S.S. Ohio and the Siege of Malta

[@neilschroeder7854]

Malta had another hero during WW2. The Falcon of Malta aka the Knight of Malta, George (Buzz) Buerling. A Canadian Spitfire pilot with the RAF stationed in Malta when the Ohio was trying to reach Malta. Over a 14 day period, he shot down 27 axis aircraft.

[@themoonissquare323]

Yeah i had seen a documentary on him, then a few days ago watched some of it again, after seeing this awesome mini documentary about the S.S. Ohio and reading your comment, i have no doubt Buerling must have played a major role in getting the S.S Ohio to harbor.

[@51WCDodge]

A well respected TV commentator on Britsh TV during the 60's and 70' wa sRaymond Baxter. He was a Malta piolt on Spitfires. Beurling wrote a book Malta Spitfire . For Pedestal speciffically I'd recommend the book Malta Convoy by Peter Shackland and Anthony Hunter.

[@CharlieSeattle1]

Sad that Buerling died in flight on his way to Israel to fly for them.

[@briangarrow448]

The entire population of Malta was honored by the British Government for heroism during the seige. A rarely mentioned fact that... Deserves to be Remembered.

[@BigHenFor]

They received the George Cross as an Island and it is commemorated on their National Flag.

[@JohnP538]

For 17 days the entire Malta air force consisted of 3 obsolescent Gloster Sea Gladiator biplanes, Faith, Hope, and Charity. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJvLZGd-ppV6psk

[@bigblue6917]

@@BigHenFor I am sure you will know, but others may not be aware, of the significance of this medal. The George Cross is the second highest award and is the civilian equivalent of the Victoria Cross, Britains highest military honour. It instituted on 24 September 1940 by King George VI. Malta was awarded to the island of Malta in a letter dated 15 April 1942. The king wrote that it was, 'To honour her brave people, I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history.'

[@GaveMeGrace1]

A brave and honorable people. Talk about perseverance.

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

Malta

[@joelgrimes7591]

The contribution of the merchant marines to the allies' war effort is tremendously undervalued.

[@sparky6086]

They had the highest per capita mortality rate.

[@WildBillCox13]

Perhaps it is, more than you suspect. The whole of the U--Boat war was the Guerre de Course; the interdiction of supplies vital to Great Britain's (and Germany's) survival. Many authors without basis point out the warships, but most topic savvy folks recognize the bravery, dedication, and incentives (high danger pay), driving the efforts of Merchant Marine sailors ferrying men and materiel across the pond--and elsewhere.

[@sparky6086]

@@WildBillCox13 It was the logistics arm of "Lend Lease". Many countries are quick to point out, that the American role in the winning of World War II is overblown, probably to offset the impression left by the proliferation around the World, of many entertaining Hollywood war movies over the years. This may be true, as far as the American military is concerned, since clearly, the blood, sweat, tears and lives of the Russian military and people had the most to do directly with victory, especially against the Germans, but they either forget or minimize the impact of Lend Lease, where the USA supplied the Allies with weapons, tools, machines, food, fuel and other materials, on the War. Even in the States, people often only think of Lend Lease as helping the British, but much, if not more of Lend Lease aid went to the Russians a fact somewhat buried during The Cold War. Without the equipment and other materials supplied by the United States through the Lend Lease program, Russia would never been able to hold off the Germans long enough, to get their factories moved to Siberia, out of range of the Germans, so those factories would have been destroyed or overrun and would never have been able to combat the Germans with the thousands of T34 tanks, etc, turned out by those factories. The Yanks certainly contributed greatly with their military to victory, but their key contribution to victory, was Lend Lease, where they gave the allies the tools and materials, which they needed, before the United States even officially entered the War!

[@28ebdh3udnav]

Lets not forget axis merchant members ,some, if not most, were just doing their job during the war.

[@paulcallicoat7597]

@@sparky6086 Studebaker built 105,917 six-wheel drive versions and 87,742 four-wheel drive versions of the US6 between 1941 and 1945, in 13 variations. Reo Motors built an additional 22,204 of the 6×6 U3. Of that total the United States shipped 152,000 trucks to the Soviet Union.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

In 1970 I made a port call in Malta while I was in the US Navy. You could still see the damage to many of the buildings from the bombing during WW2. The people there were extremely friendly.

[@davebb36]

My parents were born in Malta. 1932 and 1937. They tell me many stories of the war and the hunger families went through.

