Churchill And Malta's War 1939-1943 ~ Douglas Austin

During the first 4yrs of the Second World War, Winston Churchill & his military advisers were constantly concerned with the defence and sustenance of Malta. From 11Jun 1940, the island, only 60 miles from Italian & German airfields in Sicily, suffered intense & prolonged air attack, but Churchill refused to consider its abandonment. He gave orders that every effort be made to provide the supplies needed to maintain a base from which Rommel's supply convoys to North Africa, & other enemy targets, could be attacked. Despite the hazards & severe losses, Malta pulled through & made a unique contribution to Allied victory in the Mediterranean. This was recognised in Apr 1942 when King George VI awarded the George Cross to the island & its people.

The story of Malta's heroic struggle is told through Churchill's official Malta Papers. These documents reveal the events as they unfolded & the top-level discussions & decisions that were necessary for the maintenance of Malta.