Operation Herkules - Malta's Defences

Malta's Defences

In 1942 the main garrison forces on Malta consisted of 15 infantry battalions (11 Commonwealth, 4 Maltese) organized into four brigades totaling 26,000 men. Armour support was provided by the 1st Independent Troop of the Royal Tank Regiment. This unit was equipped with Matilda II "Infantry Tanks", armed with 2-pounder (40mm) guns and Vickers Mk VI-C light tanks, armed with two machine guns. Exactly how many tanks this regiment possessed at the time remains unclear, but likely no more than ten were present on the island.

Also on hand was the 12th Field Regt, Royal Artillery. This unit had two dozen 25-pounder (3.45-inch) field guns, capable of providing indirect fire support out to a range of 11 km (6.8 mi) and covering most of the island while remaining in protected static positions.

Malta's fixed defences included 19 coastal guns (varying in size from 12-inch to 16-inch), 130 smaller coastal guns (4.5-inch to 9.2-inch), 112 heavy and 144 light anti-aircraft guns. Ref

The smaller coastal guns were composed of:

"BL 6 in (150 mm) Mk XXIV, on Mounting, 6 in (150 mm) Mk 5 or 6"

"BL 9.2 in (230 mm) gun Mk X, on Mounting Mk 7"

"QF 4.5 in (110 mm) gun Mk II, on Mounting Mk I"

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