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Customer Reviews (5)

The Kapillion of Malta
I read this book primarily because I have entertained a fascination for Malta and its history.
I very soon became engrassed in Monserrat's sympathetically crafted portrayel of the little priest with the great heart, and his fight for his spiritual flock of ordinary people and their survival.His strenuous battle to give his congregation of the catacomb church the moral courage and the care they needed to survive, became every bit as important as the battle going on around them, conducted by the men of war.

As the couragous priest with a heart for the ordinary man continues his battle in the catacombs, a third front erupts in his life. That of the widening gulf between the reality of his people and their needs, and that of a vain and self serving superior of his church.

We get to know the faithful and compassionate parish priest, whos ministry touched the heart of God for His people. Not during some carefully orchestrated church service, bolstered by incomprehensible litergy, but in the squalor of the catacombs where the enemy of fear would have won the day, but for the ministry of 'The Kapillon of Malta".

But is this the end of the story? How did his religioius superiors percieve his ministry ? How did it end?

A wonderful read. Especially for those who enjoy user friendly history.

A walk down memory lane.
I am sixty years old in the fifties we lived on the island of Malta this book is the truest representation of the place and history laden time transferred into a work of fictionthat I have ever read.One is not only entertained but gently educated which is of course the way of the people of Malta.The sad thing is this author did not write many many more books.He was a brilliant man and a literary treasure.Take this volume with you to a quiet place and journey back through time meet the people and walk the streets of Malta.Learn something about a quickly disappearing way of life.You will not be disappointed at any price.

The Kappillan Keeps Giving
I decided to look this book up again, decades after I first read it.Because it haunts me and stays with me always.

My grandfather gave me a copy of Monsarrat's novel as a teenager, one of his must read classics, like Youngblood Hawke.I was riveted from page one.

The Kappillan of Malta is a brilliant, Michener-esque journey through Maltese history.Set during World War II, narrated through the worldview of a priest trying to save people from the bombardments by hiding in the caverns, this story seamlessly moves through time, from past to present and everywhere in between, mapping the island, her people, and their souls.It is an amazing journey.

I cannot recommend this books highly enough.Grandfather, you were right.A definite must read.

a history of malta and a priest's story in ww2 time
two stories here--a history of malta and a priest's story during ww2 malta
this book is superbly written and provides the reader an incredible history of a not too well known country.

Well written, immersive novel a must-read!
Nicholas Monsarrat presents a well written story which draws you in. This is the story of father Salvatore, an ordinary priest who rises to extraordinary circumstances. While the main story is set in mediterranean Malta in 1940-1942, Nicholas Monsarrat manages to seamlessly weave in malta's history from the dawn of time. Story: Father Salvatore, whose church is bombed early on in the scirmishes between Italy/Germany and Malta, provides comfort and solace to a growing number of desperate maltese by showing them what hardships malta and its inhabitants have had to endure throughout the ages and how they have managed to come out stronger every time. The growing popularity of Salvatore and his church in the ancient catacombs is seen as a threat by other clergymen and he faces a constant struggle to keep doing what is his calling..

If I have managed to make it all sound boring.. it's not! Buy it, borrow it, but whatever you do read it! ... Read more

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This is the history of one of the great battles of the world, written by a private soldier who was an eye-witness. The siege of Malta was a crucial moment in the long struggle between Islam and Christendom for domination of the Mediterranean, fought out by unequal forces on the small island which commands the sea-routes at the centre of that sea. The Knights of St John were a survival from the medieval world, the largest of the surviving crusading orders, and they had been driven out of their base on Rhodes in the eastern Mediterranean after a great onslaught by the Turks in 1522. Now, forty-three years later, the Turkish ruler, Suleyman the Magnificent, who had been the victor at Rhodes, was determined to finish them off. He sent out a huge armada, carrying the pick of his army, under two commanders. Against this powerful force, the Knights could only raise a handful of men and mercenaries, and had to depend on the fortifications they had raised in the thirty-five years since they first came to Malta, which bore no comparison to the massive walls and ditches on Rhodes. Francisco Balbi di Correggio was a humble soldier of fortune who enlisted under the charismatic command of the Grand Master of the Order, Jean de la Valette. The extraordinary drama that unfolded after the first appearance of the Turkish fleet in the summer of 1565 is told in his own words, giving equal credit to the courage and leadership of the Knights and the grim determination of the ordinary people of Malta. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Amazing affordable primary source of one of the world's greatest battles
The defense of Malta in 1565 is every bit as impresive as Thermopylae, and in this book it is the recodred journal of a Spanish gunner that was in one of the fortresses on the tiny island that defeated Sulieman's best troops for over 3 months. Like any primamry source, there is much to be consdred for it's accuracy, but it has a great deal of valuable information and where else can you get a 440+ year old eye witnes account of an amazing battle for under $20? ... Read more

