The Role of the Gloster Gladiator in Defending Malta

Malta, a tiny archipelago positioned between Sicily and Tunisia, holds a strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea. Its importance dates back to ancient times, and during World War II, this British possession became crucial once again. The islands linked Gibraltar to Egypt and the Suez Canal, serving as a steppingstone or barrier between Sicily and Italian-occupied Libya in North Africa.

The Desperate Defense of Malta Begins

At the onset of World War II in 1939, the British considered handing over Malta to Italian dictator Benito Mussolini to keep Italy out of the war. However, Prime Minister Winston Churchill opposed this idea. When Italy entered the war on the side of the Axis on June 10, 1940, just as France was falling to Germany, Malta quickly became pivotal to British efforts to hold onto the Suez Canal and the Middle East.

On June 11, 1940, Mussolini’s air force, the Regia Aeronautica, launched attacks on Malta. Valletta, the capital, faced heavy bombardment. The British and Maltese had limited resources and means to counter these constant air assaults. At the time, most available planes were allocated for the defense of Great Britain or Egypt.

Air Commodore Foster Maynard, searching for resources, found several packing crates left by a visiting aircraft carrier earlier in the war. These crates contained disassembled Gloster Gladiator biplanes. Despite the plane’s 1934 design and its obsolescence by 1940, the Gladiator was hardy, easy to fly, and maneuverable. With a top speed of only 257 mph, it was slower than the newer monoplane fighters used in Europe.

The Heroic Stand of “Faith,” “Hope,” and “Charity”

Maynard’s team managed to assemble six Gladiators, allowing three to be airborne at any given time while using the others for spares. Despite their desperation, the British and Maltese were grateful to have any aircraft to defend against the Italians. The presence of these planes also served to assure the people of Malta that efforts were being made to protect them.

The Italian aircraft over Malta, though not as advanced as German planes, were still more modern and effective than the Gladiators. The Italians used the Macchi C.200 monoplane fighter, which could reach speeds of 313 mph, and the Savoia-Marchetti 79 bomber, with a speed of 290 mph. These planes could either outrun or match the Gladiators. To counter the Italians, British pilots had to use cunning strategies.

During ten days from June 11-21, 1940, the Gladiators, referred to by the Maltese as “Faith,” “Hope,” and “Charity,” became the island’s primary means of defense against Italian bombing raids. These nicknames were given to the planes because of their recognizable shapes and their symbolic roles in protecting Malta. The citizens gathered to watch the air battles, feeling uplifted by the sight of these biplanes taking on the enemy.

The Resilience of Malta’s Defenders

A few Hurricane fighters arrived later in June to aid Malta’s defense, but the Gladiators remained essential. Flight Lieutenant James Pickering shared his experiences, recalling how they often faced overwhelming numbers of Italian bombers and fighters, yet the Gladiators and few Hurricanes would continue their efforts to disrupt the raids.

Despite their age, the Gladiators managed to shoot down several Italian planes while only one British plane was lost by the end of July. The Gladiator pilots’ bravery forced the Italian bombers to prioritize self-protection over accuracy, causing many bombs to miss their targets. However, the most significant impact of the Gladiators was boosting the morale of the people of Malta and their defenders. This morale was critical for the prolonged period of intense bombing they endured, especially when German forces joined the assaults. By 1942, Valletta had become the most heavily bombed place on earth. King George VI honored the island’s resilience by awarding the George Cross to the entire population of Malta, recognizing their unwavering courage and commitment during the war.