The Tenth Submarine Flotilla And The Siege Of Malta - Submarine Warfare In World War II

The Tenth Submarine Flotilla played a pivotal role in the Siege of Malta during World War II. Operating from the strategically placed Mediterranean island, the flotilla launched numerous daring submarine operations that severely disrupted Axis supply lines and contributed significantly to the ultimate success of the Allied forces. This article explores the history, tactics, and heroism of the Tenth Submarine Flotilla during this critical period.

The Importance of Malta

Malta, a small island in the Mediterranean, held significant strategic value for both the Axis and Allied forces during World War II. Its location placed it at the crossroads of major shipping routes, making it a hub for transporting essential supplies and reinforcements to North Africa and Southern Europe. Control of Malta would provide a significant advantage to whoever held it.

The Formation of the Tenth Submarine Flotilla

Recognizing the vital role submarines could play in disrupting Axis supply lines in the Mediterranean, the British established the Tenth Submarine Flotilla in Malta in June 1941. The flotilla consisted of a diverse collection of submarines from various Allied nations, including Britain, the United States, and Poland.

The Fighting Tenth: The Tenth Submarine Flotilla and the Siege of Malta (Submarine Warfare in World War Two)

by John Wingate(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1555 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	446 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Siege of Malta

The Siege of Malta began in June 1940 when Italy launched an air campaign targeting the island. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Malta refused to surrender and held out against continuous air raids and naval blockades throughout the war. The island's survival hinged on receiving regular supplies, which the Tenth Submarine Flotilla played a crucial role in delivering.

Submarine Operations

The Tenth Submarine Flotilla conducted numerous daring operations to disrupt Axis supply lines. They targeted enemy convoys, troop transports, and warships, relentlessly attacking any Axis vessels crossing the Mediterranean Sea. The submarines operated under extreme conditions, with limited resources and constant threat of detection and retaliation.

Heroic Acts

The submarine crews of the Tenth Submarine Flotilla displayed incredible courage and heroism during their missions. They faced the perils of minefields, enemy depth charges, and the ever-present risk of an unseen attacker. Their actions helped protect the vital supply lines to Malta and significantly contributed to the island's ability to withstand the siege.

The Legacy of the Tenth Submarine Flotilla

The Tenth Submarine Flotilla's efforts were instrumental in the Siege of Malta's success. Their operations disrupted Axis supply lines, hindered the movement of enemy forces, and relieved the pressure on the island. The heroic acts of the submarine crews deserve recognition for their vital contributions to the Allied war effort in the Mediterranean.

The Tenth Submarine Flotilla's role in the Siege of Malta showcases the importance of submarine warfare in World War II. Their operations demonstrated the ability of submarines to effectively disrupt enemy supply lines and contribute to the overall success of a military campaign. The heroism and sacrifice of the submarine crews of the flotilla deserve recognition for their invaluable contributions to the Allies' victory in the Mediterranean.

The Fighting Tenth: The Tenth Submarine Flotilla and the Siege of Malta (Submarine Warfare in World War Two)

by John Wingate(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1555 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	446 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

An epic account of ‘the most concentrated submarine battle in history’.

Ideal for fans of Max Hastings’ Operation Pedestal and Jonathan Dimbleby’s The Battle of the Atlantic.

Between 1940 and 1944 the Tenth Submarine Flotilla fought a vicious campaign against German and Italian shipping that were supplying Rommel’s forces in North Africa.

From the small, beleaguered island of Malta, constantly under siege from Axis naval and air forces, the thirty-four submarines that served in the flotilla managed to sink over a million tons of Axis shipping, assisting to turn the tide of the war in the Mediterranean.

John Wingate served as first lieutenant in the Tenth Flotilla’s submarine United during this period and records in fascinating detail the deeds of this unique underwater strike force. Surviving Commanding Officers, sailors, as well as British and Maltese civilians, all contributed to Wingate’s book to give brilliant insight into how this conflict developed and what it was like to fight within it.

‘an authoritative work and a firsthand account of most aspects of this tale.’ Naval War College Review

‘an acclaimed source amongst today’s submarining fraternity’ The Times

‘a history of remarkable achievements attained by sheer hard work, dedicated attention to duty, remarkable personal bravery and high standards of professionalism — unfortunately at a tragic cost in human life.’ Admiral of the Fleet, The Lord Fieldhouse

The Fighting Tenth: The Tenth Submarine Flotilla and the Siege of Malta is a tense and gripping story that uncovers the exploits of this often overlooked but vitally important naval conflict from World War Two.