Feeding the besieged : food supply and shortages during the Siege of Malta, 1940-1942

Abstract

This thesis takes a look at the food situation in Malta in the Second World War, a theme which although mentioned in various publications and papers, was never really a main focus for writers about the war in Malta. The account and discussion deal with what the besieged had to eat throughout those three years of siege. Which foodstuffs were in shortage? How did they adjust to scarcity? And how were the authorities addressing this predicament? These are few of the questions which this dissertation attempts to address. Before I was accepted as a mature student, I spent all my working life in the tourism sector, serving people in various restaurants. The love for food and gastronomy was always accompanied by a passion for my past. Therefore it was obvious that I developed an interest on what my ancestors used to eat and munch through. I feel grateful first and foremost to my tutor, Prof. Dominic Fenech, whose guidance and words of encouragement were essential for this dissertation to be possible. I am also indebted to the Department of History and the lectures who have guided me during the past three years. Then I must not forget the mention all the staff at the National Archives in Rabat who were so much helpful throughout my research. Same goes for the librarians at the Melitensia Section of the University library. At last, but not least, I have to show my appreciation to my parents, siblings, my patient girlfriend Alexandra and her family, for their continuous support. I’m also grateful to the support given by my friends and finally my cousin Adrian Scerri for his non-stop encouragement.