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The book is an account of the basic history and chronology of the major powers who occupied Malta for almost 3000 years. The main part of the book is primarily concerned with the knights who occupied the island following the Crusades.Malta, the Crusades and the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem is a fascinating and informative introduction to the history of Malta, with special focus on the Knights and the Crusades. ... Read more

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The siege of Malta during World War 2 is one of the great epics of aerial warfare. In 1942, it was described alternately as both a 'fighter pilot's paradise' and 'the most bombed place on earth'. During the peak of the Axis efforts against Malta, it suffered 154 consecutive days and nights of bombing, 100 nights more that London suffered during the Blitz.

The destruction of Axis convoys by Malta-based aircraft proved to be one of the decisive factors in the defeat of Rommel's forces in North Africa. This vital position would have been lost if it had not been for the successful defence of the island by a handful of greatly outnumbered Royal Air Force fighter squadrons. In the brutal and unforgiving air war over Malta only the very best fighter pilots succeeded, and all too often that was no guarantee of living another day. This book details the heroic story of the Spitfire Aces based on Malta. Drawn from an international team of Australians, British, Canadians, New Zealanders, Rhodesians and South Africans these pilots fought against extreme deprivation, physical hardships and overwhelming odds in one of the most crucial and decisive air battles of World War II. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Absolutely 5 stars!!! NO less!!
When I saw a new author writing this book, I thought, "Let`s see how good this book is."
After reading this book I have two words: Absolutely wonderful!!
The way he explains about the British on the small island between Italy and North Africa and how they fought valiantly against overwhelming odds, and overcame even the most difficult of battles.

Never has anyone fought so much for such little ground. The British held on to the island with all they had. Nearing the brink of collapse many times, the airmen on the island still fought on, with very little supplies and aircraft.
Steve explains wonderfully about the valiant efforts of the British pilots.
This book needs not to be overlooked; it will add another piece of history in you library.
I was glued to this book as much as John Weals' and George Mellingers' books!
This book is very nicely put together. I will watch for more Steve Nichols' books in the future for sure! I highly recommend this book!

Spits in Defense of Malta!
Mention of Malta Spitfires invariably brings to mind George Beurling, the RAF's master of deflection shooting. Yet Beurling was one of several hundred Spit pilots who defended that vital island from Axis invasion in 1942. Over three dozen pilots made ace over Malta in 1942 and 1943, Beurling topping the list with 27 kills. Steve Nichols tells the story of those valiant pilots in MALTA SPITFIRE ACES, #83 in Osprey's 'Aircraft of the Aces' series.

First committed to action over Malta in February 1942, Supermarine's superlative fighter would prove absolutely crucial to that already battered island's existence in the coming year. During 1942 Axis air units periodically mounted punishing attacks on Malta, inflicting heavy damage. Fuel, ammunition and food stocks almost ran out and it was only through the efforts of Malta's Spitfire units that the island survived.

Though 'Screwball' Beurling topped the list, other aces such as 'Buck' McNair, 'Timber' Woods, Peter Nash, Claude Weaver, Ray Hesselyn, 'Slim' Yarra, 'Johnny' Plagis and others bloodied German and Italian air units alike, giving Malta needed breathing space.

Author-illustrator Steve Nichols' exciting text, filled with firsthand combat accounts, is complimented by 10 pages of Nichols-drawn color profiles. Information on Malta Spits, especially profiles, has been pretty slim so this Osprey volume is doubly welcome.

