The Battle for Malta in World War II
The aerial bombing on April 7, 1942, left the Royal Opera House (Teatru Rjal) in Valletta in complete ruins. Source: Times of Malta
Strategically located in the Mediterranean, this tiny island endured one of the most relentless bombing campaigns in history, earning the title of “The Most Bombed Place on Earth.” Geographically, Malta is the smallest country in the EU. In spite of this, Malta emerged as a key component of the Allied war effort, and the incredible determination of its citizens influenced how the war played out.Â
Malta was an important foothold for both the Axis and Allied powers due to its location between Europe and North Africa. The island possessed vital shipping lanes that were necessary for the transportation of soldiers, supplies, and oil. Capturing Malta would let the Axis powers to move their troops freely between Italy and North Africa. Maintaining Malta meant sabotaging the enemy’s supply routes and giving the Allies a base from which to launch offensives. Consequently, Malta became a pivotal battleground as a result of its strategic significance. Â
Shortly after Italy got involved in the war, in June 1940, the siege of Malta commenced in earnest. Targeting the island’s harbours, airfields, and defences, Italian aircraft carried out the initial airstrikes. At first, Malta’s defences were simple, consisting of an antiquated fleet of biplanes and a tiny garrison. These three planes—named Faith, Hope, and Charity—surprisingly came to represent the island’s early tenacity. Â
A prolonged and ruthless bombing campaign resulted from the Luftwaffe’s 1941 entry into the assault as the war intensified. There were an estimated 3,000 air strikes on Malta between 1940 and 1942. The Grand Harbour and the capital, Valletta, suffered the most from the destruction, leaving most of the once-beautiful city in ruins. Â
Eventually, Maltese inhabitants had to adjust to unthinkable situations due to the constant bombardment. In underground shelters, such as caves and tunnels built out of the limestone of the island, whole communities sought safety. In the middle of the pandemonium outside, these shelters turned into packed sanctuaries that offered some kind of security. Â
 Food and supplies were scarce because essential imports were stifled by the Axis blockade. Residents and troops had to make due with little supplies as rations decreased. Bread became a mainstay, frequently made with a blend of wheat and crushed animal feed. The tenacious people of the island refused to give up in the face of adversity. Â
A damaged Hawker Hurricane making contact with the Maltese soil. Source: World War Photos
King George VI recognised the valour and tenacity of the people of Malta in April 1942 by bestowing the George Cross upon them. This extraordinary honour, given to a whole population, brought attention to Malta’s vital contribution to the war and the sacrifices made by its citizens. Today, Malta’s national flag prominently displays the George Cross, which continues to stand as a testament to the island’s bravery.
Malta’s condition became grave by the latter part of 1942. Supply lines were seriously hampered, and the island’s defences were overextended. However, Operation Pedestal and Operation Harpoon were two crucial convoys that marked the end of the Allied struggle to free Malta. The purpose of these missions was to provide the island with desperately needed gasoline, ammunition, and food.
Launched in August 1942, Operation Pedestal was very important. Despite incurring significant losses due to enemy strikes, the convoy managed to deliver necessary supplies. Malta’s survival and the tenacity of the Allies were reflected by the arrival of the tanker SS Ohio, which was barely afloat after the voyage but still carrying its valuable cargo.
When these convoys proved successful, Malta recovered and was used as a base for Allied attacks in North Africa. The Axis forces’ hold over the Mediterranean began to wane as the tide started to shift.
Malta’s perseverance throughout World War II demonstrated the resilience of its citizens and their strategic significance to the Allied triumph. The island’s harbours and airfields served as staging areas for the invasion of Sicily and the liberation of Europe when the siege ended in 1943.
Nevertheless, the echoes of the battle are still visible across the island today. Memorials, ruins, and bomb craters hold poignant memories of the hardships the Maltese people faced. In Valletta, within Fort St Elmo, the National War Museum conserves items and narratives that honour this remarkable period in Malta’s history.
