Malta

Full Name 59 Dominion of Malta
Alliance Allies - Minor Member Nation or Possession
Possessing Power United Kingdom
Entry into WW2 3 Sep 1939
Population in 1939 269,000
Civilian Deaths in WW2 1,300

Contributor:

ww2dbaseMalta became a part of the British Empire in 1814, and it immediately became a major military and civilian maritime center, with such role enhanced after the opening of the Suez Canal in Egypt in 1869. Ironically, because Malta was deemed indefensible against an enemy landing, the British Royal Navy Mediterranean Fleet was relocated to Alexandria, Egypt in Oct 1939 to remove them from Italian aircraft threat, thus depriving the small island (about 260 square kilometers or about 100 square miles) most of its naval defense. Within hours of Italy's entry into the European War bombs began falling on Malta, but no landings were planned until Malta was proven to be effective as a base for Allied operations against Axis shipping between Southern Europe and the battles in North Africa. As the British increased the efforts to bring men, aircraft, and supplies to Malta, the Germans and the Italians also allocated more resources against supply convoys and the island itself, resulting in the long running and costly, for both sides, Malta campaign. By the time the Desert War was nearing an end, the siege of Malta was effectively over. The Germans and the Italians flew a total of 3,000 bombing raids in the two-year span, making the small island unofficially the most bombed place in the world. For gallantry during the siege, the people of the island was collectively awarded the George Cross on 15 Apr 1942 "to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history". Upon the conclusion of the Desert War, Malta became a staging point for the invasion of Southern Europe, namely Sicily and then the Italian mainland. When Italy signed an armistice with the Allies, the Italian fleet was sailed to Malta for internment. After the war, Malta was given independence on 21 Sep 1964. In 1974, a republic was declared, and the position of President replaced the British monarch as the head of state.

ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia

Last Major Update: Sep 2014

Events Taken Place in Malta
Malta Campaign11 Jun 1940 - 31 Dec 1942
Malta Conference30 Jan 1945 - 3 Feb 1945


Facilities
Grand HarbourNavy Base, Shipyard
RAF Hal FarAir Base
RAF LuqaAir Base
RAF TakaliAir Base

Photographs

Drawing of the new dock at Grand Harbour, Malta as seen in the 24 Oct 1867 issue of publication Illustrated London NewsHMS Ramillies, HMS Barfleur, and HMS Nile in Grand Harbour, Malta, 24 May 1896; the ships were firing salutes in honor of Queen VictoriaHMS Royal Sovereign, HMS Royal Oak, HMS Ramillies, and HMS Caesar in Grand Harbour, Malta, circa 1899Captain Louis Mountbatten with the crew of HMS Kelvin, Valleta Harbour, Malta, 1939-1941
See all 26 photographs of Malta in World War II


Malta in World War II Interactive Map




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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Connie De Gabriele says:
28 Apr 2018 01:16:22 AM

I would like to find about by dad when he served in WW2
Name Paul De Gabriele was born 18/07/2019
2. Joanna Taylor says:
16 Nov 2018 06:32:47 AM

I would like to find out about my grandfather, Carmelo Bruno who served in WW2.. Born 9/6/1923
3. June Utting says:
24 Jan 2019 01:45:42 PM

Im looking for information on my uncle Fred Utting who served & died in Malta in WW2
4. Anonymous says:
18 Feb 2019 05:23:34 AM

Hi, I am searching for some information on my grandfather who served as a soldier in World War 2 and after in Malta. His name is Joseph (or Guzeppi) Caruana born in Mosta Malta. Unfortunately I don't have his date of birth, but I believe he was born around the 1920's. He did not serve all his life. I think he stopped serving at around the 1940s/1950s

Can you provide me with some information please?

Many Thanks!
5. Mike Dross says:
17 Mar 2019 06:36:57 AM

Looking for primary sources that deal with Malta from 1940-43. Doing my thesis on how the island impacted Axis operations in the Mediterranean.

Thanks,
Mike Dross
Mikeydross@hotmail.com
6. Leanne Gemmell says:
18 Jun 2019 12:49:39 AM

I am looking for siblings of Maria viollatta ghio I believe there were 11 siblings taking from Malta to England WW2
7. Alessandro says:
30 May 2020 01:49:38 PM

Hello, I'm looking for information about Force PICNIC, a small garrison sent from Malta to Gozo in March 1941. Any info and details welcome. Thank you!
8. michael garnett says:
31 Jul 2021 10:40:40 PM

Hello, I am researching into a RAF officer who is buried "MALTA (CAPUCCINI) NAVAL CEMETERY".....would like to know the cause of death...bit of a mystery and what he was doing in Malta? please contact me if got any info...i thank you in anticipation
9. Rosemarie Marsden says:
21 Apr 2022 10:18:24 PM

My Grandfather Carmelo Tabone served in Malta for two different regiments during World War Two. Firstly, how do I find out his service number please? Secondly How and where would records be housed and are they yet available online please? I am enquiring from Australia. Sincere thanks.
10. Larry Proud (Debono) says:
9 Jul 2022 07:00:31 PM

Both my great grandparents were killed by the bombing in WWII. Where can I find records of the time and place they died? (Stefano Debono and Anna Debono nee Sammut) Thank you.
11. Graham says:
17 Mar 2023 08:24:13 PM

Dear Mr. Chen, I'm researching a Malta WWII soldier/militiaman named John Mary MUDLIETT (or MUGLIETT) and ask if you know where I can write or email for details of Maltese WWII servicemen's files? Regards Graham in Australia

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Malta in World War II Photo Gallery
Drawing of the new dock at Grand Harbour, Malta as seen in the 24 Oct 1867 issue of publication Illustrated London News
See all 26 photographs of Malta in World War II


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