Wartime plotters reunited in Malta

They may not have crossed paths in over 70 years but the bond between two wartime plotters was instant and, within minutes, stories were flowing about the most profound experience of their lives. Emotional reminisces and plenty of laughs characterised the conversation of Frances Kane and Emily Thompson, both 91, at the elderly residence where Ms Kane lives. This newspaper arranged for the two to meet after Ms Thompson flew in from the UK with her family for a brief holiday in Malta. The reunion emerged as a result of the ripple effect which ensued when the Times of Malta published an interview with 93-year-old former plotter Anne Rossi in July. Ms Kane’s daughter then got in touch and this newspaper arranged for the two to be brought together. Ms Thompson’s sterling service as a plotter came to light after a number of people phoned in to speak about their living or deceased relatives who helped defend the island during World War II. Local young women were enlisted as civilian plotters, sworn to secrecy, working around the clock in the underground complex of the Lascaris War Rooms. In a task which required great concentration, they would be fed information on approaching...