What was the population of Malta in June 1940?
The British Crown Colony of Malta held a population of around 250,000 people in June 1940. Most residents lived within two miles of Grand Harbour where density exceeded six times the island average.
Questions about Siege of Malta (World War II)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Italy declare war on Malta during World War II?
Mussolini declared war on the 10th of June 1940 when only six obsolete Gloster Sea Gladiator biplanes stood ready to defend the skies. Six more Gladiators waited in crates and were never assembled before the first bombs fell.
How many Axis ships were sunk by Allied forces from May 1943?
Allied forces had sunk two hundred thirty Axis ships across one hundred sixty-four days by May 1943. This achievement represented the highest sinking rate of the entire war and played a major role in success throughout North Africa.
Which Operation brought vital relief to Malta in August 1942?
Operation Pedestal brought vital relief to the besieged island at enormous cost in August 1942. Fourteen merchant ships departed but only nine reached their destination safely including two freighters that delivered twenty-five thousand tons of supplies.
Who commanded the Luftwaffe unit that arrived in Sicily on January 10 1941?
Fliegerkorps X under Hans Ferdinand Geisler arrived in Sicily on the 10th of January 1941 with ninety-five aircraft and fourteen thousand three hundred eighty-nine men. Their first target became the new aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious which they attacked unopposed.