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Siege: Malta 1940–1943
1941. Britain and its allies were pitted in a life or death struggle for North Africa with the Germans. In that war, there was no greater strategic asset than Malta, the tiny, historic island halfway between the two continents.
The island was the supply base for British and Imperial troops, and was vital for the the desert campaigns against Rommel's Afrika Korps. In May 1941, Rommel declared: "Without Malta the Axis will end by losing control of North Africa."
He commanded that the island be bombed and starved into submission.
So began the Siege of Malta.
Over two terrible years, the Luftwaffe flew more than 3,000 bombing missions over Malta, while the Germans and Italians plotted an invasion.
If the Germans could take the island, they could turn the course of the war.
But the resistance from the British and the Maltese was fierce. Even though it became the most heavily bombed place on earth, their will never faltered. And eventually the tide was turned.
In this thrilling account of the epic battle, the author, who first came to know Malta whilst serving with the Royal Navy during the Second World War, paints a vivid picture of the suffering of the island and its population.
He draws on personal accounts and reminiscences of the participants. He describes the bravery of both the civilians and the armed forces stationed there.
It is one of the most gripping of all World War Two stories.
The island was the supply base for British and Imperial troops, and was vital for the the desert campaigns against Rommel's Afrika Korps. In May 1941, Rommel declared: "Without Malta the Axis will end by losing control of North Africa."
He commanded that the island be bombed and starved into submission.
So began the Siege of Malta.
Over two terrible years, the Luftwaffe flew more than 3,000 bombing missions over Malta, while the Germans and Italians plotted an invasion.
If the Germans could take the island, they could turn the course of the war.
But the resistance from the British and the Maltese was fierce. Even though it became the most heavily bombed place on earth, their will never faltered. And eventually the tide was turned.
In this thrilling account of the epic battle, the author, who first came to know Malta whilst serving with the Royal Navy during the Second World War, paints a vivid picture of the suffering of the island and its population.
He draws on personal accounts and reminiscences of the participants. He describes the bravery of both the civilians and the armed forces stationed there.
It is one of the most gripping of all World War Two stories.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 1985
9 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Ernle Bradford
106 books88 followersErnle Dusgate Selby Bradford was a noted British historian specializing in the Mediterranean world and naval topics. Bradford was an enthusiastic sailor himself and spent almost thirty years sailing the Mediterranean, where many of his books are set. He served in the Royal Navy during World War II, finishing as the first Lieutenant of a destroyer. He did occasional broadcast work for the BBC, was a magazine editor, and wrote many books.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 21, 2018
I am putting this book aside to read later. It is not the fault of the book, but I was trying to read it when I had the flu and just couldn't concentrate. It is worth the read so I will try it again later.
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Little Malta......17 miles long and nine miles wide, located at the tip of the Italian boot, sits in a strategic point of the Mediterranean Sea. It guards the straits that must be used by ships to reach North Africa and Greece and in the time of war it becomes a target since it has one of the greatest natural harbors in the world. It has been involved in two major historic sieges; the first in 1565 when Suleiman the Great was turned away by the Knights of St. John who ruled Malta; the second, and the subject of this book, in 1940-43 when Italy and Nazi Germany attempted to pound the island into submission with both high and low level bombing. Attack by sea was not possible as the harbor was protected by British ships and well placed artillery and the towering cliffs made invasion by land an impossibility.
How Malta prevailed against the military might of the Axis is an amazing but little known story of the bravery and determination of a people that had no army and lived a life somewhat untouched by the modern world. The term "digging in" could have been invented for the Maltese since the island which is composed of limestone made it possible for tunnels and bomb shelters to be dug quickly and deeply to protect the citizens from the bombs and underground living became a way of life during the height of the siege. The bombing by the Italians was less than on target and the Nazis had the war in the Libyan desert as their first priority. So, although, many of the cities (and there are few) suffered major damage, the Grand Harbor was well protected and the Maltese volunteered to fight in a citizen's army to keep the enemy at bay. Their efforts earned them the Cross of St. George from Britain, the first such honor to an entire country and its people.
