The song's precise origin remains a mystery, and Stracke's book may be the song's only appearance in print.

According to the Times of Jan. 17, 1923, the Royal Air Force airdrome at Hal Far was opened on Jan. 16, 1923. It soon also became a shore base for the Fleet Air Arm.

"Biss" is Maltese for "only." The title means "Hal Far Alone." "Hal Far Biss" is not a place name.

George VI awarded the George Cross to the "Island Fortress of Malta" on April 15, 1942. The song was presumably written shortly afterward.