The Second World War in the Mediterranean, North Africa and Italy

An Indian soldier on anti-aircraft duty with Bren Gun,
awaiting any attack which may be made by enemy aircraft,
Western Desert, April 1941.
Courtesy: Imperial War Museum

Following the Italian attack on Egypt in late 1940, Indian troops were rushed to reinforce allied troops. They subsequently took a full part in very difficult, but successful operations against the Germans and Italians in the Libyan and Tunisian deserts and mountains, including the victories at Alam el Halfa, Alamein, Wadi Akarit and the Mareth Line. The dedication and bravery of the Indian forces led Winston Churchill to state that "The high renown of the Indian soldiers …. has been enhanced by [this] outstanding performance."

Following the liberation of Tunisia in 1942-43, three mountain trained Indian Divisions took part in the campaign in Italy with South Africans and 15-20,000 African Pioneers from Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. They were involved at Cassino in 1944, and in breaking the German mountain defences in the central and northern Apennines.

The West Indian islands again provided volunteers, and formed the Caribbean Regiment specifically for overseas service. It served in the Middle East and in Italy.

Jewish and Arab volunteers joined the war effort, and were brought together in 1942 as the Palestine Regiment, whose Jewish companies later formed the Jewish Brigade for operational service in Italy. Palestinian, Egyptian, and Cypriot personnel also served in this theatre with the Royal Air Force.

Allied domination of North Africa and Italy could not have been achieved without the support of the Royal Navy, patrolling the Mediterranean and protecting supply lines. The Royal Indian Navy sloops ‘Sutlej’ and ‘Jumna’ played a key role in Operation ‘Husky’ – the invasion of Sicily.

The island of Malta was of vital strategic importance to the Allied war effort in the Mediterranean. From its airfields and harbour, RAF and Fleet Air Arm aircraft could attack enemy shipping carrying vital supplies to the Axis forces in North Africa. Later in the war, Malta became a springboard for the invasions of Sicily and Italy. Malta itself suffered a "Blitz" similar in intensity to the bombing of London, and the island's fortitude was recognised by the award of the George Cross. Large numbers of Maltese contributed to the British war effort, on the island’s airfields, in its dockyards, and in the locally raised land forces. The Royal Malta Artillery, for example, was a full member of the British Army.