There is a plethora of information in this small book and it is not necessary to cover all aspects of this complex and heroic struggle. Read this book and be amazed at the victory of the underdog in what should have been a one-sided battle. Recommended.
_______________________________
Little Malta......17 miles long and nine miles wide, located at the tip of the Italian boot, sits in a strategic point of the Mediterranean Sea. It guards the straits that must be used by ships to reach North Africa and Greece and in the time of war it becomes a target since it has one of the greatest natural harbors in the world. It has been involved in two major historic sieges; the first in 1565 when Suleiman the Great was turned away by the Knights of St. John who ruled Malta; the second, and the subject of this book, in 1940-43 when Italy and Nazi Germany attempted to pound the island into submission with both high and low level bombing. Attack by sea was not possible as the harbor was protected by British ships and well placed artillery and the towering cliffs made invasion by land an impossibility.
How Malta prevailed against the military might of the Axis is an amazing but little known story of the bravery and determination of a people that had no army and lived a life somewhat untouched by the modern world. The term "digging in" could have been invented for the Maltese since the island which is composed of limestone made it possible for tunnels and bomb shelters to be dug quickly and deeply to protect the citizens from the bombs and underground living became a way of life during the height of the siege. The bombing by the Italians was less than on target and the Nazis had the war in the Libyan desert as their first priority. So, although, many of the cities (and there are few) suffered major damage, the Grand Harbor was well protected and the Maltese volunteered to fight in a citizen's army to keep the enemy at bay. Their efforts earned them the Cross of St. George from Britain, the first such honor to an entire country and its people.
There is a plethora of information in this small book and it is not necessary to cover all aspects of this complex and heroic struggle. Read this book and be amazed at the victory of the underdog in what should have been a one-sided battle. Recommended.
January 6, 2014
Are the Maltese the descendants of ancient Carthage? If they are, then Carthage finally had its revenge upon the descendants of ancient Rome. But not until the Italians, along with the Germans, did their best to destroy Malta from 1940-1943. In Siege: Malta 1940-1943, the author tells the story of this little island 60 miles south of Sicily that became the most heavily bombed spot on earth. What makes this a 4 Star read is the excellent placement of this strategic island outpost into the entire Mediterranean campaign. My single complaint is the lack of personal stories to add that extra pizzazz, admittedly a minor thing.
The first sentence of the foreword: "I first saw Malta as navigating officer of a British destroyer in July 1943." Bradford establishes his bona fides pretty quickly. He fought in the Mediterranean and spent 10 years on the island after the war. But he waited 40 years to publish this account, believing that time would give a better perspective.
Malta was a dagger, leaning at the “Italian rib”, an unsinkable aircraft carrier and outpost in the heart of the Med. The Maltese first came under attack from the Regia Aeronautica in June 1940 and the Maltese were pissed!
The Maltese had been allies of the Brits since 1800, when the Brits helped kick the occupation force of Napoleon’s army off Malta. Now, the two allies would fight and suffer together against the Axis. The siege would intensify and moderate several times. Not all in the UK command thought Malta was worth keeping but Churchill wanted to keep it and he was proved right. Bradford shows how the island had major impacts on intelligence gathering, on reducing the flow of supplies to Rommel’s Afrika Corps, on supporting air and naval forces harassing the Italians and Nazis. When Malta became too effective, Hitler ordered a massive air attack which was supposed to be followed by an invasion. The attack was devastating, reducing the island cities, harbors and airfield to dusty rubble. But the invasion never happened, a big mistake. Malta regained its strength when the Axis looked to other troubled areas. The story of the siege and the efforts to keep the island supplied are excellent. Understanding the siege of Malta is required to fully appreciate how desperate the early days of the war were and how that island impacted the entire area. Highly recommended.
