This is the arm of the breakwater of Grand Harbour jutting out from the Valletta side. It is at the tip of Mount Sceberras (where Valletta stands today) just below Fort St Elmo which is behind me. During the 1565 Great Siege, St Elmo was a small fort which managed to resist the onslaught of the cream of the Turkish army and navy and a steady bombardment day and night for over a month until it was reduced to rubble. The defenders were all killed in battle fighting to the end.
Fort St Elmo was rebuilt to a much larger scale and integrated in the fortifications of Valletta. It was also a very important element of defence during the Second World War.
During World War II, at dawn of 26th July, 1941, Italian navy e-boats tried to attack naval vessels within the heart of Grand Harbour by a torpedo / E-boat unit of the Regia Marina. The enemy force was spotted, and engaged by the defenders' guns from Fort St Elmo and Fort Ricasoli. The seventeen attacking vessels paid a very heavy price as they were annihilated and none made it back to base. However, damage was inflicted on the iron bridge linking the breakwater and the mainland. A new bridge has recently been placed there but the column in the middle which supported the original bridge has been left in place for posterity.
Many thanks looking and for your lovelu comments on yesterday's picture. Imagine me playing the role of Indiana Jones, Jennifer, how funny I would be haha.
First of all you couldn't have planned a better day- it looks like it was wonderful weather wise. Secondly, a well-planned shot. The composition is very strong and the human element perfect. Beautiful!
