Harrowing WW2 Footage of the Allies Bringing Supplies to Malta

Haunting WWII Footage

In 1942, the Luftwaffe started a campaign to bomb Malta into submission. For 154 days, there were continuous air raids. In the Grand Harbor area alone, 6,700 tons of bombs fell, and 250,000 islanders struggled to survive.

When summer came, Malta is almost out of food, fuel, and ammunition. Germany draws up plans for invasion. If the island fell, Rama can build up his forces unchallenged. Fortunately, the British government came up  with ‘Operation Pedestal,’ a plan to relieve the island. They sent 14 merchant ships packed with supplies, and at the center of the fleet is the SS Ohio, transporting 170,000 barrels of fuel, but it was met with heavy resistance from the enemy.

Over 500 sailors and airmen are killed, and nine of the 14 merchant ships were destroyed. Finally, when the remaining convoy reaches Malta. The SS Ohio has also made it through- but since it was hit by a torpedo it had to be towed to the harbor, and will never sail again.