After the amazing success of its Torpedo bombers at Taranto November 1940, The HMS Illustrious sailed victoriously through the dangerous waters of the Mediterranean. For two months it would act as escort for many Malta bound convoys, making sure the desperatley needed food, fuel and fighters reached thier destination.
In late December 1940, The first detachments of Fliegerkorps X started to arrive in Sicily. Operations formally began on January 10th, when Ju87s of StG 2 found the Illustrious steaming near Malta. HMS Illustrious was heavily damaged when the armoured flight deck was penetrated by an 1100lb (500kg) bomb. That and six other bomb hits forced her to limp to Malta, while the remains of her fleet sailed to Alexandria. The next day StG 2 would find that fleet and send the cruiser HMS Southhampton to the sea floor.
From the 10th to the 23rd of Janurary the Illustrious would seek what little shelter she could find in Grand Harbor, Malta. Miraculously after 13 days of intense bombardement by Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica aircraft, the Illustrious remained untouched. She would then sail for Alexandria, Egypt and then for Norfolk, Virginia. She would return to the fight in May of 1942, and return to the Mediterranean in August of 1943.
Malta's long siege would last another two years. The 13 days the RAF defended the Illustrious would blend into the three year long siege of Malta, but it would not be forgotten.
A Maltese Miracle Please update your commitment levels, and choose your sides Here . If you would like to volunteer for Frame CiC, please let me know or select the option in the Updater
