Malta Aircraft Defence

[Jim Oxley]

I'm always surprised that until March 1942, Malta's primary aircraft defence consisted of the Hurricane. Initially Mk.I's in 1940 and later in 1941 and early 1942 a mix of Mk.IIa, b, and c's.

And this on an Island considered to be a key for the Mediterranean theatre, given it's strategic position.

Notwithstanding that Spitfires should have been allocated much sooner for it's defence than March 1942, the British did in fact have another fighter available in reasonable numbers that could have been used in place of the Hurricane. One that was superior to the Hurricane in speed, climb, dive and armament. And one that had already replaced the Hurricane as the fighter of choice in the Western Desert in early 1941.

That fighter was the Curtiss P-40 C and E, or in British parlance the Tomahawk IIb and Kittyhawk I.

Anyone know if whether at any time the P-40 was considered for Malta? And if so why it wasn't utilised?