An account of Operation Pedestal, the August 1942 convoy that saved the island: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmYz6m...
The first sentence of the foreword: "I first saw Malta as navigating officer of a British destroyer in July 1943." Bradford establishes his bona fides pretty quickly. He fought in the Mediterranean and spent 10 years on the island after the war. But he waited 40 years to publish this account, believing that time would give a better perspective.
Malta was a dagger, leaning at the “Italian rib”, an unsinkable aircraft carrier and outpost in the heart of the Med. The Maltese first came under attack from the Regia Aeronautica in June 1940 and the Maltese were pissed!
The Maltese had been allies of the Brits since 1800, when the Brits helped kick the occupation force of Napoleon’s army off Malta. Now, the two allies would fight and suffer together against the Axis. The siege would intensify and moderate several times. Not all in the UK command thought Malta was worth keeping but Churchill wanted to keep it and he was proved right. Bradford shows how the island had major impacts on intelligence gathering, on reducing the flow of supplies to Rommel’s Afrika Corps, on supporting air and naval forces harassing the Italians and Nazis. When Malta became too effective, Hitler ordered a massive air attack which was supposed to be followed by an invasion. The attack was devastating, reducing the island cities, harbors and airfield to dusty rubble. But the invasion never happened, a big mistake. Malta regained its strength when the Axis looked to other troubled areas. The story of the siege and the efforts to keep the island supplied are excellent. Understanding the siege of Malta is required to fully appreciate how desperate the early days of the war were and how that island impacted the entire area. Highly recommended.
An account of Operation Pedestal, the August 1942 convoy that saved the island: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmYz6m...
July 4, 2020
Bradford’s book about the 1565 Siege of Malta was exciting and dramatic, and inspired me to read this account of the Siege of Malta during WWII.
The people of Malta really went through hell during 1942. After recently reading Eric Larson’s “The Splendid and the Vile” about the Battle of Britain, I was shocked to learn that twice as many tons of explosives were dropped on the tiny island during March and April of 1942 than on London during the entire year of the Blitz.
Overall however, this book just doesn’t have the fascinating cast of characters that brought the 1565 story to life. The middle section drags, and although the climactic Operation Pedestal convoy makes for good reading, I think the rest of the book would only be of interest to those who love military history.
The people of Malta really went through hell during 1942. After recently reading Eric Larson’s “The Splendid and the Vile” about the Battle of Britain, I was shocked to learn that twice as many tons of explosives were dropped on the tiny island during March and April of 1942 than on London during the entire year of the Blitz.
Overall however, this book just doesn’t have the fascinating cast of characters that brought the 1565 story to life. The middle section drags, and although the climactic Operation Pedestal convoy makes for good reading, I think the rest of the book would only be of interest to those who love military history.
September 25, 2021
A brilliant, well written history of a unique world event. Malta occupied a smaller area than Greater London but in two months in 1942 more tonnage of bombs were dropped on the island than for the whole of the worst year of the Blitz! The natural sandstone enabled underground shelters to be built, but the convoys carrying essential food, fuel, etc. were constantly spotted by the Axis powers. Fortunately at just the right time, Hitler was concentrating on Russia, but that still left many bombing raids on Malta. The fact that Ernle Bradford knew the island having lived there for 10 years shows through in his knowledge and affection. He also wrote the other siege book ("The Great Siege 1565") which he compares at relevant points. The similarities are incredible despite 400 years between the two sieges.
An extremely readable and interesting war narrative around a very small but important strategic place
An extremely readable and interesting war narrative around a very small but important strategic place
December 29, 2015
Quite very interesting..
July 7, 2025
I bought a second hand copy of this book as a present for my dad as he did his National Service on the island a couple of decades after the tumultuous siege of 1940-43.
