraft artefacts are concerned.
Heritage Malta 'inherited' the War Museum that originally was set up by the War Museum Association, with Faith and some other wartime exhibits which were removed from the Palace Armoury and unceremoniously placed at Fort St. Elmo some time earlier. Since that time, Faith has never received any attention from anybody but has just sat there, and still is, deteriorating and irreversibly corroding at a very fast rate due to its environs and lack of any form of care. The little 'upgrading' it received years before, though welcome, was an amateur attempt at fabric skinning, the addition of a wooden rudder whose shape is only approximate, and a new coat of paint which has nothing to do with the original finish. It s true representation is false as is the George Cross medal at the War Museum. The original is safely under lock and key elsewhere.
The learned gentleman arrogantly tells us that it will never be removed from its 'rightful place', since it will be in breach of the original conditions of the gift. If these conditions were that it must be displayed at its original site - the Palace Armoury - then these conditions have already been breached. Faith was a gift to the nation and people of Malta in general, and not particularly to the Government or Heritage Malta for that matter. After its presentation it was inadequately displayed at the Palace Armoury, and then to Fort St. Elmo which is even a worse place. Now that in Malta we have an Aviation Museum, with a state of the art 'AIR BATTLE OF MALTA MEMORIAL HANGAR' erected for the purpose with aid from the European Community, Faith should according to sensible reasoning be moved there. It is the only place in Malta where it can receive all the necessary professional attention to save it for posterity. If Heritage Malta really cares, Faith's decent place is in company with the Hurricane and Spitfire - the other two types of aircraft that defended Malta.
Mr. Cassar further informs us that a new curator is now engaged to ensure that the collection and the museum are properly curated. May we humbly enquire whether this curator is qualified in aircraft conservation, restoration/replication?
Using the learned gentleman's words, unfortunately, many times people confuse the
principles of conserving, restoration/replication; the confusion lies where the principles applicable to a work of art or other artefact, are also applied to an
aircraft. In fact Faith is likened to an icon. A suggestion to the learned gentleman and others of the same mentality/reasoning is to read the publications "FLY PAST FLY PRESENT" by various world renowned aircraft preservation experts, curators, restorers and professionals of the trade (ISBN 1 85409 226 X); and "RESTORING MUSEUM AIRCRAFT" by Robert Mikesh who was for a time the Senior Curator for Aeronautics of the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC (ISBN 1 85310875 8). If after going through these two
publications, the learned gentleman still believes in what he wrote, then, yes, there must be hidden agendas on the matter. Furthermore, since the Chairman Mr. Tabone is abroad, we shall look forward to either his endorsement or otherwise to Mr Pierre Cassar's remarks and beliefs on behalf of Heritage Malta, as for sure it left very sour or perhaps humorous impressions among international experts in the field.
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Message posted on: Friday, April 20, 2007
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As an aviation enthusiast, writer and journalist, I cannot but lament the lack of respect being afforded to Malta's Aviation Heritage throughout the years.
It was only after the Malta Aviation Museum was formed that this rich heritage has been given its due attention. What would the museum do if it had more resources at hand?
The War Museum is humid and is run by people with very little knowledge of aircraft. And yet, they have been entrusted with what remains of the greatest piece of aviation history in the Maltese Islands, if not Southern Europe... the very plane which almost single-handedly fought off the Reggia Aeronautica until reinforcements slowly began to trickle to Malta.
Had Malta fallen to the Axis, the North African theatre would have been no El Alamein, no Operation Torch, much less any Operation Husky. How could the Allies have fought the Axis forces when these would then have had complete superiority in the Mediterranean? Rommel's main problem was the constant harrasment of his intended reinforcements from the Italian mainland, which were kept at bay by Malta-based British forces.
Winston Churchill said of the RAF pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain, "Never was so much owed by so many to so few." One year later, over the skies of Malta, "the few" were even less.
