A major reassessment of a key aspect of British strategy and defence policy in the first half of the twentieth century.

The main contribution of this new study is an investigation of the role of Malta in British military strategy, as planned and as it actually developed, in the period between the mid 1920s and the end of the war in North Africa in May 1943. It demonstrates that the now widely accepted belief that Malta was 'written off as indefensible' before the war was mistaken, and focuses on Malta's actual wartime role in the Mediterranean war, assessing the numerous advantages, many often ignored, that the British derived from retention of the island. The conclusions made challenge recent assertions that Malta's contribution was of limited value and will be of great interest to both students and professionals in the field.

'Dr Douglas Austin's book is a major contribution ... For everyone interested in Malta's contribution to the Second World War, the book is essential reading, for he provides us with a broad understanding of British defence thinking about Malta.' - Sunday Times of Malta, August 29th 2004

'The well written narrative is accompanied by extensive references, an excellent bibliography and a thorough index. It deserves to be read and carefully studied by all who are interested in the wartime history of the George Cross Island.' - R.A.F. Historical Society Journal

'Dr Douglas Austin's book is a major contribution ... For everyone interested in Malta's contribution to the Second World War, the book is essential reading, for he provides us with a broad understanding of British defence thinking about Malta.' - Sunday Times of Malta, August 29th 2004

'The well written narrative is accompanied by extensive references, an excellent bibliography and a thorough index. It deserves to be read and carefully studied by all who are interested in the wartime history of the George Cross Island.' - R.A.F. Historical Society Journal

'This is an important read for anyone interested in the European war or British strategic thought.' - The NYMAS Review

Douglas Austin was born in Malta and served in the RAF before a career in banking in New York and London. In 2002 he gained a Ph.D at University College, London in military history.