Michael Buttigieg interviewed by Barry York in Santa Venera Malta 19 May 1985

The first 10 minutes are in Maltese. Michael Buttigieg was born in Malta in 1924. He died several years ago. He worked as a cook with the Royal Navy. He was my cousin. His mother, Guiseppa known as 'Jessie' (nee Meilak) (1902-1971) was one of my father's sisters. Jessie married Joseph Buttigieg and they had 8 children: Mary, Doris, Edmea, Michael, Angelo, Rose, Loreto and Alfred (who died as a baby).

I was on a research trip to Malta in May 1985 and recorded the interview with Michael at his home in Santa Venera. The recording begins with him sending a message to my dad, Loreto York, in the Maltese language. My dad and I corresponded with Michael from Australia for many years by aerogramme.

At the 10:15 mark, I ask Michael questions about the Meilak family, especially our grandparents, Salvatore ('Salvu') and Loretta (nee Mercieca).

Salvu and Loretta were from Ghajnsielem, Gozo, and had eleven children, of whom four died as babies. They were all born at Ghajnsielem, except for my dad, Loreto, who was born after the family moved from Gozo to Sliema, Malta, around 1916. The seven Meilak children were Guiseppa (Jessie), Joseph, Mary, Michael, Nina, Carmelo and my dad Loreto (who changed his name to York in 1947).

Видео Michael Buttigieg interviewed by Barry York in Santa Venera Malta 19 May 1985 канала Barry York