The RAF is proud of its victory, and to this day maintains the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, where airworthy examples of Spitfires and Hurricanes, which fought the decisive battle, are flown regularly in commemorative events. None of the said Spitfires or Hurricanes actually fought in the Battle of Britain, but they represent the aircraft which did.
However, in Malta, we have the genuine article, from just as decisive a Battle, we have the proven means, the proven skills, and the materials to restore it to ground-running condition, and instead we choose to leave it rotting in a corner of a fort, which should even recieve restoration itself.
Malta's historic heritage is already a shambles on many accounts. Need the War Museum continue to keep their heads in the sand?
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Message posted on: Friday, April 20, 2007
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This message has been extracted from www.timesofmalta.com
History does repeat itself.
In 1940, even as defenceless Malta faced the imminent danger of air attack, the British Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm tussled over who should operate outdated Gladiator aircraft lying in crates in Kalafrana. The RAF wanted them because it had no aircraft of its own to defend Malta with. The FAA said it required them for its aircraft carriers. A compromise was reached and some of the bi-planes took to the skies over Malta. The FAA then had a change of heart and the aircraft went back to their crates. But common sense finally prevailed and back to Malta's defence the aircraft went.
One of them was N5520, ever since immortalised as Faith - although there were more than three such aircraft defending the island, the Gladiators were referred to as Faith, Hope and Charity, possibly because they used to fly three at a time. Faith survived the war but was in a battered state when it was presented "to the people of Malta" in 1943. All that remained was the skeleton of its fuselage only partially covered with fabric. The enduring memory made this the most famous surviving Gloster Gladiator in the world.
In 1974, the RAF put fresh skin on the fuselage and painted it in wartime colours. A group of volunteers then set up the National War Museum Association, building a collection of war memorabilia at Fort St Elmo, in Valletta. The War Museum was born. The collection has grown much bigger since, too big for the space available for it in that historic fort.
Now a fresh tussle has broken out. The Malta Aviation Foundation is asking Heritage Malta to transfer Faith to it on loan for restoration and eventual display in the new Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar in Ta' Qali.
The foundation would like to fully restore Faith, including fitting it with wings, and give it the pride of place it deserves at Ta' Qali flanked by the aircraft to which is passed the baton: The Hurricane and the, Spitfire.
Heritage Malta, however, argues that Faith is an integral part of the national collection under its remit and a national icon that is pivotal to the display at the National War Museum. That, it insists, is its rightful place.
The foundation is making a strong case that deserves a hearing. The Gladiator has already undergone extensive restoration. It is very different from the remains presented in 1943. To take the process to its natural conclusion, therefore, makes sense. It would be a laborious exercise, costing hundreds of thousands of liri and requiring particular expertise. But the foundation has already shown it is up to the task.
Heritage Malta has also been doing a professional job in other areas of Malta's patrimony. But, given its overflowing plate and scarce resources, transferring responsibility for Faith to the aviation foundation does appear to make sense.
It would also be proper for Faith to be displayed at the airfield from which it flew, alongside other fighters of the period. Assigning examples of Malta's heritage to the care of the private sector has already been proved to be a successful concept.
Taking Faith to Ta' Qali and restoring it must not be seen as a loss for the War Museum but a gain for national heritage. Rather than tussle, the Aviation Museum and the War Museum should partner and promote each other.
All it takes is a leap of Faith.
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Message posted on: Friday, April 20, 2007
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The recent online poll run by The Times seems to indicate that there is a lot of interest in Faith, the World War II Gladiator fighter plane at the War Museum in Valletta. The result of this poll seems to indicate overwhelmingly that the public feels that Faith should indeed be moved to the Aviation Museum in Ta' Qali.
I feel that this would be best for this important historic aircraft, particularly given the level of expertise and dedication of the staff and volunteers at the Aviation Museum. One only has to visit their Museum to see the standard of excellent work done on the exhibits, particularly on Hurricane Z3055, a stalwart of the Air Battle of Malta. Surely Faith deserves to be lavished with the same kind of attention that this and other exhibits have enjoyed?