My own interest in the island was fired by a chapter in a book of a naval history on Operation Pedestal. In that massive Navy endeavour to relieve the beseiged only 5 out of 14 precious merchantmen made it through but one of them - the hero of that chapter - was the Ohio sole oil tanker within the convoy that limped into harbour after multiple bombing and torpedo hits, under tow from three destroyers and close to breaking up. She settled on the harbour bottom beside the unloading wharf like a mortally wounded knight from the age of chivalry surrendering at last to his injuries only when certain that the battle had been won.
Pedestal is the subject of the penultimate chapter in Bradford's book which explains the strategic significance of Malta in the years leading up to that pivotal moment. As a base for a variety of bombers, submarines and surface ships, Malta had the capacity to paralyse the Axis supply lines to Rommel in North Africa. The fortunes of the little island and the desert fox ran in almost exact anti-phase, when Malta was subdued by the boot of the Luftwaffe, then Rommel prospered, when Malta's planes could take wing Rommel's were starved of supplies and munition. German panzers might have had the measure of British weapons, but could do little without fuel or ammunition, still less if trapped in the holds of sunken transports at the bottom of the Mediterranean.
Bradford writes with a keen interest, indeed love, of an island which he first saw as a naval officer just after the siege had been finally broken, and where he spent many post war years living and sailing, as well as researching a book about the other great siege of Malta.
His ability to draw comparisons with the 1565 siege as well as his intimate knowledge of the place and people makes this an entertaining and informative book which does the first great job of a narrative historian, bring dry facts to vibrant life.
One feature, sadly exiled to the footnotes, is that the oft mentioned The Times of Malta in continuous production through the siege was the work of a determined woman journalist Miss Mabel Strickland OBE who kept the printing presses running from the security of a deep rock encased shelter that her prescient father had constructed for his own establishment, when the pre-war government of Malta had neglected the opportunity to make the same use of the natural fortress offered by Malta's formidable limestone geology.
This was a most entertaining read, and I will wrap it up before I pass it onto my dad. I also think I might have to create a new Goodreads shelf called 'Malta' to gather together the many books that I seem to have accrued on this theme.
My own interest in the island was fired by a chapter in a book of a naval history on Operation Pedestal. In that massive Navy endeavour to relieve the beseiged only 5 out of 14 precious merchantmen made it through but one of them - the hero of that chapter - was the Ohio sole oil tanker within the convoy that limped into harbour after multiple bombing and torpedo hits, under tow from three destroyers and close to breaking up. She settled on the harbour bottom beside the unloading wharf like a mortally wounded knight from the age of chivalry surrendering at last to his injuries only when certain that the battle had been won.
Pedestal is the subject of the penultimate chapter in Bradford's book which explains the strategic significance of Malta in the years leading up to that pivotal moment. As a base for a variety of bombers, submarines and surface ships, Malta had the capacity to paralyse the Axis supply lines to Rommel in North Africa. The fortunes of the little island and the desert fox ran in almost exact anti-phase, when Malta was subdued by the boot of the Luftwaffe, then Rommel prospered, when Malta's planes could take wing Rommel's were starved of supplies and munition. German panzers might have had the measure of British weapons, but could do little without fuel or ammunition, still less if trapped in the holds of sunken transports at the bottom of the Mediterranean.
Bradford writes with a keen interest, indeed love, of an island which he first saw as a naval officer just after the siege had been finally broken, and where he spent many post war years living and sailing, as well as researching a book about the other great siege of Malta.
His ability to draw comparisons with the 1565 siege as well as his intimate knowledge of the place and people makes this an entertaining and informative book which does the first great job of a narrative historian, bring dry facts to vibrant life.
One feature, sadly exiled to the footnotes, is that the oft mentioned The Times of Malta in continuous production through the siege was the work of a determined woman journalist Miss Mabel Strickland OBE who kept the printing presses running from the security of a deep rock encased shelter that her prescient father had constructed for his own establishment, when the pre-war government of Malta had neglected the opportunity to make the same use of the natural fortress offered by Malta's formidable limestone geology.
