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Title: | Għar Dalam : a shelter for WWII refugees and military fuel supplies |
Authors: | Borg, John J. |
Keywords: | Għar Dalam (Birżebbuġa, Malta) World War, 1939-1945 -- Malta Air raid shelters -- Malta -- Birżebbuġa Birżebbuġa (Malta) -- Artillery -- Supplies and stores -- History -- 20th century Għar Dalam (Birżebbuġa, Malta) -- Museums |
Issue Date: | 2011 |
Publisher: | The Archaeological Society |
Citation: | Borg, J.J. (2011). Ghar Dalam : a shelter for WWII refugees and military fuel supplies. Malta Archaeological Review, 8, 38-42 |
Abstract: | Natural underground cavities have long been used by humans either as abodes or for storc.ge purposes. These natural shelters have provided early humans with protection from the elements, from predators, as well as from othe:- humans. The association between caves and humans is usually linked with the Stone Age, but their use by humans is not restricted to tnese remote periods of prehistory. In modem times caves still serve as animal pens as well as temporary and at times permanent human shelter. Caves have also been sought out c.s a last resort in cataclysmic or man-made events. In wartime people tend to abandon their homes, often most reluctantly, and seek shelter in safer areas. Ghar Dalam is a water-worn cave about 145 metres in length. The first 60 metres are relatively wide with a high ceiling which tapers off into small narrow chambers. Ghar Dalarn's main claim to fame stems from the innumerable palaeontological treasures found inside the cave, and its important role as the type locality for the earliest kind of pottery found in Malta. It was first excavated by Arturo Issei in 1865 and subsequently by numerous local and foreign naturalists. The cave was opened for public viewing in March 1933 and over the years it has, together with its small museum, attracted many curious visitors. A less known aspect of the history of Ghar Dalam is connected with the outbreak of the Second World War. The constant bombing that the Maltese Islands endured in the war forced many Maltese to abandon their homes and seek shelter away from the prime danger zones. On 11 June 1940, a day after Italy declared war on Britain and France, a series of air raids was carried out on these islands. The prime targets were the harbour areas and the airfields. Following one of these early raids along the southern coast of Malta, particularly on Mal Far airfield and the Royal Navy Air Station at Kalafrana, the handful of residents at Mal Far and Benghisa packed a few belongings and headed off in search of a safe shelter away from the bombed areas. A few kilometres away, safely tucked along the side of a narrow valley, lay a natural shelter that would serve their purpose. But there was one problem - this site was closed off with a gate. This did not deter the refugees, and upon arriving at their planned destination - Ghar Dalam - they threatened the old deaf watchman, who was made to open the iron gate of the cave, and they flocked inside this dark shelter. |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50161 |
Appears in Collections: | MAR, Issue 08 (2006/2007) MAR, Issue 08 (2006/2007) |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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Ghar Dalam a shelter for WWII.pdf | 354.78 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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