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Second Sirte 1942 OSPREY CAMPAIGN (9781472867223)

Osprey Publishing

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SKU:
MAC32270
Military Conflict:
World War II
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Second Sirte 1942: The Desperate Battle to Relieve Malta - (9781472867223)

Features

  • 96 pages
  • Illustrated throughout
  • Softcover
  • Book dimensions are 10" x 7"
The Second Battle of Sirte was a key naval clash in the Mediterranean, and a vital moment in the struggle for Malta's survival. Malta was the key to the hard-fought naval campaign being waged in the Mediterranean, a link in the vital Axis supply lines between Italy and North Africa. Struggling under a sustained Axis bombing campaign, Malta depended on convoys of supplies to survive. Axis air formations dominated the skies, making any attempt to relieve the island extremely hazardous.

In December 1941, a convoy from the east led to an inconclusive clash with the Italians at the First Battle of Sirte. In late March 1942, the situation escalated. The decisive clash came on the afternoon of 22 March, when British destroyers launched a series of torpedo attacks against Italian ships. At dawn, Axis aircraft appeared and a series of intense air attacks followed. Although three of the convoy's four ships reached Malta, they were sunk days later. Still, it was enough to buy Malta the time it needed to remain in the fight.

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  • 5
    Second Sirte 1942

    Posted by Norman on Aug 8th 2025

    A favorite wartime engagement of mine. This is a good, concise and detailed description of the battle. The maps are useful in understanding the progression of the battle. A balanced presentation and recommended.