[ Post a Response | HMS. Vengeance ]
WELCOME to the H.M.S. VENGEANCE Message Board
Posted by Eric Bonanno School e-mail: eric@spmc.edu.mt 'OPHRYS', 11, Guze' Cardona Street , I understand this letter may come as a surprise to you, but I believe you may be able to help me in my work as an educator. I am a teacher by profession, working in a small, secondary school for boys. I am doing my utmost to instil in my students the knowledge and respect for those who risked their lives fighting the Nazi-Fascist forces during World War II, so that even today we could live in peace. I have more than a passing interest in history, and it is my wish to pass on my love of the subject to my students. World War II history has always interested me, especially due to the fact that I had lost two great-uncles to the Axis Forces, in 1940 and in 1944 (both British Merchant Navy men). I’m sure you realise that for most of today’s teenage students, WWII is only just another chapter in a long history book. But, with 2005 being the 60th . anniversary of the end of the war, and when mass celebrations will be held in Malta the coming September to commemorate this event, it is my wish to somehow contribute, albeit on a small scale, towards the dissipation of knowledge about the many men and women who risked life and limb fighting the Axis-machine or those whose job was to guard our island or help bring vital convoys into our harbours. In consequence, my interest in these matters has enticed me to embark on a commemorative school project. I have organised a group of very keen history students and we are planning on holding an exhibition with photos and war memorabilia to help others get a glimpse of the part played by Malta , the Allies, the Royal and the Merchant Navy, the Royal Air Force, and the Army between 1939 and 1945. Hopefully, the centre of attraction of our exhibition will be a collection of photographs, recordings and (possibly autographed) personal accounts of some of the men and women who were on active service during the war, particularly, though not necessarily, those involved in the Battle of Britain and/or based in Malta or working on Malta-bound convoys. In view of this, should it not be much of an inconvenience, I would like to ask you to be so kind as to help me contact any HMS Vengeance WWII veterans you happen to know. I am particularly interested in contacting ex-fighter pilots, ground-crew, sailors, etc., who were on active service either in Malta or England or Egypt. If you feel it would be easier and/or more prudent, you may freely give them my contact details so they may be able to contact me themselves when and if they wish so. I am counting on the assistance of gentlemen like you to help me make my students appreciate how these many men and women put aside all that was dear to them for the love of peace. I want to help my students' realise that their sacrifice was not in vain, and that if for nothing else, we still owe them our sincere recognition. My intention is to ask the gentlemen or lady veterans to send us a copy of a photo or photos of themselves (preferably) in “period” uniform together with an account about their war experiences. Thanking you beforehand for any help you may be able to give me in this regard, I beg to remain, Sir, Yours faithfully, Eric Bonanno B.Ed. (Hons.)
on 22/6/2005, 9:40:02
217.15.96.19
Home e-mail: matthias@mail.global.net.mt
Hal Qormi - QRM 08,
Malta G.C.
Europe .
Dear Sir,
Message Thread:
« Back to thread