[@mavjimbo]

Tough times for sure

[@skoopsro7656]

Really paints a picture of how desperate the fighting was. The stakes were so high. Incredible story.

[@LuvBorderCollies]

In 1942 the outcome of the war was anyone's guess. Nothing was for certain even in 1943 at times.

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

@@LuvBorderCollies In hindsight, we can say that in the end, the war was a struggle for resources, Japan literally attacking USA because of oil and rubber shortages caused by US embargo. While the end result was clear, german access to middle-east oilfields would have had terrible effects, opening another, southern front against the soviets, possibly cutting them off from their richest oilfields, and added years to the war. In the end, greater production capacity would have won, especially of USA and soviet union. Many cities would have been nuked. Millions more would have died struggling their way towards the inevitable end. People back then if course didnt have the information we have. The world was dazzled by german lightning victories. The british believed they would be next after France, against all reason of impossibility of crossing the channel by force or subsequent logistical impossibilities of supporting troops over heavily defended waters.

[@questionmark05]

@@LuvBorderCollies definitely. One that always gets me is surrendering and becoming a POW may have been for decades as far as they knew. Until the last year of both the fight against Germany and Japan victory didn't seem close or assured. And certainly a POW wouldn't learn about the war situation unless a new POW was bought in. You might survive, maybe but you have no idea how long it will be or if ever it will end.

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

My Dad was in the Merchant Marines during WW2. He served on tankers and cargo ships. He had 3 ships so heavily damaged while he was on board that he and the rest of the crew switched to other ships while their ships underwent repair, and one of them sank in harbor. He made it through the war without injury, and went home afterwards and raised 6 children. We lost him to heart failure at the age of 88, some 6 years ago now. Mom, now 93, still misses him. As do I. He was my Hero.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

100% respect thanks your dad for serving

[@brianmoore1820]

Yes it was indeed a costly victory but it saved Malta and hundreds of thousands of lives. The Port Chalmers was the only ship to survive two Malta convoys and that one with the Ohio was one of them. Good reading are the books 'The Siege of Malta,' so very detailed. And the book 'Malta Convoy'

[@juststeve5542]

2:55 - Just ask any of the locals, they'll tell you that Malta wasn't so much conquered by the British as liberated. They were sick of the French, and asked the British for backup... There are very few things that are likely to attract the British more than annoying the French! ;-)

[@Boxghost102]

French Empire: Exists Britain: Its free real estate.

[@Jerseyshorerailfan-rh9cj]

French Navy: Exists Royal Navy: Your my fleet reserve.

[@noremorsewoodworking2258]

@@Jerseyshorerailfan-rh9cj a more correct version would be: "French Navy: Exists.............Royal Navy: We'll take the Danish Fleet before they come to our aid against France"

[@skywayminicabs6292]

Even today , little known post script to the fall of France , of the nearly 60,000 French troops who had made it to the UK from Dunkirk ,, on hearing of the French Govt capitulation , almost all them demanded to be repatriated to France as they considered that the war for them to be over. And they were

[@sonnyburnett8725]

skyway minicabs , So please tell me where so many French enfrantry came from for the landings in June thru August of 1944? I’ve never heard about so many French combatants turning themselves in from the safety of England. Thanks

[@johnburns4017]

One of my uncles was on the AA batteries at Malta. He recalled when Ohio slowly crawled into the harbour. It seemed the whole island turned out from their ruined homes, which were little more than rubble, and cheered her in. A brass band played, the lot.

[@craigs71]

I have some knowledge of Operation Pedestal but learned even more when my Wife and I visited Malta last year, I learned of the Feast of Saint Maria which celebrated the arrival of the SS Ohio. I was aghast at the true story of the convoy and am in awe at the bravery and tenacity of the people involved.

[@orcstr8d]

Yes, August 15- the Feast of the Assumption. Ohio's keel was laid on Sept 7th, 1939. Would have been ironic had they laid it a day later on the 8th as that is the feast day of Mary's birth. More ironic I think is that she was launched on April 20th, 1940- Hitler's (51st) birthday!

[@henrycaruana3896]

Actually, the convoy is known, locally, as the Santa Maria Convoy. The feast is major religious event on the island, celebrated in 8 different localities of Malta and Gozo, not as a celebration of the arrival of the convoy. It coincided with the festivities and was paired with the event.