Being a fighter pilot on Malta in 1942 was rough duty. Aside from the rigors of air combat, food and amenities were few. Many pilots suffered from malaria, dysentery and exhaustion. MALTA SPITFIRE ACESdoes a marvelous job of relating what those determined pilots did so many years ago over the Med. Recommended. ... Read more

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Situated halfway between Europe and Africa, Malta played a central role in the battles for the mastery of North Africa. The island was the vital supply base for British and Imperial troops in the to-and-fro desert campaigns against first Italy and then Germany and Rommel's Afrika Korps. The three-year siege of Malta was one of the longest sieges in history. In this thrilling account the author, who first came to know and love Malta whilst serving with the Royal Navy during the Second World War, paints a vivid picture of the suffering of the island and its population. He draws on personal accounts and reminiscences of the participants; he tells of the occasional despair that turned to joy when the convoys got through with much-needed supplies and of the bravery of both the civilians and the armed forces stationed there that won for Malta the George Cross. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good primer
As a general account of the Siege of Malta, this book represents a good introduction for those not acquainted with this extraordinary event of the Second World War.

Sulieman the Magnificent laid siege to Malta in 1565 and Bradford"antiphonally" balances this event with the twentieth century action; a literary device which works well here as many of the factors determining the outcome of the first siege were present at the second.

A fundamental commonality was the very individual character of the Maltese people and whilst the author includes this, it is a rather skeletal inclusion. This is surprising since he lived in Malta for a number of years and had the opportunity to delve below the superficial sophistication of Sliema and Ta'Xbiex to expose the complexities of the Maltese sub-cultures so contributory to the successful outcome of these events. Nicholas Monsarrat's "The Kapillan of Malta" does much better in this regard.

Similarly, whilst mention is made of Lt. Gen. Sir William Dobbie, veteran of the Boer War who came out of retirement to become Governor of Malta, little is recorded of the tremendous efforts made by this man to support his beleaguered protectorate; efforts which in many respects paralleled those of his illustrious 16th. century predecessor, theGrand Master de la Valette.In fact, there is a curious absence of sympathetically human material throughout the book.

Whilst Ernle Bradford covers the saga of Operation Pedestal, forever known to the Maltese as the "Santa Marija Convoy" and unquestionably one of History's great events, the narrative is disappointingly bland. Ian Cameron's "Red Duster, White Ensign" is a much more worthy account of this desperate exercise and tribute to the incredibly brave participants, notably Captain Dudley Mason, GC.

Nevertheless, the book is a well-presented portrayal of the geo-political background, the hardships, privations, valour and stubborn resistance of those engaged against overwhelming odds in the defence of these small islands. This is an inspiring subject deserving to be familiar to everyone and a reminder of the personal sacrifices made to achieve what we have today. Sadly, it has been played down in the consciousness of younger Maltese as it did not suit the political conveniences of Prime Ministers like Dom Mintoff and Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici.

An account of the most overlooked of all historical sieges.
There was the Siege of Troy, the Siege of Leningrad and other notable events where one opposing force laid siege to either a city or, in the case of Gibraltar (which endured 13 sieges throughout her colourful history), a country. The Siege of Malta, however, is not one of those which springs readily to mind and is, therefore, often overlooked.

At the time of World War Two, Malta was in a vitally strategic position. Bearing in mind the limitations of both air and sea power at that time, ships and aircraft operating from Malta were able to assist with the re-supply and support of British troops fighting in North Africa. Her aircraft could also seek and destroy those enemy ships wishing to do the same for opposing German forces.

Had Malta fallen, there is no doubt that the British 8th Army in North Africa would have been defeated and Rommel victorious. In addition, throughout this time of conflict, Axis aircraft commanded the northern shores of almost the entire Mediterranean Sea. In spite of British naval superiority on that sea, those aircraft made re-supplying the beleaguered island of Malta almost impossible. Indeed, there was a time when Malta was within 30 days of surrender.

This book tells the story of the Siege of Malta and tells it very well indeed. In a thoroughly researched work, the author skilfully takes the reader through the events which shaped Malta and the War in the Mediterranean from 1940-1943. The story of Operation Pedestal is recounted in great detail where the tanker "Ohio" finally reached Malta when 9 ships from her original convoy of 14 were lost. So vital was this ship's cargo that the Royal Navy threw everything they had into the defence of that convoy. Consequently, the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle, cruiser HMS Manchester and light cruiser HMS Cairo were all lost and the cruisers HMS Kenya and HMS Nigeria put out of action.

This account of the Siege of Malta is as good as they get and will do much to give that siege the full recognition it truly deserves. When you read this story you will begin to understand exactly why King George VI bestowed Britain's highest award for gallantry on the people of Malta - for all they had endured and the way in which they had rallied to the cause throughout this most turbulent time in their history.

NM
Retired British Army major.


