The Axis attack on the British controlled
island of Malta commenced in 1940 only one day after Mussolini
committed Italy’s forces on the side of the Germans during WW II.
This strategically located island was a thorn in the side of Axis
plans to dominate the Mediterranean and win control of North Africa.
Malta would be attacked thousands of times by waves of both Italian
and German bombers during the course of the War. On a per acre basis
it may be one of the most bombed targets of WW II. In the early
phases of the defense of the island a handful of Gloster Gladiators
which were supplemented eventually by RAF Hurricanes carried on the
brunt of the island’s defense. Spitfires were sorely needed. The
first Fifteen Spitfires arrived in Malta on March 7, 1942, and a
second group of Spits arrived on March 29. In both cases they were
launched from the HMS Eagle, and had to fly more than 600 miles over
the Mediterranean to reach the island. In April of 1942, Churchill
asked Roosevelt for assistance in supplying Spitfires to Malta. The
besieged island was now in range of approximately 400 German
fighters and bombers and about 200 Italian aircraft, and
intelligence information pointed to the possibility of an invasion by
airborne paratrooper forces out of Sicily. Due to combat losses,
and the difficulty in getting spare parts, the island’s defenders
could generally muster only 20-30 defensive fighters on any
particular day. This was woefully inadequate. With the Eagle was now
laid up for repairs, and the Argus and Victorious not capable of
handling the Spitfires. Churchill specifically requested American
intervention, and asked FDR if the USS Wasp could shuttle fifty
Spitfires to Malta. FDR agreed to the mission, and plans were
immediately implemented. It was determined that two entire Spitfire
squadrons No. 601 and 603 would make the journey. These units had a
number of American pilots. On April 12 the Wasp docked on the Clyde
of Glasgow and began taking on the Spitfires for her journey. With
most of its regular aircraft removed, only nineteen F4F Wildcats
were retained for fighter cover. On the 14th the Wasp set
sale with a number of escorts. All the aircraft were Mk. Vc models
equipped with four canon and four machine guns. Each had a Vokes air
filter fitted beneath its nose and was equipped with a 90-gallon
auxiliary fuel tank. The Spits were over-sprayed with a dark blue
paint in hopes of making them less noticeable to the enemy during
the 660 mile over water flight to Malta. Following breakfast on
Monday April 20, 1942, the RAF pilots manned the 47 aircraft deemed
suitable for the flight and the launch commenced. One immediate
casualty was an RAF mechanic who walked into a turning prop and was
immediately killed. One American pilot flew his Spitfire to
Algeria, but the remaining 46 aircraft successfully landed in Malta.
Within hours of their arrival the airfields were once again under
attack by Axis bombers, and the newly arrived pilots were
immediately pressed into service defending the island. The ability
of the British to retain control of Malta as a base for torpedo
planes and bombers which could harass Rommel’s supply lines to North
Africa, was critical in attaining eventual Allied victory in North
Africa, the successful invasion of Italy, and ultimately, complete
Allied victory in Europe.
Overall Print Size: 16" x 11 1/2"
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Collector Sized Lithograph:
$40
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225 Signature Series
Lithograph: $125
Co-signed by READE
F. TILLEY
RAF Eagle Squadron Ace.
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