[@Billy6695]

My dad was on HMS Kenya and part of Operation Pedestal. I loved hearing his stories of the war and especially that particular convey. He said he had never before, or after, seen so many ships burning and sinking at one time. HMS Kenya also had it's bows blown off by a torpedo, but continued on to Malta. Naturally, I really enjoyed this video.

[@deanstuart8012]

Dudley Mason, the Master of SS Ohio was awarded the George Cross for his actions on Operation Pedestal. This is the same award that was made to the island of Malta 4 months earlier. For British viewers, the actor Frederick Treeves was a 17 year old officer cadet on the SS Waimarama during Pedestal. After picking up survivors from HMS Bramham, Waimarama was sunk with the loss of 90 lives. Treeves was one of just 19 survivors and would be awarded the British Empire Medal for Gallantry for his actions during the sinking.

[@bigblue6917]

The actor Jon Pertwee served on HMS Hood and was transferred off the ship for officer training shortly before she was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck. He must have known many of those who died when she was sunk.

[@fredmaxwell9619]

@@bigblue6917 I remember seeing him as Dr. Who. Probably saw him in other movies but do not remember.

[@voiceofraisin3778]

@@bigblue6917 He was recommended for the job by the second doctor, Patrick Troughton who was a fellow navy veteran although Troughton had been the commander of a Motor Torpedo boat in the English channel and who had been well known for his eccentricity even then, having decided to ward off the cold weather by wearing a tea cosy on his head.

[@seth1422]

Don’t forget Francis A. Dales, who manned led a party to man the fore anti-aircraft gun after the Ohio crew had abandoned it. Dales and his mates had been on an American-crewed ship sunk early in the convoy, and had been plucked out of the water by the Ohio. They fought the gun for the final 36 hours of the passage. www.usmm.org/dales.html

[@stephenburgess5109]

His medals are today in the Malta War Museum

[@linnharamis1496]

I’d read about the story of the SS Ohio before - however your narration and file footage made the history come alive. Another excellent episode - thank you👍

[@ajg617]

Thank you. This is so much overdue in recognition. The siege of Malta is an incredible story. The Ohio, Spitfires brought in by the US carriers, Buzz Beurling, and Adrian Warburton (considered the most valuable pilot in the RAF).

[@johnnyg4892]

Thanks for doing a piece on this. I've heard much about it, my father being a young Maltese boy during the siege. Getting the family to the air raid shelters was part of daily life for them. Churchill called Malta the "unsinkable aircraft carrier", and indeed the island was awarded the George Cross in 1942 by King George VI. It still flies proudly on the national flag today.

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

John Grech 😳 Indeed - and rightly so, given the appalling suffering experienced by the Maltese people.

[@hamishdavidson3368]

It’s really amazes me at the allies maximum cooperation and effort during WW2. It was a total struggle for the SS Ohio and RN. A tremendous feat of courage and determination. Great story bringing this to light. Thank you.

[@Nastyswimmer]

My father was serving on board HMS Rodney escorting the convoy. Rodney exchanged most of its food for the only thing the Maltese had a surplus of - tomatoes - and that was all that the crew had to eat on the return trip to Gibraltar. My dad couldn't face another tomato for the rest of his life.

[@deanstuart8012]

How do you think the poor Maltese felt? 🍅🍅🍅😱

[@Baza1964]

That's the Rodney in Valleta harbour ?

[@Nastyswimmer]

@@Baza1964 3:24 Yes

[@Baza1964]

@@Nastyswimmer how cool a looking ship is it. 3 turrets all forward of the bridge structure .Your dad must have been proud to be on the Rodney.

[@jb6027]

I Googled Captain Dudley Mason, GC. Apart from his heroism during Operation Pedestal, almost NOTHING is recorded about his life before and after his Malta service, other than his death on April 26, 1987. HIS is a story that deserves to be remembered.

[@1allanbmw]

It continually amazes me how the war at certain moments hung in the balance so precariously. This was one of those moments!

[@tinamclaughlin1991]

What a miracle! The Ohio got her job done, she does deserve to be remembered! Thanks History Guy n Gal!! 😇😍👍🥇🇺🇸

[@PeterCCamilleri]

My father and grandmother told me this story to me when I was young, though not with such detail. They lived through the siege of Malta and to hear of it again, so clearly, stirred many deep memories and brought me to tears. Thank You for connecting me with a part of my own heritage.