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The large stone temple structures on Malta are amongst the earliest such constructions in the world, long before the pyramids were built in Egypt. This super book forms a pictorial record of all the temples on Malta, whilst also providing background information on the social and cultural history of the period. Built between c.3500 and 2500 BC, the temples reflect, and were part of, a period of great development on Malta and Gozo, especially in artistic and architectural terms. This is a clear, well illustrated account of the temple-building period, as well as of what went before and what came after. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Best guide to Malta's prehistory I've found
"The great temples of Malta lay claim to be the world's most impressive prehistoric monuments.They stand out as the single great achievement of the society which created them - a society without cities or written records or any attributes of a civilization other than the monuments themselves.Most of the temples were built before 3,000 B.C. and perhaps several centuries earlier, and this in itself makes outside inspiration unlikely.
This book presents a superb pictorial record of all the temples, hypogea, and other sites. It describes the wonderful statuettes, pottery, and other material that has been excavated from each site, with more than 300 photographs and illustrations, in full color ... explore[s] key themes such as dating, architecture, stratification, ceramics, and the artistic objects found in the temples ... features a detailed visual treatment of 30 key sites with photography, artwork, and maps of Malta and Gozo, showing the exact locations of the prehistoric temples."-- from the back cover.
Great diagrams and photos and still affordable!
CAUTION: "Hardcover" and "Paperback" attached to this entry are not the same book. ... Read more

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The urban, cultural, and political profile of the Maltese islands is deeply marked by the presence for 268 years of the knights of St John. The Order has left its mark decisively in the collective memory of the Maltese. Malta: The Order of St John gives a global picture of this multinational institution in those crucial years when Grand Master L'Isle Adam moved the convent from Rhodes to Malta, when legendary Grand Master Valette withstood the Turkish assault in 1565, when Grand Masters Wignacourt, Cotoner, and Carafa turned Malta into a centre of Mediterranean corsairing, and Grand Masters Vilhena and Pinto tried to imitate the Central European absolutist princes. It all came to a sudden - but not unexpected - end in 1798 when Grand Master Hompesch handed Malta over to the rising star on the European horizon, Napoleon. The various diplomatic attempts of the knights to regain their island all failed. The book also provides the reader with an overview of the most important monuments connected with the knights on Malta and Gozo. ... Read more

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Webster's bibliographic and event-based timelines are comprehensive in scope, covering virtually all topics, geographic locations and people. They do so from a linguistic point of view, and in the case of this book, the focus is on "Malta," including when used in literature (e.g. all authors that might have Malta in their name). As such, this book represents the largest compilation of timeline events associated with Malta when it is used in proper noun form. Webster's timelines cover bibliographic citations, patented inventions, as well as non-conventional and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities in usage. These furthermore cover all parts of speech (possessive, institutional usage, geographic usage) and contexts, including pop culture, the arts, social sciences (linguistics, history, geography, economics, sociology, political science), business, computer science, literature, law, medicine, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and other physical sciences. This "data dump" results in a comprehensive set of entries for a bibliographic and/or event-based timeline on the proper name Malta, since editorial decisions to include or exclude events is purely a linguistic process. The resulting entries are used under license or with permission, used under "fair use" conditions, used in agreement with the original authors, or are in the public domain. ... Read more

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This book is part of the Our Name in History series, a collection of fascinating facts and statistics, alongside short historical commentary, created to tell the story of previous generations who have shared this name.The information in this book is a compendium of research and data pulled from census records, military records, ships' logs, immigrant and port records, as well as other reputable sources. Topics include:

• Name Meaning and Origin
• Immigration Patterns and Census Detail
• Family Lifestyles
• Military Service History
• Comprehensive Source Guide, for future research

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Supported by numerous colour photographs by Daniel Cilia, this well-presented book surveys the archaeological heritage of Malta, focusing on the classical period rather than the island's more celebrated prehistoric past. Photographs, plans and reconstruction drawings present archaeological sites, tombs, coins, ceramics, artworks, extraordinary objects and other items from everyday life, dating to the Phoenician, Punic and Roman periods in turn, representing 1,500 years of history. Bonanno's narrative discusses this material evidence and considers what it reveals about the identity, culture, interaction, funerary beliefs, economy and government of Malta's rulers. The physical organisation of the island is explored through maps while inscriptions are examined as sources for religion and administration. Significant archaeological remains survive from these periods, including towns, villas and harbours, demonstrating the significance of Malta within the Mediterranean as a major trading stop. This book provides an invaluable guide to that heritage. ... Read more

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General Books publication date: 2009Original publication date: 1858Original Publisher: P. Cumbo, Army printerDescription: Map is entitled "Plan of the fortress of Malta at the time of the siege by the Turks in 1565" and is signed Lith. Brocktorff Malta.Notes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free.Excerpt: CHAPTER III.Landing of the Ottoman army -- Siege of St. Elmo commenced -- Effect of the Turkish bombardment -- Loss of the ravelin -- Arrival of Dragut -- Renewed bombardment. -- The garrison become discontented -- The first assault on the fort. -- Its successful resistance -- The complete investment of St. Elmo is effected. -- The second assault The third assault and capture of the fortThe Turkish fleet, which was descried by the sentinels of Fort St. Elmo, on the 18th May 1565, consisted of one hundred and thirty vessels, carrying troops to the number of thirty thousand men, besides stores and artillery in vast quantities. This latter comprised sixty three guns of very large calibre; some of which threw stone balls of a hundred and sixty pounds weight. The Turks had always been celebrated for the enormous size of their guns, and continued to use them, long after other armies had discovered that their effect was more than counterbalanced- by their extreme cumbrousncss.A partial landing was effected that night, in St. Thomas' creek, and the remainder of the force was safely disembarked on the following night in Marsa Scirocco. Some skirmishing ensued between the advanced troops of the invaders, and a body of men, whom La Valette had dispatched in the direction of Marsa Scirocco to reconnoitre, under the command of the'Grand Marshal Coppier; after which, the Turks advanced towards the fortress, and made a reconno... ... Read more

Product Description
Webster's bibliographic and event-based timelines are comprehensive in scope, covering virtually all topics, geographic locations and people. They do so from a linguistic point of view, and in the case of this book, the focus is on "Malta," including when used in literature (e.g. all authors that might have Malta in their name). As such, this book represents the largest compilation of timeline events associated with Malta when it is used in proper noun form. Webster's timelines cover bibliographic citations, patented inventions, as well as non-conventional and alternative meanings which capture ambiguities in usage. These furthermore cover all parts of speech (possessive, institutional usage, geographic usage) and contexts, including pop culture, the arts, social sciences (linguistics, history, geography, economics, sociology, political science), business, computer science, literature, law, medicine, psychology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and other physical sciences. This "data dump" results in a comprehensive set of entries for a bibliographic and/or event-based timeline on the proper name Malta, since editorial decisions to include or exclude events is purely a linguistic process. The resulting entries are used under license or with permission, used under "fair use" conditions, used in agreement with the original authors, or are in the public domain. ... Read more

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Stranded for two years on an uninhabited island, sailing on Maltese corsair ships, surviving the hardships of slavery in Algiers and a hazardous flight, fighting in (and twice deserting from) the Venetian navy, enslaved by a Turkish merchant in Albania, a witness of the French occupation of Corfu, fighting the French, enslaved once again by Albanians - is this too much fantasy for a true story? Not in this particular case. In fact all this happened to the Austrian Leonhard Eisenschmied in the last decades of the eighteenth century.The present author has critically examined the reports of this adventurer and found - as long as the archives and available documents allowed it - that nearly everything Eisenschmied reported is true. Most events in his reports could be confirmed by factual evidence. ... Read more

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The volume takes the reader from the peasant economy of the 1400s to the mid-20th century, and Madame Manfre, Malta's fashion couturiere, from the splendour of Grandmaster Pinto's court to the miseries of the Monte di Pieta. It follows the Maltese people's march through the centuries and prods the reader to study and form opinions not easily reached before the availability of this store of new and accumulated knowledge. The publication is also a landmark history book of museological interest presenting the work of 21 authors who collectively contribute known history, new research, anecdotes and a plethora of hitherto unpublished illustrations. It therefore serves as an essential reference book for sociologists and anthropologists who venture to peer into the aspect of Malta and Gozo's past. ... Read more

