This is an epic tale of leadership and bravery, of faith and determination, by the Hospitaller Knights of St John, and the Maltese, under Grand Master Jean Parisot De Valette, fighting together against a brutal aggressor (the forces of the mighty Ottoman Empire under Suleiman the Magnificent). It is illustrated by images of the newly restored contemporaneous wall paintings of Matteo Perez d'Aleccio, and enhanced by dramatic readings from a previously unpublished epic poem by Joseph L. Zerafa. The successful outcome of this Siege led to the founding of the capital city of Valletta. Its lessons for the defence of freedom against apparently overwhelming odds remain strongly relevant to this day.
Views: 28 | Enquiries: 0Having recently retired after a fulfilling military surgical career I have been developing my interest in military history and in military medical history. I now speak to varied audiences several times a year, for around 45 minutes a time, both in person and through Zoom. I enjoy interacting with the audience and answering questions afterwards. I’m happy to deliver talks in or around London and the south-east.
My most popular talk is ‘Malta GC and Operation Pedestal’, which is the dramatic story of Malta’s siege and strategic role during the Second World War. Other favourites are ‘Malta in World War One – Nurse of the Mediterranean’, which recalls Malta’s role in caring for some 130,000 casualties from the Gallipoli and Salonika campaigns, and ‘David Bruce and Malta Fever – the history of brucellosis’, a fascinating saga.
I do not charge to deliver talks, other than expenses. I do support several charities and would appreciate a contribution towards them. I do not have a PowerPoint projector so please provide one on the day.
I also organise monthly talks (in London and on Zoom) on military medical history topics in my role as Chairman, Friends of Millbank, www.friendsofmillbank.org , celebrating the heritage, achievements and ongoing relevance of military medicine. You’re very welcome to attend these talks, registration is through our website. I’m always on the lookout for more speakers too …
If you are interested in this talk and wish to contact the speaker, please complete the following form: