Toni Bajada was a Maltese spy for the Knights of Saint John during the Great Siege of Malta. He was born in Naxxar.
Siege of Malta
The most famous of the Maltese spies, Bajada is said to have learned the Turkish language during years of captivity. Disguised as a Turk, he infiltrated the enemy camps and along with four other Maltese spies of the era (Andrew Zahra, James Pace, Anton Cascia, Francis Xerri), played a crucial role in intelligence gathering for the Christian side.
Personally chosen for the task by Grandmaster Jean de Valette, Bajada also became famous for swimming at length to carry secret messages in and out of the besieged cities of Birgu and Senglea.
Legacy
Toni Bajada continues to enjoy fame and respect as a folk hero in Malta, with streets named in his honour in Valletta, St Paul's Bay and Naxxar.
In popular culture
Toni Bajada is the main protagonist of the book Toni Bajada The Maltese Messenger of the Grand Master (2001) by Italian author Emilio Lombardi.
References
- Dictionary of Maltese Biographies Vol. 1 A-F. Pietà: Pubblikazzjonijiet Indipendenza. 2009. p. 149. ISBN 9789993291329.
- ^ "Toni Bajada The Maltese Messenger of the Grand Master". ilovebooks.com.mt. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
- "The Great Siege of 1565". San Andrea School. Archived from the original on 18 January 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
- Sciberras, Sandro. "Theme 1: The early years of the Order's rule" (PDF). St Benedict College. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 March 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
- Bain, Carolyn (2007). Malta & Gozo. Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd. p. 25. ISBN 978-1741045406.