From today's Times of Malta News
When Luftwaffe intensified attacks on Malta


Photo above: Rescue workers, assisted by servicemen, search for survivors and recover bodies on the site of the Regent Cinema, in Valletta, hit on the evening of Sunday, February 15, 1942.


The Luftwaffe in Sicily intensified its attacks on Malta in the first two months of 1942, so that the island would no longer serve as a base for attacks on Axis convoys ferrying troops and supplies to North Africa.

In January, the Luftwaffe opened its offensive with strong fighter sweeps escorting small formations of bombers, with its top aces taking on the defending Hurricanes. At the time, an attempt was made by the Royal Navy to escort a convoy of three merchant ships to Malta from Alexandria but it ended in failure, with two of the ships sunk and the third sailing back to port.
At the same time, four empty ships sailed from Malta to Alexandria and arrived safely, including one, HMS Breconshire, carrying Maltese internees.
These episodes are also recorded in the latest two issues of Malta At War.
Also highlighted in the two issues are the heavy bombing raids which brought further destruction in various towns and villages such as Valletta, Floriana, Sliema, Paola and Ghajnsielem.

Malta At War is published by Wise Owl Publications and sells at Lm1.85 (€4.31).