Malta Convoy

by Peter; Hunter Shankland, Anthony Hunter

Malta Convoy

Genres: World War II

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

You couldn't make the real life events of Operational Pedestal into a movie - no one would believe it.
There are James Bond type experimental weapons, devious U boat captains, plucky sailors standing fast in the face of waves of enemy aircraft.

This is an excellent account of the events as they unfold.
There is a touch on the personal but this mainly runs like a documentary.

It is well written, very easy to read and gives just the right amount of detail to make it interesting without getting bogged down.

An absolutely intriguing read that I would recommend to any armchair historian.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of Operation Pegasus and the last attempt to resupply Malta before it is forced to surrender. Also the story of the of the SS Ohio, the oil tanker that supplied the vital fuel needed for the aircraft and fuel oil for the island. One of the great stories of WW2. The dogged determination and heroism of those involved is the stuff of fiction, yet these events did happen and are largely unembellished in this telling.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a military buff in the least, but the story of Ohio beating the odds to bring supplies to Malta and save her people and win the war was so compelling, I really got into the story! The bravery of the American and British men who orchestrated Operation Pedestal was astounding, especially those who gladly put themselves in danger (ie. the engineers who were constantly trying to fix the ship and her fellow vessels as they endured barrage after barrage). Obviously there were situational factors that played into the ship making it to Valletta (ie. she was so well made she refused to sink, even as the waters were splashing onto the deck), but what stuck out most to me was the absolute strength and resilience the men displayed that final stretch towing her alongside the two other ships. They had to stop and refasten the ships together again, again, and again -- probably five times -- even when it seemed totally fruitless. What can we take from that? Of course, to not give up, but also that the ends don't always have to justify the means. The fact they put the same effort into every refastening of the ropes, dead tired and hungry, was just as impressive as the reality the ship saved Malta. It reminds me of the MLK phrase, "All labor has dignity." I won't soon forget this book.

[Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic wee book detailing the events surrounding Operation Pedestal and the importance of its supplies for the relief of Malta in World War II. A tale of bravery and heroism. Interesting facts surrounding the politics in both allied and axis camps. I was impressed by what the Italian Air Force managed to achieve and their planning to attack the convoy.

[David Vanness · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy is hardback with 247 pages.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the magnificent story of a group of men relieveing Malta in WWII.

[Ms.Burleson]

Read my Keith Psaila.