Malta, the Thorn in Rommel's Side: Six Months That Turned the War

by Laddie Lucas

Book Overview

Between June 1940 and December 1942, Malta became one of the most bombed places on earth. The battle for this tiny island proved to be one of the most decisive turning points of World War II. In this... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140178082
• ISBN13: 9780140178081
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Length: 311 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A good book, written by a leader and politician as opposed to a fighter ace.

Yes, that is right. Percy (Laddie) Lucas was not an ace, though he was a squadron leader on Malta. However, he had a different perspective for his time there than most, as he was a journalist pre war, and ended up being a member of Parliament post war. As such, his perspective involves both the day to day with an understanding of "the big picture" although this is not put forth in such a way as to be boring or dry. In short, it is a very good book on the fighting over Malta, but it does not concern itself with "who shot down what when" as much as what each day's combats meant in terms of the island's struggle. If you want a who's who of the aces, buy an Osprey book or Aces High (though Mr. Lucas is listed in there, the book's title does mention it includes notable fighter pilots of the British and Commonwealth Forces of WWII and Mr. Lucas surely was notable, if not an ace). They give a very thorough treatment to the subject. If you want to know more about what conditions were like on Malta, how the struggle affected its populace and the troops there, and what it meant to the British war effort, then consider this book, though you might see if you can pick up a used copy.