ABSTRACT
Much has been written about Malta's experiences during the Second World War, and, 60 years later, new books and articles about Malta continue to find publishers and readers. The great majority of these publications deal with specific aspects of the air and naval warfare that centred on Malta between June 1940 and the end of 1943. Most begin with some review of pre-war decisions and preparations, or the absence of them, in order to provide a strategic framework that explains Malta's condition at the outbreak of the war with Italy. Most also point out that the island's anti-aircraft (AA) gun defences in June 1940 were limited, and, in particular, that there were no modern fighter aircraft stationed on the island. The Royal Air Force (RAF) in Malta could only put up three obsolete Gladiators—the famous ‘Faith’, ‘Hope’ and ‘Charity’— to meet the early Italian air raids.
