Operation Pedestal - the do-or-die attempt by a vital convoy of 13 freighters and a tanker to deliver supplies to starving Malta and Gozo - the Santa Marija convoy, was commemorated this evening following the inauguration of a new centre for seafarers at Ta’ Liesse in Valletta.

The convoy had been escorted by the most powerful fleet assembled for any single supply convoy operation of World War II.

Only five ships reached Malta after a fierce battle, both at sea and from the air, along the length of the route from near Gibraltar to Malta.

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