[@richardw64]

My father had the novel, Malta Convoy, which I read as a teenager. An astounding day-by-day account of this amazing feat. Thank you for this rendition History Guy.

[@johnstark4723]

When the Ohio and 4 other merchant ships finally made port in Malta the people of Malta were just days away from complete starvation. The small amount of food that did get through on that day saved the islands people from not only being invaded but from certain death by starvation. It still took another couple of convoys getting through to completely break the will of the Germans and Italians who were trying to take Malta out if the war. The next convoy brought more aircraft and that spelled the end of the threats to Malta. The people of Malta were so desperate for food and fuel they unloaded ships while being bombed.

[@stevensonDonnie]

I lived in Malta for two years and this operation pedestal is celebrated every year.

[@georgebronte840]

stevensonDonnie 15th of August. As that is the feast day of Santa Maria, the Maltese refer to that convoy as the Santa Maria Convoy. It is also worth noting that the Ottoman attempt at invading Malta failed on precisely the same day,15 August 1565.

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

That is a really nice fact. Thank you for sharing. It helps shape my timeline for a vacation to the area year after next.

[@georgebronte840]

Joe Ott A visit to the main Santa Maria church in the central village of Mosta may well be worth your while during their annual feast in August. Check out this excellent video, esp @3:08> kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKPYg5eebbKBnMU

[@stevensonDonnie]

Visiting Malta is great. It can get cool, windy and rainy from December to April though. I loved my time in Malta.

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

@@georgebronte840 Wow! Thank you soooo much for the video!!! It looks like a beautiful place! It would be a cycling tour vacation. The plan is to start in Italy and ride north following the routes of famous bike races until I end up in Wurzberg Germany in the South of Germany and the Worms. Both are places I spent some time growing up when my dad was in the Army. Then train to Berlin, Paris and London. Malta may make a good start point to aclimatize to weather and time differance putting in some miles before I ride off on the big trek. Riding around the Island would help me get my legs back after the travel to get there. I would be trying to cover between 60 to 120mi a day depending on weather and elevation in front of me. Camping 4 days a week with hotels/guest house/air bnb in between camps.

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

The story of the Sohio always brings a tear of pride to my eye. my uncle served with the Royal Navy on Malta all through the siege and his health was badly damaged by the starvation diet all on the island had to endure. I love the island, it's history and people and I and regret that post war it was not allowed to become fully part of the UK but was cast off by post war British Governments, thankfully as an independent nation it has thrived due to tourism

[@Cloudman572]

Respect and thanks to your uncle's service and those who served along side him. Noweverdays, Malta also has a strong movie industry (used by American studios along with others for location work- Popeye film sets are still there) and has busy and successful shipyards refitting and building new ships. I know because I am a knight of Malta myself :)

[@phbrinsden]

I receive my U.K. pension information from Malta so they must be doing contract work for U.K. I had my honeymoon there in 1967 as there were no currency controls for Malta. It was in the Sterling Zone so we could take unlimited Pounds to spend there. Loved the Maltese people.

[@lesamos8900]

Churchill had a lease on Malta for the duratiion of the war it was extended for many years in the60s Maltese goverments wanted the lease to end, they were NOT cast off as you say .The british spent a lot of money in Malta i know i was stationed there myself i wish i could return now to old

[@paulcharlwood702]

Operation Pedestal and the SS Ohio one of the great stories of the Second World War; and brilliantly told might I say! If you like stories of US ships, in British hands, that made a difference, may I suggest the story of a US flush deck four-stack destroyer that was transferred under lend-lease to the Royal Navy, HMS Campbelltown, and the St Nazaire raid.

[@Paladin1873]

I recall the movie "Malta Story" contained a scene of the Ohio limping into Grand Harbour in Malta. It was an amazing feat and a very close thing, deserving of a movie by itself.

[@zababit]

Thank you so much for your poignant presentation. You brought tears to my eyes. I was born on the blessed island of Malta. How can anyone pay enough gratitude to those who lost their lives and lost loved ones defending this sacred rock? Thank you for honouring their legacy and sacrifice.

[@donfelipe7510]

[Round of applause] for the History Guy for making this one, I was brought up on war stories from my grand parents and parents and the story of SS. Ohio and the siege of Malta generally were such examples. Truly history that deserves to be remembered and these stories being primarily recalled in Britain and the Commonwealth may not be so well known in America so your work in bringing these tales to a wider audience is important, I salute you sir!

