The Story of Malta: Appendix
AKHIL KADIDAL THE STORY OF MALTA: APPENDIX AIR HEADQUARTERS MALTA HQ: Valletta, Malta Air Vice-Marshal Forster Maynard – 1939 Air Vice-Marshal Hugh P. Lloyd May – 26 December 1941 Air Vice-Marshal Sir Keith Park – 15 July 1942 to 1944 Air Vice-Marshal R.M. Foster – 26 March 1944 Air Vice-Marshal K.B. Lloyd – 19 October 1944 to 6 June 1947 Air Headquarters Malta was formed on 26 December 1941 by renaming RAF Mediterranean. Subordinate to Middle East Command, Air HQ Malta was transferred to Mediterranean Air Command on 18 February 1943, and then to HQ Mediterranean Allied Air Forces on 10 January 1944. On 1 August 1945, the formation was transferred to RAF Mediterranean and Middle East, and granted independent command status on 1 December 1953. Air HQ Malta was disbanded on 30 June 1968. RAF Order of Battle June 1940 to May 1943 First Period, June 1940 to February 1942 The air war began in Malta with token strength of six antiquated Gladiator fighters. A force of Hurricane’s was flown in and this constituted No.412 Flight. In late-1940 RAF Wellingtons (five squadrons) were based on the island and were the only offensive capability Malta possessed. In January 1941, however, all these were destroyed on the ground in a series of intense air attacks. Meantime, Hurricane fighters were constantly ferried to the island to replace losses and to increase the number fighters on Malta. In all, 361 Hurricanes were ferried towards Malta since August 1940 of which 303 reached the island, and of which 150 went on to North Africa.
[Show full text]