The siege of Malta lasted from 1940 to 1942, making the small island the most bombed place on earth during World War Two. But its people were resilient and strong — they weren’t going to take it lying down!

Maltese Private George Abela was an artillery gunner on Fort St Elmo and he might have stood at a diminutive five foot two but like Malta and its people, he was tough! Yes, George might have been small but he was mighty! And he was about to stop an audacious Italian plan to destroy the Grand Harbour!

Story: Frank Buhagiar

Art:  Esteve Polls

Cover: Keith Burns