Military Model Scene

Title: Battle of Malta
Author: Anthony Rogers
Publisher: Osprey
ISBN: 978-1-4728-4890-1

June 1940 - November 1942, Campaign series number 381 from Osprey. A 96-page soft-cover book, with artwork by Graham Turner.
The introduction provides a useful snapshot of the long history of the island of Malta, in a strategic position pretty much half way between Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east, and of course very close to Sicily ad the Italian mainland. Then the Chronology of events which we expect in these Campaign series books, before it looks at the opposing British and Axis commanders. Among them on both sides are names that many will recognise, such as Sir Keith Park, who had commanded No.11 Group during the Battle of Britain, as well as Albert Kesselring, who commanded the opposing Luftflotte 2 in that same battle. Then a section setting out the make up of the 2 opposing groups of forces, and their respective plans. This leaves the greater bulk of the book going through the various operations, both naval and aerial which together made up this long running battle. Some of them are quite well known, such as the various convoys than fought to get essential supplies through a gauntlet of enemy attacks to supply both the military and civilian populations of the island. Others are I think less well known, such as the operations of German s-boats, their minelaying around the island and an Italian attack with small boats on the Grand Harbour at Valetta. Naturally the aerial battle between the RAF defenders and the offensive by by Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica units. Within this chapter there are some excellent maps of Malta, showing the positions of Malta Infantry Brigade areas and their main establishments, along with heavy and light anti-aircraft positions, along with searchlight sites. The story is rounded off with a Summary and then consideration of what is left to see on the Battlefield today. As we might expect, the book is well illustrated throughout, with many archive images, plenty of which have not been published before, along with maps, 3D views and some marvellous double page spreads of artwork.
This is a really good account looking at the breadth of actions which made up the Battle of Malta over an extended period of time, some over the island itself, and others at a fair distance from it. Malta is now a popular holiday destination, and we went there back in 2014 when our eldest daughter chose it as the place for her wedding. I for one was so impressed by my first view from the walls, looking out over the stunning scene of the Grand Harbour, where the buildings seem to just breathe history. Another good addition to Osprey's Campaign series.
Thanks to Osprey Books for our review copy.

Robin