[@donnicoll1570]

Another brilliant episode. I have been to Malta on holidays and seen the tribute section to Ohio in the War Museum. An amazing chapter in Bravery by all concerned to get Ohio to port. To cap off my Malta holiday I bought a picture of the ship under attack. Its hung on one of my walls. Thanks History Guy.

[@ericvonessex9353]

Many thanks for an excellent presentation of a major part of WWII that is often overlooked. My late father was a conscript in the British Army (2nd Devons) and was stationed in Malta during the entire Siege. He witnessed the Ohio coming into Grand Harbour. At that time all three services (Army, Navy and RAF), in Malta, were combined. During the Siege, Dad and his unit had to survive on 6 biscuits a day. If lucky they received a small piece of Palestinian Chocolate, but that was rare. On that ration they had to perform full army duties and many succumbed to illnesses associated with malnutrition. Dad was initially assigned to the airstrip where he and others had to fill in bomb creators, during a raid, to enable the fighters to land. There was nowhere to take cover and there were many casualties. My uncle was also a conscript in the 2nd Devons and was in front line intelligence stationed at Valletta in Malta. At that time he and my Dad didn't know each other. They met much later in Sicily when my Dad went into the front line intelligence section (2nd Devons, 231 Brigade, 50th Northumbrian Division). They became friends and my Dad later married his friend's sister (my Mum), but that's another story. Back to Malta, my uncle witnessed the Maltese raising the white flag over the government building and British troops pushing back the crowds and tearing it down! You won't find that fact in any history books! Soon after, the island was awarded the GC. I can fully understand the Maltese attempting to surrender as they were starving and at one point received less rations than what my Dad's unit had! There were no domestic pets on Malta. People were so desperate for food, they ate almost anything. Mules were the only animals kept alive but they were skin and bone. The army and RAF used mules to transport goods as any available fuel was used to keep fighter aircraft in the air. Beer for the forces wasn't rationed! My Dad was teetotal and was the obvious person to run the forces bar, thus excusing him from airstrip duties and probably saving his life! There was a shortage of beer glasses though. Being very inventive and practical, my Dad made beer glasses out of beer bottles. I believe an example of his handwork is on display in the Malta Museum. After the Malta Siege, Dad was posted to Egypt and put on extensive invasion training for the invasion of Sicily. He was among the initial assault wave on the invasions of Sicily, Italy and then D-Day, Gold Beach jig section (adjacent to where the film Saving Private Ryan is depicted). On D-Day, as soon as Dad's unit left the landing craft they went into deep water in a sea that was red with blood. As they headed towards the shore they were surrounded by badly mutilated bodies. The Americans went in half hour before the British hit Gold Beach so I assume the bodies were dead American Servicemen. Dad suffered severe shell shock and physical disabilities such as swollen ankles and lived WWII every day of his life thereafter. From an early age, I knew in great detail what my dad went through and I feel uniquely honored to have gained that insight. Dad would have been 100 this year! Thank you again for highlighting Malta's role in WWII, much appreciated. www.fockhamhallradio.com/page14.html

[@markplane5994]

Have a look for the classic Black and White film (movie) called "The Malta Story". It mentions the S.S. Ohio and the salute respect when coming into port, it was given, the same respect as a warship.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

Malta Convoy, The Ohio kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5mZZHtsisaJftU Documentary about the Convoy, and in particular The heroic Ohio oil tanker that saved Malta from surrender during the second world war

[@Ni999]

Two good tips, thanks! _The Malta Story_ is available on Amazon Prime video. I'm going to watch both.

[@stevek8829]

Yes, I watched it a couple months ago...and waay back. Good story!

[@z_actual]

I think you are right that the survival of the Ohio changed the outcome of the war If Malta had fallen to German hands, then the Mediterranean, then North Africa ... In recognition of these lasting effects of the siege the Island of Malta was presented the George Cross by King George VI, so as to "bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people" special mention to the crew who went back aboard several times

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

Very good story! Thank you and your wife (as I know she helps with production) for sharing the sacrifices all those sailors, airmen, merchant marines, and civilian contractors made in the war effort. It is your "short snippets of forgotten history" that helps recognise these brave souls, the sacrifices they made and the victory they helped bring about. Your work with this channel is sooooo very important! Please keep it up as long as you can and should you ever retire from this please find a worthy young padawan (to steal a Star Wars term) to carry on your work! Thank you sir! This Marine salutes you!