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This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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The lynchpin of the Allied campaign in the Mediterranean and North African theaters, Malta was the vital base from which to attack Axis convoys supplying Rommel's Panzer Army in Libya. The difficulties of keeping supplies, especially oil, flowing to Malta, however, were immense, and after enduring years of siege, the island was close to surrender by August 1942. This book describes the actions of the Pedestal convoy-Malta's a last chance to survive. Subjected to prolonged ferocious air and submarine attacks, the convoy suffered terrific losses. Ohio, the only tanker, took a direct hit from a torpedo, direct bomb hits, and was struck by two Luftwaffe aircraft shot down while attacking her. Practically broken in two, Ohio kept her vital cargo intact and was towed into Malta's Grand Harbor for unloading. Never before has such a careful study been made of the American-built vessel that came to symbolize the miraculous relief effort. 176 pages. 16 pages of illustrations. Hardcover. 6 x 9 inches. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Ohio & Malta
Thank you for your prompt delivery of the books I ordered "The Ohio & Malta", my mother has been trying to obtain this book for a long time, having lived through the 2nd world war in Malta, and she is absolutely delighted to have now acquired it .I will recommend Amazon to all my friends, many thanks, Connie.

The Ohio and Malta
A great true story about the trials and tribulations of a tanker and its crew trying to get their ship to Malta through the gauntlet of German and Italian planes and submarines during ww2.

Correction
Ned Middleton is incorrect to say that the destroyers were reluctant to go along side the Ohio. She was dragged into Valleta harbour with a destroyer lashed to each side.You cannot get any closer than that.

An outstanding account of a famous event.
Geographically, Ohio may be a long way from Malta but the two became forever linked through the historical events of WW2.The Ohio was a ship - at that time the largest (and fastest) Tanker ever built, and Malta a country under siege. Malta's position in the Mediterranean meant she played a vital part in the war in North Africa - with aircraft based there attacking Rommel's supply lines at every opportunity. In order to maintain those attacks, however, it was imperative she continued to be re-supplied by convoy.

By August 1942 Malta was in dire need of help. Unless substantial supplies were delivered - and soon!, Malta would have to be surrendered by 7 September at the very latest.In the meantime the German campaign in North Africa was going from strength to strength because aircraft based at Malta had no fuel to continue their campaign.They were also running out of aircraft.

Operation Pedestal comprised 14 commercial ships which departed the Clyde on 2 August 1942. By the time they entered the Mediterranean on 10 September such was the importance of this convoy that no fewer than 4 Aircraft Carriers were assigned to the overall defence. From here on those ships came in for attack after attack from air and sea and they pushed ever closer to their destination.Almost immediately the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle was lost and the next day the 8,000 ton cruisers Kenya and Nigeria were put out of action and the 4,190 ton light cruiser Cairo sunk. It was at this time the Ohio took a direct hit from a torpedo. For a long while she was stopped in the water with her crew making frantic repairs and an easy target. In spite of her extensive damage, however, the ship got under way and was soon making 15 knots.By the morning of the 14th she had caught up.In the meantime, however, the 9,400 ton cruiser HMS Manchester was lost.

The loss of so many capital ships on a single operation only served to underline the importance of this convoy. One at a time the freighters with their valuable cargoes were being reduced in number as they were attacked and lost.From now on the Ohio received greater attention - from both sides. Firstly she had become the primary target for Axis forces and secondly she was regarded as the most important ship still afloat as far as the convoy was concerned.In short, the Ohio must reach Malta at all costs.She was torpedoed, she was shot at, she was bombed with explosives and bombed with fuel in a bid to set her alight. The many near missed she suffered twisted her hull and with her cargo of fuel oil and kerosene leaking in all directions she could have simply blown apart at ant time.She was abandoned and re-boarded (twice), her steering gear was first damaged making steering impossible and then it was blown away altogether. She lost countless tows and was so badly damaged that Destroyers were loath to come alongside less they sustain damage from the ship itself.

But come alongside they did and, re-boarded yet again and - when any lesser ship would have been sunk several times over, the Ohio was finally berthed alongside Parlatorio Wharf, Malta at 0930 hrs 15th August 1942. Only four other ships from the original 14 also arrived. Incredibly, very little of the Ohio's cargo had been lost and as a direct result of this incredible feat of human endurance, the fuel carried by this one ship helped turn the war in North Africa in favour of the Allies.

This book tells the tale of a single ship. In bringing Operation Pedestal to life in a thrilling and readable style, Michael Pearson skilfully draws the reader into the events aboard other ships at key moments in the voyage.He also includes just about each and every many who played a key role at various times. All the facts and figures are there including brief technical details of every ship. For those who wish to study the many pages of bibliography, his account is also exceedingly well researched and I congratulate him on a job well done.

NM

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