War of the U-Boats - British Merchantmen Under Fire

War of the U-Boats - British Merchantmen Under Fire

ARMED MERCHANT CRUISERS 1878-1945

ARMED MERCHANT CRUISERS 1878-1945

The Ohio and Malta - The legendary tanker that refused to die

Michael Pearson

An in-depth study of the tanker OHIO which was part of the PEDESTAL convoy to Malta. She survived a direct hit from a torpedo, direct bomb hits and was struck by two Luftwaffe aircraft shot down while attacking her. Despite all this she entered Malta's Grand Harbour, under tow, to deliver her vital cargo.
£12.99
Availability: In stock

During the dark days of World War 2, Malta became the lynchpin of the Allied campaign in the Mediterranean and North African theatres and a vital base from which to attack Axis convoys supplying Rommel's Panzer Armee in Libya. Malta was, however, extremely difficult to keep supplied, (particularly with oil), and by the summer of 1942 the Island was close to surrender; the Pedestal convoy of August that year was literally the last chance.

On entering the Mediterranean, the convoy was subjected to prolonged ferocious air and submarine attacks and suffered terrific losses both in warship escorts and merchant men. OHIO, being the only tanker, was marked for particular attention, and during the course of her voyage suffered a direct hit from a torpedo, direct bomb hits, any number of near-misses, and was struck by two Luftwaffe aircraft shot down while attacking her.

Despite her engines being dead and her hull practically broken in two, she was towed into Grand Harbor by three destroyers and a minesweeper with her vital cargo virtually intact.


ISBN: 9781848845213
Format: Paperback
Author(s): Michael Pearson
First Publishment Date: 20 May 2004
More Information
Coming Soon No
Author(s) Michael Pearson
Customer Reviews
Write Your Own Review
You're reviewing:The Ohio and Malta - The legendary tanker that refused to die