Operation Pedestal 1942 is an historic – and heroic – World War II Allied operation, commemorated yearly in Malta. Therefore, veterans come together to remember the bravery of all those merchant seafarers, and naval and other military and civilian personnel who successfully delivered much-needed supplies to the tiny island of Malta.
Santa Maria Convoy
In Malta, the operation is known as Il-Konvoj ta’ Santa Maria (Santa Maria Convoy). This is because it coincides with the feast of the Blessed Virgin, on the 15th of August.
The Italians, who at that time were part of the Axis forces, refer to Operation Pedestal as the “Mid-August Battle” (Battaglia di Mezz’Agosto).
The most crucial cargo during Operation Pedestal was fuel. The fuel was onboard the SS Ohio, an American tanker, manned by a British crew.
The convoy sailed from Britain on the 3 August 1942 and passed through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean on the night of 9/10 August. The Axis forces pursued the convoy, causing tremendous losses to the Allied fleet with an estimated loss of over 500 seamen.
The convoy suffered many losses and only five of fourteen merchant ships that originally set sail on the convoy actually reached Malta.
Operation Pedestal Reaches Malta
Despite being costly for the Allies, Operation Pedestal was a great victory, specifically because of Malta’s strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea.
The victory allowed the Allied forces to eventually take control of North Africa and prepare for the invasion of Sicily.
Every year, the Royal Navy Association (Malta GC Branch) holds a commemorative service to remember this landmark event.
The celebrations involve the Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), the Royal Navy Officers’ Association (Malta), Representatives from the British High Commission in Malta and other dignitaries.
Celebrating 80 Years
During the 80th Anniversary celebrations, the President of Malta made a formal address for the occasion. Later, the the Chancellor of the Anglican Church in Malta and a representative Chaplain of the Catholic Church in Malta offered prayers.
A wreath-laying ceremony ensued, during which dignitaries laid wreaths at sea from the bow of the P23, a patrol vessel of the Maritime Squadron of the AFM.
Members of the Armed Forces of Malta played the bagpipes and fired a gun salute as a sign of respect to the fallen. Members of the Royal Navy Officers Association (Malta) and the RNA Malta (GC Branch) carried their Association flags and wore their medals, while the family members of the last surviving crew member of the SS Ohio also attended.
The Nautical Institute (Malta Branch)
The Nautical Institute (Malta Branch), represented by the Branch Chairperson, Dr Geraldine Spiteri, was present at this ceremony celebrated on the 11 th of August.
The event was held at Pinto 3 Terminal, at the Valletta Grand Harbour Waterfront. This year, alongside the 80th Anniversary of Operation Pedestal, the Nautical Institute celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
