Siege of Malta 1940-42: Rare Photographs From Veterans' Collections

Images of War

by Anthony Rogers

For nearly two and a half years, from June 1940 until late 1942, Malta was subjected to one Axis air raid after another.

The Mediterranean island was effectively beleaguered, reliant for defence on anti-aircraft guns and often-outnumbered fighter aircraft and dependent for survival on naval supply convoys.

The Axis attempted to bomb and starve Malta into submission, attacking ports, military and industrial areas, leading to Malta becoming one of the most intensively bombed areas of the Second World War, with well over 3000 alerts before the end of hostilities.

But against the odds, and at heavy cost, Malta was held. Malta was vital to Allied success in North Africa, dominating Axis supply routes to the region. It was a remarkable, intense campaign, a crucial turning point in the Second World War, and one of the Allies' greatest tactical and strategic victories.

This is an account of that desperate time, as witnessed by those who were there and illustrated by their wartime photographs. Included is a special colour section focusing on reminders of the battle in a series of more recent images.

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2020

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the British took Malta in the Napoleonic era, it was their Bastion in the Mediterranean - a Water/Food and then Coal stop between their Bastions at Gibraltar and Alexandria. But when Italy came in to the war as France fell in 1940, Britain found herself caught out. Malta , along with the shifting Western Desert battleline, was suddenly the front line of the Empire's fight to preserve their Suez Canal lifeline. But it was more complex now- Britain could use Malta's position right between Sicily and the Italian ports of Tripoli and Benghazi to block Italian Logistical lines if she wanted, by sea, the traditional methods she understood fully, and using the newfangled Air power she was just figuring out. But Italy, and by extension her ally Nazi Germany, could use their Navies and Air Forces to attack Malta as well- and in the early war both Air forces were veterans of The Spanish Civil War, and better at Aerial warfare than the rapidly learning Brits. The result was an Aerial siege, with lots of Naval actions as well, where the Germans and Italians pushed very hard and the plucky Maltese and British resistance held out by the skin of their teeth. Anthony Rogers, a bit of a Malta expert, has written a history and curated a wonderful set of pictures from all sorts of sources to give you the siege up close and more personal that I had thought possible. I knew little about this part of WWII- now I am resolved to make a visit before the end of the 2020s- if we ever get to fly without masks- this book is that compelling.

The short history is a great narrative that will interest you in further Malta related reading. And then the Photos -all with good detailed descriptions- come thick and fast. Malta was defended by biplane Gloster Gladiators first, then Hurricanes when those has all been destroyed, and then finally Spitfire Squadrons mastered the skies. But the airfields were constantly bombed- and so Allied convoys were often required to fly more aircraft in- usually off Carriers, both British and American. The Brits also flew Sunderlands and several types of Medium Bombers to interdict Italian shipping, so there are many types of aircraft portrayed. A sad point is that all too many of the smiling fellows in the pictures next to some wreck or the latest "kite' flown in and all shiny, seem to have died later in the war-a reminder that Air Warfare was sill new and the war was a long six years for Imperial Airmen. The photos of the damage to the facilities and local townships are very telling too. The colour section here is modern shots of sites and artifacts from the period as Signal and LIFE seem to have missed this tussle. The result is a very compelling exposition of an aerial siege- and its many costs.

With no adult themes, and no overly graphic injury photos, this is a good read for a motivated junior reader over about 12. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast this is a great resource! This Images of War series from Pen and Sword, and Greenhill books is rapidly becoming a must for the Modeller of specific Campaigns, Wars, or Weapons. This book overflows with ideas for Scenarios/Dioramas/Terrain Builds about this Siege. From the cool special "Malta Pattern' Camo that British Helmets and Vehicles bore to the Amazing Wrecks at the peripheries of the airbases (apparently a strong cross wind was common) to the interesting photo sequences of moving damage, every page is a revelation that can help with both recreating pieces and understanding the moral and morale underpinnings of this battle. This is a strong rec for any WWII, Air War, Western Desert, Naval WWII or Luftwaffe shelf in the library.

[Jeffrey Sammut · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Siege of Malta 1940–1942’ is another book of the popular series ‘Images of War.’ Written by Anthony Rogers, the renowned author of several books including ‘Air Battle of Malta’, the book features many previously unpublished photographs showing life in Malta during the Second World War. The photos include a few taken by Italian and German airmen, giving a different perspective of the battle. An interesting aspect of the book are its detailed captions, each of which tells a story, showing the meticulous research underwent by the author. For example, images of the mangled remains of Hurricane V7430 are evidence of the lucky escape of its pilot, Sergeant R. Goode. However, one reads on to find out that he lost his life just over a year later. Some captions include extracts of original diaries. Flying Officer E. Mason, shot down over the sea, explains the circumstances of himself posing for the camera wearing borrowed pyjamas and a dressing gown. Sadly, one again finds out he was killed later on during the war. The book focuses mainly on the air war but also has chapters about the artillery and infantry on the islands, the convoys bringing in vital supplies, and the destruction wrought by bombing. It ends with an interesting series of colour photos showing aircraft wreckage still in situ decades after the war, artefacts belonging to local collectors, the clearing of wartime debris from the Grand Harbour and gun emplacements pockmarked with splinter holes. Packed with over 200 photographs, this book is a must for any World War 2 enthusiast.