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Second Sirte 1942
The Desperate Battle to Relieve Malta
Series: Campaign
Brief Description
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...
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Second Sirte 1942
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See moreThe Second Battle of Sirte was a key naval clash in the Mediterranean, and a vital moment in the struggle for Malta's survival.
The Second Battle of Sirte was a key naval clash in the Mediterranean, and a vital moment in the struggle for Malta's survival.
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Description
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 convoyβs four ships reached Malta, they were sunk days later. Nonetheless, it was enough to buy Malta the time it needed to remain in the fight.
This highly illustrated title by renowned naval historian Angus Konstam demonstrates the importance of radar, intelligence and airpower, and above all, determination and grit in the face of a superior enemy.
Second Sirte 1942 showcases the strategic elements that played pivotal roles in this naval encounter.
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Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781472867223
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 17 July 2025
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Osprey Publishing
Illustration: Colour illustrations throughout, including battlescene artworks, maps, 3D diagrams and photographs.
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Adam Tooby
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 12.0mm
Width: 182.0mm
Height: 248.0mm
Weight: 300g
Pages: 96
About the Author
Angus Konstam is the author of well over 100 history books. He has written widely on naval history, from the age of sail through to modern conflicts. Now a full-time author and historian, he lives in Orkney.
Adam Tooby is an internationally renowned digital artist and illustrator. His work can be found in publications worldwide. He also runs a successful illustration studio and aviation prints business. He is based in Cheshire, UK.
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