THE YANKEE INVASION OF MALTA
BY VICTOR A. VELLA
The year was 1943. The allies were staging for a frontal assault on
Sicily, and the era of mare nostrum was coming to an inglorious end.
Along came the Yankees to Malta, in numbers never seen before. They
were an instantaneous success, with their clean uniforms, contagious
smiles, chewing gum and chocolate bars. They were young and charming
on their way to battle. One would not know it by their exuberant
countenance. They were so much different than their reserved British
counterparts. They chased girls much to the consternation of
protective Maltese mothers, who feared drugs and alcohol. Instead all
they gave was love and nylons, plenty of nylons!! It was love at first
sight between the Maltese and carefree Americans. Malta had just gone
through the long agony of an Axis siege. The island had been
relentlessly bombed and starved to force its capitulation. A miracle
was needed to resurrect its spirit and soul. The Americans were manna
from heaven. They provided the spark of renewed energy and hopes for a
bright future, in stark contrast to the ravages of war. They were
different from the rest of other foreigners in many ways. They mixed
well with the Maltese populace, were warm and friendly, acted on equal
terms, even as they came from the strongest, most progressive nation on
earth. They harbored no pretensions of superiority or grandeur, nor
boasted of colonial empires. They affectionately talked of their home,
family and country. To the Maltese, accustomed to a simpler lifestyle,
it sounded flamboyant but in reality they simply relived their past and
the richness which is America. In short time they became good friends
and guests. Many were invited into Maltese homes and worked themselves
into peoples' hearts. The native communities more than welcomed them
in their midst. It was a marriage made in heaven.... and almost as
soon as it started it was over!! On July 10, 1943, the Americans moved
on to the more serious business of war, leaving behind them many broken
hearts and fond memories. The invasion of Sicily had begun.
The happy-go-lucky American warriors left Malta's shores never to
return. Years later as Malta experienced unprecedented prosperity from
its tourist trade, Americans remained conspicuously absent from the
scene. While the island nation draws visitors from all over the world,
most originate from Northern Europe. A sprinkling of visitors come
from the United States. There are several reasons for this, most
notable of which is that Malta, island of sun and fun, jewel of the
Mediterranean, is relatively unknown to the American public at large,
more so to younger generations. Sadly few Americans are aware of
Malta's rich history and its significant contributions to European
culture, or that fluent English is spoken throughout the island. Fewer
still recognize the affinity of Maltese people for Americans. Fond
memories of Yanks in Malta during the war are still alive, and will
endure far into the future. Many Maltese would love to see Americans
return in significant numbers. They share with them many cultural and
religious values and want to extend their friendship and hospitality to
have them return....to enjoy their warmth and infectious smiles once
more, even if they do not bring their chewing gum, chocolate, and
nylons along!! Welcome back Yankees.