For nearly two years, the island of Malta was under siege from the Axis. First by the Italians, and later the Germans got into the deal. During 1942, things were particularly grim with the populace near starvation and invasion a constant worry.

At the beginning, there was no real air defense until four Sea Gladiators, left by the Royal Navy, were uncrated, assembled and then flown against what was initially a somewhat half-hearted series of raids by the Italians.

As things got more intense, especially after the Germans got involved, there was a constant need for fighters. The British were reluctant to base units outside the UK, but slowly, Hurricane and later Spitfire reinforcements were sent. In the beginning, long range fuel tanks were installed and after the planes were assembled at Gibralter, the long and dangerous trip to Malta was undertaken. Losses continued to mount and a series of fly-offs from British and American aircraft carriers was the only way to keep the island quickly supplied.

Allow me to mention at this stage that planes flown from the USS Wasp were painted en-route using paints that were to be found on the ship. No exact shade has been determined, but it is often described as a blue-grey. Those planes painted at Gilbralter or on Malta were painted with either Dark/Light Mediterranean Blue or Extra Dark Sea Grey. The underside was generally NOT Azure Blue but a much lighter shade close to RLM 76. The upper surface colors quickly bleached out in the hot sun. I only take the time for this as there has been considerable debate on the colors and the book does attempt to provide some answers.

But mostly this is about the men who flew in defense of Malta over those years. Many made ace and many of those men perished while doing so. The book is jammed with first hand stories, period photographs and the excellent profile work of the author, Steve Nichols. It is an outstanding book in the series and is one of the best 'Aircraft of the Aces' books that I have read.

September 2008

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