Siege of Malta
Malta, central Mediterranean
What happened
The people of Malta and British and Commonwealth forces held the island against the air and naval forces of Italy and Germany. In the Second World War, Malta was the only Allied base between Gibraltar and Egypt, and its planes and submarines attacked enemy supply ships heading to North Africa. For over two years Italian and German aircraft bombed the island and tried to starve it into surrender. People sheltered underground, and convoys of supply ships fought their way through to keep the island alive.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Malta held out, and its attacks on enemy supplies helped the Allies win in North Africa. In April 1942 King George VI awarded the George Cross to the whole island for its courage.
What came next
In August 1942 a convoy called Operation Pedestal brought vital supplies at great cost. By November 1942 the siege was over, and the George Cross is still shown on Malta's flag.
Did you know?
Early in the siege, a few old Gladiator biplanes defending the island were nicknamed 'Faith', 'Hope' and 'Charity'.
Timeline
- 11 June 1940Italian aircraft begin bombing Malta.
- 15 April 1942George VI awards Malta the George Cross.
- August 1942The Operation Pedestal convoy reaches Malta.
- 20 November 1942The siege ends.