Malta George Cross Fiftieth Anniversary Medal is a national commemorative medal established by the government of Malta on January 17, 1992, to mark 50 years since King George VI collectively awarded the George Cross to the island of Malta. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key Details
- Historical Background: On April 15, 1942, King George VI awarded the George Cross to Malta to honor the extreme resilience, civilian courage, and military defense of the island during the WWII Siege of Malta (June 10, 1940 – September 8, 1943). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Establishment & Application: Created on January 17, 1992, applications for the commemorative medal closed on April 15, 1994. [1, 2]
- Eligibility: Awarded to qualifying Allied armed forces members, merchant mariners who served in Malta or Mediterranean convoy operations, specific Maltese civilian service personnel (police, dockyard workers, medical staff, civil defense, fire services), and members of the Scout Association of Malta. [1, 2]
- Design: A 36mm circular cupro-nickel medal featuring the Coat of Arms of Malta and the year 1992 on the obverse, and an image of the George Cross with bilingual inscriptions ("BĦALA XHIEDA TA' EROIŻMU U DEDIKAZZJONI" / "TO BEAR WITNESS TO HEROISM AND DEVOTION") and the year 1942 on the reverse. It hangs from a blue moire ribbon with central white and red stripes. [1, 2]
- Acquisition/Collecting: Full-size and miniature replicas or collector pieces are available through military medal suppliers such as Medals of Service and Lone Pine Medals, typically priced around $44–$48 AUD. [1, 2]
Are you looking for specific eligibility or service records for a relative who served, or information on mounting and collecting the medal?
