The unsinkable aircraft carrier : Malta’s offensive role during the Second World War

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to shed more light on Malta’s offensive role during the Second World War and also to try to explore Malta’s role and its importance to the Allied cause in the Mediterranean theatre of operations. Much has been written about the defensive aspect of Malta during the Second World War and this is reflected in public memory, with many being aware of said defensive aspect, yet very few are conscious of the fact that Malta also launched offensive operations of its own against Axis targets, especially against Axis convoys plying the waters between Italy and North Africa. Very few people seem to know that Malta operated a tiny yet highly successful submarine fleet. Very few seem to know that Malta operated bomber and torpedo bomber squadrons, which struck Axis shipping, ground targets and major harbours on an almost daily basis. It is hoped that this dissertation will provide a study of Malta’s offensive exploits against the Axis, particularly the Italo-German convoys to Libya and Tunisia, and an analysis of Malta’s effect on the ground campaign in the North African desert and the Axis war effort in the Mediterranean in general. Sources, both primary and secondary, from both sides of the conflict have been cross-referenced and combined in order to attempt to paint a clear and honest picture of the Second World War in the Mediterranean and the hardships and sacrifices of all those who had to endure it.