This is made more relevant when one takes into consideration the very poor condition of Faith as it now is at the War Museum. The fabric covering has deteriorated very badly. Fabric covering on aircraft usually requires replacement every 10 years. This certainly has not been carried out. One shudders to think of the condition of the airframe beneath this fabric!
Another point to consider is the plane's appearance. The current covering was carried out by the RAF in the 1970s. Unfortunately it was incorrectly done. The procedures used were incorrect, resulting in the wrong profile of a number of features on the aircraft. Even the engine covers are of the wrong shape and size. One must keep in mind that when Faith was presented to Malta it was in skeletal form, i.e. just a frame with an engine bolted on the front. Anything else on the airframe was added later and generally in an inaccurate manner. Even the paint finish is the wrong colour; Faith was certainly not painted in the colours it now sports.
So with the above in mind, why has no serious effort been made to rectify this tragedy of errors? Surely such an important and legendary aircraft deserves to be restored to its former glory? Malta now has an aviation museum to be proud of, with people who are willing to give up their time so that under the appropriate technical supervision historic aircraft can be restored and preserved. What or who is holding up what in essence is the most sensible thing to do? Move Faith to Ta' Qali? Let the experts get on with the massive amount of work needed to return this aircraft to what it should be.
Incidentally, the Aviation Museum were given a set of wings for the Gladiator with this restoration in mind. Why the continued delay? What are we waiting for? The donor of these wings to ask for them back because they have not been used? Let common sense prevail and give Faith the home and care it needs.
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Message posted on: Friday, April 20, 2007
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Being somewhat of an aviation enthusiast I could not help but follow the recent spate of letters and articles regarding the fate of ''Faith'', the Gloucester Gladiator, for years languishing at the War Museum minus those essential things without which a plane is useless: wings! This in itself is bad enough but refusing an offer from a team of professional aircraft restorers and conservationists to restore this historic plane to its original state at no charge and house the same plane at the magnificent Air Battle of Malta Memorial borders on the scandalous.
Faith's place is alongside the two other stalwarts of the Malta air defences, the Spitfire and the Hawker Hurricane, both of which have been restored to their former glory by the Malta Aviation Museum's personnel and not left to languish, wingless and abandoned down at the war museum. If anyone has any doubts about the skill and love with which these people go about their jobs just go to Ta' Qali and see for yourself what has been achieved over the years. Thousands of Maltese and tourists have done so, appreciating the finished planes while also watching the personnel restore others. A truly living museum!
I just can't believe the pettiness and small village mentality of some people who for some reason best known to them are denying the Maltese public and the tourists who visit Malta the right to enjoy and view Faith as she should be, complete.
Can the Tourism Minister solve this no-brainer? I'm losing faith (excuse the pun) pretty fast.
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Message posted on: Monday, April 16, 2007
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On March 8 Mark Rizzo and I wrote in the letters column of The Times regarding the plight of Gloster Gladiator Faith's Fuselage languishing in the War Museum, Valletta. Earlier correspondence by George Said (January 12) prompted my letter.
Recently Pierre Cassar, in corporate communications at Heritage Malta, posted an official reply in The Times, stating among other things that Faith will never be removed from its rightful place. A few days after the letter I went to the Valletta War Museum to see Faith once again. In the museum I had a conversation with a member of staff who was adamant that Faith would not end up as a restoration project, and that the museum only displayed relics not restored items. I pointed out to the gentleman that the RAF had restored Faith's fabric in 1974, to which he replied that they were thinking of removing the fabric leaving Faith as a skeleton.
In the museum I note that Faith is supporting a two-blade propeller. Some literature and photos indicate that the sea Gladiator at some time supported a three-blade propeller. The gentleman also told me that a set of wings obtained in Finland were inappropriate as Finland was part of the German war machine in World War II.
