83 years ago, on the 10th of October, enemy bombs were dropped over the village of Sannat in Gozo killing sixteen people, two more passed away in the days that followed.

On that fateful day, this village on the southern tip of the island, witnessed one of the most horrible days in its history.

The British Royal Air Force Spitfires took off after the German Luftwaffe Junkers 88 twin-engined bombers during an air raid, and the German bombers that had not yet dropped their bombs decided to retreat.

However, in the course of fleeing the spitfires, they released two large bombs to lighten their load. It was mid-morning, and the bombs claimed to be 2,000-pounders, landed on Sannat, with one hitting the heart of the village, a few metres away from Tax-Xelina Square, close to the old school.

The bombs that dropped on that fateful day, killed eighteen residents from Sannat: Mikiel Azzopardi (a baby of a few months); Guzepp Cini, 49; Salvu Curmi, 79; Pawlu Farrugia, 72; Clara Galea, 36; Guzeppa Galea, 29; Guzepp Galea, four; Margaret Galea, seven; Mikiel Galea, eight months; Grezzja Muscat, 59; Marija Muscat, 28; Francesca Pace, 51; Katerina Saliba, 36; Marija Tabone, 16; Carmela Theuma, 67; and Margerita Theuma,10 months. Sixteen died on that day – Saturday.

Another two victims, Lydia Zammit and Carmela Galea, died over the following days from their wounds. Besides these victims, about 70 people suffered various wounds and some of them were treated at the Gozo General Hospital.

The Sannat Local Council said that the devastation is considered to be the most severe village bombing in Gozo during World War II. The horrible event also resulted in sixteen houses being completely destroyed and sixty badly damaged and left a trail of destruction across the village.

Every year, the Sannat Local Council keeps the memory alive through a musical programme presented by the village’s band, Saint Margaret V.M. This year the commemoration event is on Friday, the 10th of October, at 6.45pm, in Main Street (next to the Old School).

The commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s resilience and the importance of remembering those who have perished.

The programme will conclude with the final pass, the Reveille, a moment of silence, and the laying of wreaths.

The Local Council encourages Gozitan residents and visitors to join in remembering this significant occasion.

Photos: Sannat Local Council

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