Hello everyone,
I know people have mentioned that the Germans/Italians should have invaded Malta instead of Crete. My question is this: instead of invading in the Spring/Summer of 1941, could the Germans and Italians pull off a succesful airborneinvasion of Malta in the fall or winter of '40? Wouldn't Malta be unprepared and understaffed?

Would this allow the German 7th Airborne Divsion and the 22nd Airportable Division enough time?

What about the Italian Airborne?

Hmmm an interesting point. The German plan for Malta, Hercules, required a large amount of aircraft. The winter of 1940 would not have been an ideal time to launch a large invasion although the troops would certainly have had the time they would not have had the experience of Crete with whivh to evaluate their airborne doctrine. Malta is a smaller island than Crete and presents many problems for a would be invader, the prime one is that of suitable landing areas and the question of re-supply. As for defences any landing would certainly accrued heavy losses, whether it would have been easier in 1940 remains open to conjecture. As for Italian airborne troops I dont believe that the Folgore division was operational at the time you specify. I may well get back to you on this one as I have some more details on Hercules at home...

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"Watch that Fu*ker, he'll 'ave someones eye out!" King Harold at Hastings 1066.

OK, this all depends on the units around the airfield, but couldn't you land gliders and paras directly on the airfield?* I know it's risky, but you have the element of surprise on a understaffed garrison. Once you gain control, you have a fully functioning airbase to bing in supplies. By the way, the RAF deemed Malta "indefensable".

*I got this idea from Hitler: The Victory That Nearly Was.

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There is many a boy here today who looks upon war as all glory, but boys, it is hell. You can bear this warning to generations yet to come. I look upon war with horror. -William Tecumseh Sherman.

Gentlemen:

Despite of how good your posts might be. I ask you to respond to this thread in here: MALTA where the issue was intensely discussed.

You can also read it and add your comments to what many people have already said.

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"War is less costly than servitude, the choice is always between Verdun and Dachau." - Jean Dutourd, French veteran of both world wars

"A mon fils: depuis que tes yeux sont fermes les miens n’ont cessé de pleurir." - Mère française, Verdun