I assume that the Gloster Aircraft Company not Willi Messerschmitt made the Finnish Gladiator wings, so I fail to see how is this a problem! I was also informed that the Valletta War Museum would probably be moving to a more appropriate site. The gentleman would not tell me where Faith's new rightful place would be.
After reading Ray Polidano's enlightening article (April 9) it seems to me that Mr Cassar's arguments do not hold water. If a partnership with Heritage Malta is on the cards, and if the very small Valletta War Museum needs a more appropriate site, would not an annex to, or accommodation close to the Malta Aviation Museum at Ta' Qali be an acceptable compromise similar to that at Duxford in the UK?
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Message posted on: Monday, April 16, 2007
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As an aviation historian I lament the fact that the Gladiator is not in its rightful home, ie. the Battle of Malta hangar at Ta' Qali. Before the aviation museum was set up it was appropriate for the airframe to be in the War Museum at Fort St Elmo but since the opening of the Battle of Malta hangar, together with the Spitfire and Hurricane, this should be its home.
I do hope that the correct authority sees that isolated as it is at St Elmo, the full implications of what the Gladiator means and did for Malta is not fully appreciated by all who visit. I pray that common sense will prevail.
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Message posted on: Sunday, April 15, 2007
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Many letters have appeared in The Times urging Heritage Malta to authorise 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, Ta' Qali. Pierre Cassar, corporate communications officer at Heritage Malta, on March 20 wrote back and ruled out such a transfer.
Faith was one of the Gladiator aircraft, dubbed Faith, Hope and Charity, that formed Malta's only air defence when war broke out in 1940. The skeletal remains of its fuselage were presented to the people of Malta at the end of the war. The fuselage was restored by the RAF in 1974 and the aircraft, minus its wings, has since been displayed at the War Museum, in Fort St Elmo.
The Malta Aviation Museum Foundation would like to explain the process leading to its requests for the Gladiator to join the other Air Battle of Malta aircraft at Ta' Qali.
It all started in 1996, when the then Minister of Justice and the Arts, Michael Refalo, suggested that the Aviation Museum ought to build wings for the Gladiator. In a letter dated August 6, 1996, Dr Refalo accepted our request for funding for the project and said: "I have asked Permanent Secretary and Director, Museums Department, to give favourable consideration to this request".
Shortly after, I visited the Imperial War Museum at Duxford to seek copies of original drawings and original wing pieces to help us build these wings. A restorer with The Fighter Collection directed us to the RAF Museum reserve collection at Cardington.
The British High Commissioner of the time, Graham Archer, kindly submitted our requests to the RAF Museum and I was invited to visit RAF Cardington to single out the Gladiator pieces in their reserve collection that we wished to have. During a visit in 1997, I pointed out the wing pieces we required and also asked for a rudder, since the one on Faith is made out of wood and is of the wrong shape.
Early in 1998 we returned to Cardington for a meeting with the RAF Museum, the Fleet Air Arm Museum and the Gloucestershire Aviation Collection where we had to explain why the parts should be given to us and not to the other museums. Our bid was accepted after it was pointed out that Faith is the most important and famous of the existing Gladiators and that it therefore deserved to be fully restored. The wings were transported to Malta aboard an RAF C-130 transport aircraft and accepted on our behalf by Minister Louis Galea on September 26, 1998.
The Finnish Aviation Museum subsequently also gave the Malta Aviation Museum Gladiator wings in exchange for an Armstrong Withworth Cheetah aero engine. The wings were shipped to Malta in January 1999. As result we are now in possession of enough Gladiator wing parts to be able to restore Faith to the condition it was in when it defended Malta in 1940.
At that time, which was before Heritage Malta was set up, we had been dealing with the Museums Department. Although there were never any official talks about the subject, the situation sea-sawed from a position where the aviation artefacts in the War Museum were to be moved to the Aviation Museum to the position where the Gladiator would never be allowed to move out of the War Museum. The Aviation Museum for a time did not officially broach the subject because space was limited and we were still busily restoring a Hawker Hurricane that we had recovered from the seabed.
