Ebook: Malta: the Last Great Siege 1940-1943

The strategic importance of Malta sitting astride both the Axis and Allied supply routes in the Mediterranean was obvious to both sides during WW2. As a result the Island became the focal point in a prolonged and dreadful struggle that cost the lives of thousands of servicemen and civilians. After setting the scene for the action, this book tells the story of the Island's stand against the might of the Axis powers that led to the unprecedented award of the George Cross to the whole island by King George VI. It not only covers the struggle by the British and Maltese forces on the ground but the.;Title Page; Copyright Page; Table of Contents; ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS; INTRODUCTION; GLOSSARY; I -- A SUNNY MORNING IN JUNE; Mussolini's Ultimatum; II -- THE RUMBLE OF DISTANT WARS; Fear of a Bomber Offensive; Italy's Ambitions; Malta Prepares; Italy Enters the War; III -- ISLANDS IN HISTORY; Malta; History; The Knights Arrive; IV -- POWER IN THE MED; REGIA AERONAUTICA; The Regia Navale; The British; The Mediterranean Fleet; The Army in Malta; Italy Prepares for War; British Preparations; V -- AN OUTPOST AGAIN; A Thunderclap; Exodus; Air Raid Precautions; Curfews and Bans; The Forces Assemble.