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Description

Hand-Annotated Map of Malta Printed Shortly After the Siege was Lifted.

Map of Malta showing the critical Mediterranean crossroads, printed in February of 1943, a few months after the first successful Allied efforts to reach the island after months of being besieged.

The map shows the island in its entirety and was based on aerial and ground reconnaissance. The detail is extensive, showing contours, the extent of cities, and roads. 

Annotations on the map appear to show the approaches to several cities and villages, including Valetta, Castille, Floriana, Zabbar, and Axiak. 

The Siege of Malta

Situated at a strategic location in the Mediterranean, Malta was a key target for the Axis powers, who sought to control the waters between North Africa and Europe. The siege began in June 1940, with the arrival of Italian bombers, and soon escalated into a relentless campaign of aerial bombardment that lasted for over two years.

Despite the overwhelming odds and repeated assaults, the Maltese and British forces refused to capitulate, and the siege became a testament to the resilience and bravery of the defenders. The defenders' steadfastness, coupled with the determination of the Allies to relieve the island, eventually turned the tide of the campaign. The siege of Malta was lifted in November 1942, following a major Allied offensive that crippled the Axis powers' ability to wage war in the Mediterranean.

The significance of the siege of Malta cannot be overstated. The prolonged campaign demonstrated the importance of air power and the impact of logistics on modern warfare. The siege also showcased the strength of the Maltese and British alliance and the value of their unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Furthermore, the outcome of the siege was a critical turning point in the broader strategy of the Allies, as it secured the Mediterranean and paved the way for the successful invasion of Sicily.

Condition Description
Contemporary annotations. Pinholes. Minor tears around edges. Soiling and toning.