[@rogerwilliams2902]

That tanker was definitely well built. Good job too !. The bravery of all the men involved in the operation, amazing.

[@LuvBorderCollies]

THG mentioned changes had been incorporated into the Ohio because of the war. Wonder if the hull was one of the changes?

[@_Braised]

I've always said that if I could make just one movie about the war- it would be about the intense aerial siege of Malta, culminating in Operation Pedestal. Excellent video as always.

[@chrisosh9574]

Faith, Hope and charity, the three Gloster Gladiators that bravely defended Malta in the earlier part of the war would be worthy of one of the History Guy videos.

[@Simonsvids]

Yes, and Faith still survives in the Malta War Museum in Valletta, where the OHIO nameplate also is.

[@neilwilson5785]

And BRRRTTT!!! GRRRGGHHT!! and BRRTTpapapa!!! The Beaufighters that followed them. Check out the armament on those bois. I saw one at the RAF museum in Hendon, and it is a fearsome beast.

[@BatmanSeRiedeTi]

@@neilwilson5785 Indeed, those beauties where pretty much flying destroyers.

[@michaelevans205]

As always, History Guy, outstanding. Admiral Sir Philip Vian, one of the most capable of the Royal Navy's WW2 commanders remarked, 'Ohio. Famous, fabulous, never to be forgotten.' Thanks to you that continues to be the case.

[@wfp9378]

I greatly encourage our American friends watching this to try to dig up a copy of the 1953 movie called "Malta Story" starring Alec Guiness (Obi Wan Kenobi). It will give you an idea of what it was actually like to be on Malta at this time. And like all British war movies of the time features a lot of actual combat footage. Malta was awarded the George Cross for the gallantry of it's people during the sustained siege and the medal features on it's flag today.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Grantos Maximus great movie.

[@chuckaddison5134]

I have seen it several times. Always enjoyed watching it.

[@thecliffdweller1212]

I had the distinct pleasure of being billeted briefly with the RAF on Malta in the 70's. The story of that convoy and the fighter squadron that held off the Luftwaffe was a legacy that they were particularly proud of. I've seen recent photos of the extensive modern development on the island, but back then you could still see what Valletta looked like back in the 40's. If there are any contemporary literature fans out there, I would highly recommend you read "V" by Thomas R Pynchon. It's an unusual novel (to say the least) that juggles several time-lines but the central story is a richly detailed account of Malta during this period

[@oceanhome2023]

You can see how BIG the Ohio was from the bow shot during its launch. It was probably the precursor to the super tankers of today . It probably carried the oil of 4 normal size tankers I would guess. Since oil floats on water it could have been the intact oil tanks on it that helped it float . The front and rear sections still floating while being towed out to be shelled and sunk says something about it’s tough design . It was a life saving drink of oil for the parched Brits on Malta .

[@tinman7551]

The quality of these videos is just incredible. You are what the history channel should be. It’s a crime KZbin doesn’t monetize these. I’m delighted to see you have some sponsorship :) please keep up the awesome work good sir.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

The video is monetized.

[@tinman7551]

Well now don’t I feel like a dumb ass 😂

[@wkdravenna]

@@tinman7551 it's okay O'Sullivan your not wrong to think that. It could happen at any time.

[@tinman7551]

wkdravenna thank you 😊

[@jmeyer3rn]

Fabulous video. I've also been to Malta. It is a beautiful place. I joked that I wanted to be buried there. Unfortunately, I live in Indiana, right next to OHIO. When I visited there, there was no mention of the WWII history of the place. And amazingly no evidence of the destruction inflicted on the island. We sailed from Athens to Malta to Sicilia to Roma several years ago. What a dream cruise that was. But there was such a bad storm the second night we were afraid we would be shipwreck just like St Paul was on his journey to Rome. I'm really enjoying WWII history these days. We must not go back there. We need to know all this History that Deserves to be Remembered.

[@smartalex1000]

My father was on HMS Eagle when it sank. He never talked much about it. It is very interesting to hear about the operation it was involved in.

[@Mondo762]

Amazing work by the British Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy. This particular story shows the desperation and willingness to sacrifice by the people involved, both civilian and military.

