LO12g - World War II

From when to when did World War 2 last?

From 1939 - 1945

What were the two main opposing sides?

1. Allied Powers: Britain, France, Soviet Union (joined 1941), United States (joined 1941)

2. Axis powers: Germany, Italy, Japan

What side was Malta on? Why?

It supported the Allied Powers since at that time it was under British rule

Why was Malta attacked by the Axis powers during World War II?

Because it was extremely useful to the British, making it a threat to the Axis powers because:

1. It has a strategic location in the center of the Mediterranean, meaning the British could use it to monitor and attack enemy ships in the Mediterranean.

2. Malta was a British colony and served as an important military base, since it had a dockyard used to repair and maintain British warships

3. It was an operational base* which the British used to launch attacks on Axis convoys carrying soldiers, weapons and fuel to North Africa.

Hence, taking control of Malta would have eliminated this problem.

*an operational base is a place from which military forces organise and carry out their operations

When did Italy declare war on Britain

10 June 1940

When did Mussolini start attacking Malta (when did the first air raid happen) in Malta? What were the main areas that were attacked?

11 June 1940 (day after British)

Main areas attacked

• Grand Harbour

• Dockyard

• Hal Luqa airfield

• Hal Far airfield

• Ta’ Qali airfield

These areas were targeted because they were important to British military operations.

What defences did Malta have at the beginning of the War

1. anti-aircraft guns (to shoot at enemy aircraft)

2. searchlights (used to locate enemy aircraft, specifically at night)

3. three gloster gladiator fighter aircraft: hope, faith, charity

4. radar stations (to detect approaching enemy aircraft)

How many aircraft did the Italian Air Force have based in Sicily with which to use to attack Malta?

200 aircraft

What does RAF stand for and where did they send additional fighter planes from?

RAF stands for the Royal Air Force who sent additional fighter planes from Gibraltar and Egypt to strengthen Maltas defences.

What was the German Luftwaffe

German Air Force

In December 1940 who assisted the Italians in attacking Malta? Why?

The German Luftwaffe assisted the Italians in attacking Malta (in December 1940) because the British were using Malta as a military base to attack Axis convoys carrying essential supplies to North Africa preventing the German and Italian soldiers fighting the British from there from receiving supplies. Hence, both Germany and Italy wanted to eliminate this issue by conquering Malta.

What were two significant targets of German bombing?

• the sinking of the British aircraft HMS Illustrious (sheltered in the Grand Harbour)

• Royal Opera House, Valletta

During what time period were the British experiencing difficulties in the Mediterranean?

in 1941 since they lost many ships in an attack and Erwin Rommel (British Marshal) advanced towards Egypt, threatening British forces in North Africa.

What was Operation Sea Lion

Germany’s planned invasion of Britain by sea (which was never carried out)

What was Operation Herkules

The planned Axis invation of Malta (was never carried out)

What was Operation Barbarossa and how did it affect the planned invasion of Malta?

• Operation Barbarossa was the German invasion of Russia which began on the 22nd of June 1941.

• Since Hitler changed his priorities and attacked Russia instead, the planned invasion of Malta was postponed (and never ended up happening).

What was the attack that happened in Malta in July 1941?

Italian forces attacked the Grand Harbour using E-boats (small, fast attack boats). The attack was overall unsuccessful but one Italian E-boat struck and destroyed the breakwater bridge.

Why did Malta experience severe food shortages during WWII?

Because Malta heavily depended on supply convoys carrying food, fuel and other essential supplies. However, Axis aircraft and submarines attacked these ships, preventing supplies from reaching Malta. This caused severe shortages, bringing the island close to starvation.

What was the Santa Marija Convoy, and why was it so important

The Santa Marija Convoy, also known as Operation Pedestal, arrived in Malta on the 15th of August 1942. It brought vital food, fuel and other supplies to Malta at a time where the island was close to starvation due to the axis blockade. Without this convoy, the British would have been forced to surrender the islands to the axis powers.

What was the name of the tanker that brought fuel to Malta during the Santa Marija Convoy

SS Ohio

Who gave Malta the George cross and why?

King George VI awarded the George Cross to the Island of Malta on 15 April 1942, recognising the courage, heroism, bravery and determination during the war.

When did the fighting stop in Malta and why?

• The intensity of attacks decreased in October 1942, when the Axis air forces lost the battle for Malta.

• Furthermore, the Allies took control of North Africa and Sicily, so it was less important as a frontline air base, and was not under much Axis threat.

When was Italy’s armistice with the Allies

8th September 1943

So fighting ended in Malta = 1943, but WWII didnt end till 1945

Yes

Why did the Axis Powers fail to capture Malta?

• Lack of a consistent plan: Italian and German commanders could not agree on a clear strategy. Their plans frequently changed between bombing Malta, starving its population into surrender and invading the island.

• Failure to invade at the right time: The Axis Powers did not invade* Malta in 1941, when its defences were particularly weak. This gave the British time to strengthen them.

• Resistance of the Maltese and British: Despite constant bombing, hunger and destruction, the Maltese population and British forces continued resisting and did not surrender.

*They attacked in 1941, they didnt invade.

What was life like for the Maltese during the War

1. Heavy bombing: Malta was heavily bombed, with the worst damage occurring in Valletta and the Three Cities.

2. Air raid shelters: People had to seek refuge in shelters during the incessant enemy air raids.

3. Widespread destruction: Bombing caused widespread destruction, particularly in the harbour towns, leaving many homes destroyed and causing a serious housing shortage.

4. War damage compensation: After the war, the British government granted Malta £20 million in compensation for war damage.

5. Migration: Many people migrated from the heavily bombed harbour areas to safer inland villages.

6. Food scarcity: The Axis blockade caused severe food shortages, forcing people to survive on rationed supplies.

7. Black market: A black market developed, where scarce goods were sold outside official controls, often at higher prices.

8. Employment: There was no general unemployment, as men aged 18–41 were liable for service in the armed forces.

9. Wages and wealth: Savings and wages were high, but wealth was mainly concentrated in the hands of those who had goods to sell, particularly farmers.

10. Civilian casualties: Many civilians lost their lives as a result of the heavy bombing and harsh wartime conditions.

11. Maltese perseverance: Despite these hardships, the Maltese continued resisting the Axis Powers, strengthening the bond between the Maltese and the British.