With the setting up of Heritage Malta the situation did not change until we started building the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar, designed specifically to house WWII aircraft. In 2004, I had two meetings with Mario Tabone, chairman of Heritage Malta, regarding the prospect of the Malta Aviation Museum entering a partnership agreement with Heritage Malta. Dr Tabone explained that a partnership agreement would be beneficial to us among other things, in terms of funding from the EU and the prospect of sharing information from underwater surveys which Heritage Malta was planning for the future. The subject was tactfully changed every time I tried to bring up the issue of the Gladiator. We, however, agreed in principle about the partnership and Dr Tabone promised to send us a draft agreement.
Nothing else happened until a few months before the inauguration of the Air Battle of Malta Memorial Hangar when we were given the impression that the transfer of the Gladiator would be authorised and that we needed to write an official request to that effect. This we duly did and the letter was delivered by hand. We received no reply and Dr Tabone did not even attend the inauguration of the new hangar.
Former British High Commissioner Vincent Fean discussed the matter with Dr Tabone and was told that talks about the partnership were in hand and this would facilitate the transfer of the Gladiator to the Aviation Museum. I was again invited for a meeting with Dr Tabone where he expressed his admiration for the work carried out by the Aviation Museum. We were again told that as soon as a draft agreement on the partnership was ready, it would be mailed to us. Again, nothing happened.
A new British High Commissioner again brought up the subject with Dr Tabone on October 26, 2006 and he was given the same reply.
A few months ago, I attended the annual Forum on Cultural Heritage at the Mediterranean Conference Centre where Dr Tabone told me he had the draft agreement ready on his desk. We have still not received it.
Mr Cassar in his letter stated that there are no hidden agendas on the matter. I know Dr Tabone to be a true gentleman, and therefore I am quite sure there is something preventing him from keeping his word to the High Commissioners and also preventing him from meeting us around a table to discuss this matter in a truly constructive fashion. I would like to correct some inaccuracies in Mr Cassar's letter.
First: The George Cross exhibited in the War Museum is a replica; the real one is safely locked away elsewhere. Secondly: It was Sir Keith Park and not Lord Gort who presented the remains of the fuselage of Faith to the Maltese people on behalf of the RAF, and he made no conditions as to where the gift should be placed.
Finally, of course, Mr Cassar cannot be referring to us when he speaks of people who confuse the principles of conservation with those of restoration/replication because we know what a replica is - the George Cross in the War Museum - although we are a bit confused on what to call the rudder on Faith since it is made out of wood and totally in the wrong shape.
An example of conservation in our case is the Fiat G91 jet fighter of the 1950s that was simply retired from flying and presented to the museum in its original state. Our duty in this type of situation is to conserve it as it is and not allow it to deteriorate to a state where it requires restoration.
An example of restoration is the Hawker Hurricane that we recovered from the seabed in 1995. The choice was to either leave it as a mass of tangled metal or restore it to its original state. We chose the latter and, 11 years on, have almost finished rebuilding the aircraft using original drawings, patterns and parts while retaining as much as 65 per cent of the original structure.
The volunteers at the Aviation Museum under the guidance of the museum's fully qualified aeronautical engineer are prepared to put in as much effort as they have put on the Hawker Hurricane to ensure that the Gladiator is restored to its original glory, as is deserving of a national icon, and, indeed, one of the most historic aircraft in Europe.
By so doing we would also be thanking the four countries - England, Finland, Sweden and Norway - that have donated the wing sections necessary for its restoration.
Malta Aviation Museum's Spitfire and Hurricane. Skillfully restored by Malta Aviation Museum Foundation following recovery from sea bed and scrap yards. Malta Aviation Museum is run by a voluntary non-profit making organisation and currently houses an aircraft collection of 18 aircraft with more additions planned for the near future.
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Message posted on: Saturday, April 14, 2007
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