Full Description
A detailed, illustrated exploration of the land, sea and air units that defended Malta, and the repeated Axis attempts to bring the crucial Allied island fortress to its knees.
On 11 June 1940, the British crown colony of Malta - which dominated the central Mediterranean and all-important sea routes to and from North Africa - was bombed for the first time by aircraft of the Italian Regia Aeronautica. The Italians were joined in their efforts by the German Luftwaffe in January 1941. Malta was effectively beleaguered for nearly two and a half years, dependent for survival on naval supply convoys and reliant for defence on often-outnumbered fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft guns.
Anthony Rogers provides a retelling of these events, drawing on accounts from both sides. This work features carefully selected photographic images, some previously unpublished. Seven specially commissioned colour maps explore the strategic situation in the Mediterranean in this period, the military sectors into which Malta's defence was divided, and German minelaying operations around the island.
The three stunning battle scene artworks and 3D bird's-eye views show key events from the battle, including the 26 July 1941 German attack on the Grand Harbour, and the major Luftwaffe raid 21 March 1942.
Contents
Introduction
Chronology
OPPOSING COMMANDERS
British
Axis
OPPOSING FORCES
British
Axis
OPPOSING PLANS
THE BATTLE
Start of the air war
First naval surface engagements
Operation 'Hurry'
Malta Convoys
Operation 'Excess' and the 'Illustrious Blitz'
Messerschmitt Bf 109s join battle
Spring-summer, 1941
Italian seaborne attack on Grand Harbour
Autumn, 1941
Destruction of 'Maestrale' Convoy
Early U-Boat operations
Return of the Luftwaffe
Schnellboot operations
Spitfires join battle
'M.W.10'
April, 1942
'C3'/'Herkules'
May, 1942
3.Schnellbootflottille
Axis clandestine operations
Operation 'Julius'
Operation 'Pedestal'
Autumn 1942 and the final Axis offensive
Summary
The Battlefield Today
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index
