1942 ⟶ Convoy 'Vigorous' Under Attack; 'Harpoon' Engaged

The convoy 'Vigorous', en route to Malta, sights a large Ita...

Year

1942

💥 Convoy 'Vigorous' Under Attack; 'Harpoon' Engaged

The convoy 'Vigorous', en route to Malta, sights a large Italian naval squadron headed toward it. 'Harpoon' comes under attack for the first time; 'Vigorous' has been under air attack almost since leaving port.⟶

MediterraneanMaltaconvoynaval warfareAxisair attackOperation VigorousOperation Harpoon

🚢 Convoy Reaches Malta After Heavy Losses

A fractured convoy reaches Malta, after heavy losses to the Luftwaffe and an Italian sea force. Continued heavy bombing attacks on the island with slight opposition from overtaxed RAF air forces.⟶

MaltaConvoyLuftwaffeItalian NavyBombingMediterraneanSupply LinesNaval WarfareSiegeRAF

🚢 Convoys Depart for Malta

Two convoys set out for Malta, one from Gibraltar (code named 'Harpoon') and the other from Alexandria (code named 'Vigorous'), with desperately needed supplies of food, fuel, and ammunition. The hope is that the Axis will concentrate their attacks on whichever convoy they find first, allowing the other one to get through.⟶

MediterraneanMaltasupply convoysnaval warfarelogisticsAxis blockadeOperation HarpoonOperation Vigorous

🚢 Convoy to Malta Decimated

A convoy to Malta is decimated by the Luftwaffe and U-boats.⟶

MediterraneanMaltaConvoyLuftwaffeU-boatsNaval WarfareSupply LinesAxis Powers

💥 HMS Eagle Sunk During Malta Convoy

HMS Eagle, a carrier on convoy duty to Malta, is torpedoed and sinks with heavy loss of life.⟶

Mediterranean SeaMaltaConvoyHMS EagleNaval WarfareLoss of LifeUK NavyAir AttackSupply Lines

🚢 Malta Convoy: Partial Success

Disastrous end to the Malta convoy, but one tanker and four merchant ships get through.⟶

Mediterranean SeaMaltaConvoySupply LinesNaval WarfareAxis PowersLogisticsMilitary Support