This was a most entertaining read, and I will wrap it up before I pass it onto my dad. I also think I might have to create a new Goodreads shelf called 'Malta' to gather together the many books that I seem to have accrued on this theme.
October 12, 2020
The dangers of being too close to your subject
The ‘action packed’ title – it’s only missing an exclamation mark – flags up the difference between this and Bradford’s earlier book about Malta’s other siege. That was a classic of beautifully restrained, no-frills storytelling, and – as a read – one of the best history books I know. Here, though, Bradford is a little too close to his subject. He served in the Med during the war, and later lived on the island. As a result he will rarely countenance criticism of personnel in the theatre; when things go wrong it is always the force of circumstances or the fault of ‘higher ups’. There are too many digressions about civilian life on the island, in contrast to the intense purity of the earlier narrative which stuck strictly to the events of the siege. He very much overstates the overall importance of the battle, and of the theatre as a whole. There’s no way that either side could realistically have won or lost the war in the Med. Bradford’s idea of the Germans solving their oil problem by sweeping into Persia is surely fantasy: how would they have got the oil out through the British blockade? Although the campaign knocked Italy out of the war you could argue that the strategic distraction was more costly to the Allies, and particularly Britain, than to Germany, and that therefore in the end it was an Axis victory – or at least, a successful delaying action.
There are also a couple of old-fartish asides in which Bradford asserts that modern people wouldn’t be able to endure the things he describes. What basis does he have for saying that? Before the war it was widely believed that no population would be able to tolerate air attack, but in the event nearly everybody did. It’s arrogant of Bradford to believe that his generation was uniquely able to rise to the occasion.
But although it’s not as good as the other book it’s an epic story, which only requires to be told straight to command attention, admiration and even envy – I defy anyone to read it and not envy the participants the pride they can feel in their achievements, which make almost everything that everyone has done since look like petty trumpery by comparison. If only Britain had a film industry, and could make a decent film of one of those Malta convoys; without doubt they were among the most epic and heroic feats of the western Allies, things that would put most made-up stories to shame and genuinely stand comparison with the most legendary deeds of the old Knights of Malta.
The ‘action packed’ title – it’s only missing an exclamation mark – flags up the difference between this and Bradford’s earlier book about Malta’s other siege. That was a classic of beautifully restrained, no-frills storytelling, and – as a read – one of the best history books I know. Here, though, Bradford is a little too close to his subject. He served in the Med during the war, and later lived on the island. As a result he will rarely countenance criticism of personnel in the theatre; when things go wrong it is always the force of circumstances or the fault of ‘higher ups’. There are too many digressions about civilian life on the island, in contrast to the intense purity of the earlier narrative which stuck strictly to the events of the siege. He very much overstates the overall importance of the battle, and of the theatre as a whole. There’s no way that either side could realistically have won or lost the war in the Med. Bradford’s idea of the Germans solving their oil problem by sweeping into Persia is surely fantasy: how would they have got the oil out through the British blockade? Although the campaign knocked Italy out of the war you could argue that the strategic distraction was more costly to the Allies, and particularly Britain, than to Germany, and that therefore in the end it was an Axis victory – or at least, a successful delaying action.
There are also a couple of old-fartish asides in which Bradford asserts that modern people wouldn’t be able to endure the things he describes. What basis does he have for saying that? Before the war it was widely believed that no population would be able to tolerate air attack, but in the event nearly everybody did. It’s arrogant of Bradford to believe that his generation was uniquely able to rise to the occasion.
But although it’s not as good as the other book it’s an epic story, which only requires to be told straight to command attention, admiration and even envy – I defy anyone to read it and not envy the participants the pride they can feel in their achievements, which make almost everything that everyone has done since look like petty trumpery by comparison. If only Britain had a film industry, and could make a decent film of one of those Malta convoys; without doubt they were among the most epic and heroic feats of the western Allies, things that would put most made-up stories to shame and genuinely stand comparison with the most legendary deeds of the old Knights of Malta.
