Siege of Malta during World War II

Malta became a major target after Italy entered the war in June 1940. Italian and German aircraft repeatedly bombed the island while Axis naval and air forces tried to prevent British convoys from delivering food, fuel, ammunition and aircraft.

Despite severe destruction, shortages and civilian casualties, Malta remained an operational base for attacks on Axis shipping to North Africa. The arrival of supplies through Operation Pedestal in August 1942 and the changing military situation in North Africa helped bring the most intense phase of the siege to an end later that year.