The diary of the Reverend Reginald M. Nicholls, Chancellor of St.Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, Valletta, from 1931 to 1942. He lived in Malta and wrote almost daily in his diary. This diary is authentic and was written between 10th June 1940 and 1st April 1942. This is the 32nd installment and is done in conjunction with the: Santa Marija Convoy Exhibition in the LASCARIS WAR ROOMS under Castille place, Valletta and the Fortification Builder Interpretation Centre Malta. Open from 11am till 4pm. The Russians have also turned upon their attackers; and it is perfectly marvellous that after the frightful pounding they had for so many weeks they had either troops or equipment, or even morale. The Huns announced on many occasions that the Russian resistance was finished, and here they are steadily pushing their enemies back. May they not overreach themselves, and yet keep up the pressure, so that the Germans have no time to reform. 29th December 1941. It is announced today that during Christmas week we had 60 raids. 6 Junkers were brought down and 2 fighters, while 10 Junkers were hit and 5 fighters. Certainly they have kept us busy, but we have had no blitz over the harbour for 2 days - aerodromes were the target I think and this afternoon there a was a very long raid, and much heavy fire over Ta’ Qali, and probably over Luqa too, judging by the noise and direction. The entry of the Japanese into the war is a great tragedy. The Americans profess surprise at their coming in; but it seems incredible that they should have thought otherwise. The Japs used almost identical language with that used by Musso before he joined up. By the way I saw a propaganda picture of Musso making one of his speeches “ We take up arms against a sterile and decadent nation ”. Pretty good, that ! 15th January 1942. Boschetto House, near Rabat. We came here on Tuesday in an interval between the 17 Alerts which we had on that day, many of them serious raids over the harbour and therefore over our heads. There were a number of bomb-holes in Floriana as our bus passed through, but we got to Mdina safely; a fresh Alert was sounded as our carrozi started on the two mile drive to Boschetto. Later. We stayed here for the inside of two weeks, and it was a wonderful change. We came in for the Sunday services, but otherwise did nothing. It was very cold; but being a hospital-type there was a small ration of coke, and the fire was lit after lunch, or even occasionally before. Mrs. Geoghegan is a wonderful manager. She contrived to feed us splendidly in spite of being so far from any shops. Indeed she over-fed me. I had lately had certain disturbing symptoms about my heart and I had been examined by Dr Stones of King George V Hospital, and by Lieut-Colonel Hamilton of Mtarfa Military Hospital. It was on their recommendation that we went for this rest, rather than for treatment in the hospital itself. Mrs. G. made me eat much more than my usual diet, and one morning I had a sort of spasm so that I had to lie down for a couple of hours. I think it was due to extra eating putting too much pressure on the heart. Blood pressure is eased by a light diet, I am told. Photos: Russians on the attack. Japanese decleration of war. Mussolini speech. Crashed Junkers.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:32:23 +0000
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