June 30, 2019
Fascinating, I never realised how tough Malta had it during the war, makes the Battle of Britain seem not so bad.
August 15, 2013
Bradford wrote many books about historical events around the Mediterranean and lived in Malta for a number of years. This depth of knowledge is evident in his writing. This book is a short and well-paced account of the siege of Malta between 1940 and 1943. He describes the siege of Malta during the Second World War with a local’s eye and a local’s understanding. This depth of knowledge is further enhanced by the fact that he had written on the first siege of Malta during the Sixteenth Century. This invites comparison and Bradford is well placed to bring this out. He also does not neglect activities in the wider Mediterranean, which bring historical context to events on Malta. Overall, a good book that brings out the facts behind some of the pivotal events in the Mediterranean during the Second World War.
Endeavour Press has released this version on Kindle, so it’s perfect for accompanying you on your travels.
Endeavour Press has released this version on Kindle, so it’s perfect for accompanying you on your travels.
September 14, 2016
Comprehensive account of an incredible period in the history of the island where I grew up and good to see that the major Maltese figures get a mention here as well. A bit of a 'Boys' Own' style for my tastes, but an interesting account none the less. For a fictionalised, but very good account of the first siege, Tim Willocks 'The Religion' is one of the best that I have read. Also, James Holland's outstanding 'Fortress Malta' is well worth reading.
Also, can I be horribly pedantic and point out that 'decimation' means a reduction of 10% - from the Roman army disciplinary measure of killing every 10th man in the ranks (some thought put into falling in then, no doubt). It is used several times instead of the more accurate 'devastation' in the context in which it appears. As I say, pedantic, but not a vocabulary gaffe that I expect in a work of this vintage, especially from someone who served in the military.
Also, can I be horribly pedantic and point out that 'decimation' means a reduction of 10% - from the Roman army disciplinary measure of killing every 10th man in the ranks (some thought put into falling in then, no doubt). It is used several times instead of the more accurate 'devastation' in the context in which it appears. As I say, pedantic, but not a vocabulary gaffe that I expect in a work of this vintage, especially from someone who served in the military.
January 31, 2016
Excellent history. The last 3 chapters are particularily graphic - I felt like I was in a movie set but better because the author gave us the time to know the shps and to understand the contribution they were making. It was riveting. This is a WWII history that is not generally known by regular folk like me. I read this book because we were planning a trip to Malta and I wanted to know more about its history. I agree that the air battles fought over Malta were as - or more - important than the Battle of Britain. And, again, the last 3 chapters - about the last attempt to get a convoy to Malta and relieve the suffering of the people and fuel the war effort - were graphically riveting.
March 15, 2015
Though not quite as good as Bradford's other book on that other siege of Malta, this was still very good. The narrative is well paced and told in an exciting, entertaining manner. The author uses a variety of sources and covers both sides of the conflict well (although concentrating on the British side). Bradford's passion for Malta and the Maltese really comes through, and the struggle of the Maltese civilians and military units that fought along side the British receive their due.
May 31, 2012
Malta is my favorite place in the whole world, the history of Malta is one of my favorite things to read about, imagine reading a book that is so boring and full of pontifications that it is almost unreadable, about a subject one loves. Ugh, ugh, ugh. The only reason I gave it one star is that there is nothing lower.
September 6, 2017
Re-reading this one. Took me years to find a book that filled in the background for The Kappillan of Malta by Monsarrat (five stars for that book). Just as well that I had to wait - he was able to fill in information that had been secret during and after the war for years. Have read both of these many times.
April 25, 2015
Interesting story about the bravery and endurance of the people of Malta and her defenders during one of the worst sieges in history. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force played their parts, but the courage of the Maltese people sealed the victory.
July 1, 2015
The book deserves 4 stars, but the kindle edition was so full of typos that it became difficult to read!
March 18, 2016
Good prose, sometimes too Victorian. Great description of an important part of WWII history with close attention to civilian sufferings and the historical context.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews