381 BATTLE OF MALTA: June 1940-November 1942

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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 defense on often-outnumbered fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft guns.

Features carefully selected photographic images, some previously unpublished. Seven specially commissioned color maps explore the strategic situation in the Mediterranean in this period, the military sectors into which Malta's defense was divided, and German mine-laying operations around the island. The three stunning battlescene artworks and 3D BEVs 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.