Operation Pedestal was an heroic British navel rescue mission in August 1942 during the Second World War.Known locally as Il-Konvoj ta’ Santa Marija (the Santa Maria Convoy), it brought critical food, ammunition, and fuel to the starving island of Malta when it was under a heavy Axis siege.
14 merchant ships and a massive Royal Navy escort sailed through the Mediterranean Sea to reach Malta.
They faced heavy attacks from German and Italian air forces, submarines, and fast boats.
Nine merchant ships and four war ships were sunk during the intense battle
The American-built tanker SS Ohio carried vital aviation fuel needed to keep Malta’s defense planes flying.
It was torpedoed, bombed, and nearly split in half.
Towed into the Grand Harbour on August 15, 1942 (the Feast of Santa Marija), its precious fuel saved the island from surrendering.