[@bobuk5722]

Yes, The Island of Malta and its people were awarded the George Cross. It's our highest possible civilian award for gallentry, essentialy ranking with the Victoria Cross award 'For Valour' which is available only to armed forces personnel. Undoubtably the US built requisitioned Ohio played an essential part in preventing the surrender of Malta. However the Maltese paid a very, very heavy price for their stubbornness and without them and the heroic supporting British naval and air forces WW2 might very well have had a very different ending. BobUK.

[@richardklug822]

Thank you for highlighting the important and often unappreciated role played by merchant ships and their brave crews in the Allies' WWII battles and ultimate victory. Warships got the glory, but couldn't have sailed or fought for long without the fuel and supplies delivered by those unsung civilian heroes.

[@sarjim4381]

One of the few times a single ship, and not even a warship, that saved a British Island and changed the course of a war. One small correction. The HMS Welshman, the ship converted to carry emergency supplies to Malta, was a fast minelayer, not minesweeper. She and her sisters were among the fastest warships in the war at nearly 40 knots.

[@MrBITS101]

correct, the contribution those vessels made to the survival of Malta has not been fully appreciated. Recognition needs to be made to those in the Admiralty who identified the need for these vessels, designed, developed and ordered them.

[@ross.venner]

A most particular thank you for this episode. A much admired family friend survived the sinking of HMS Manchester, while; apposite to the introduction, my grandmother served as a doctor on Malta in WW1 and married my grandfather, another doctor, in the naval chapel there in 1916.

[@Cubic5]

I also recommend the book "Malta Convoy" by Peter Shankland and Anthony Hunter, it have a good look at all the convoys to Malta. And there is also a book on the 3 little Gloster Gladiators that were called Faith, Hope and Charity. They also used submarines to take supplies to Malta, and there was also supply runs by a fast minesweeper sailing alone.

[@edschermer]

Wow! Another fascinating case of “What if it had gone the other way?” The amount of effort that went into helping the Ohio get to port underscores just how valuable her cargo was! Also interesting is how the Axis targeted the merchant ships, not the warships in the convoy, even they knew how important the resupply of the island was! Excellent video as always!

[@jimmybritt9537]

Just the telling of the story had me sitting on the edge of my seat . What bravery to accomplish the almost impossible 😉👍👍🇺🇸

[@A_Man_In_His_Van]

History Guy is THE BEST story teller on you tube.

[@colingibson8018]

As usual another great video. I haven't commented for a while ,but I felt that this one needed it . You and Mrs History Guy, put so much time and effort into these videos it's really great as you wake others up to ask for more on related subjects That sir is the sign of a great teacher. Thanks again to you and Mrs History Guy. Please keep at it.

[@dennisammann9104]

Dear History Guy, What a GREAT story about the S.S. Ohio saving Malta! My oh my, YOU should be called, 'Fleet Admiral History Guy!' You are such a treasure to history buffs, history students, and the envy of history teachers! As a 20 year Navy veteran and Navy Senior Chief, I would have gladly served under you as my Division Officer, Department Head, or Captain! Anchors Aweigh, Dennis Ammann, YNCS(SW), USN (Ret.) & former crew member of the famous USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) rammer of a Soviet Union submarine

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Thank you for your service!

[@em1osmurf]

something brushed over and rarely mentioned in any advanced history course. well done.

[@chrissirvid5845]

Totally heroic. My mate's Maltese and now I have a bit of conversation, real.

[@davidclark3912]

Hey, you really nailed it with this one. I've seen hundreds of hours if documentaries like this one, but I've never heard this story told. As far as pivotal points of history, you have identified a great one, and explain the strategic ramifications so well I'm expecting to see a wave of "what if" videos about the fall of Malta. Really, just an excellent job on this video. You are very good at this. Thank You!

[@jamesjanson6129]

Love the bow tie and matching handkerchief HG. Very classy,and nice to see someone still beliving in dressing well on YT.

[@rickoshay6554]

October 25th is the 75th anniversary of the battle off Samar. That action involving the Johnson, the Roberts as well as the entirety of Taffy 3 is history that cries out to be remembered on that Diamond Anniversary.

[@rpbajb]

I'm never disappointed by the History Guy. Top notch video. Thanks.

[@mflashhist500]

Thank you for Another great history piece from WW2! If anyone is interested in the full story of Operation Pedestal but with a good focus on the Ohio struggle I can recommend “Malta Convoy” by Peter Shankland & Anthony Hunter as the best read.

[@c.w.johnsonjr6374]

Great video! Malta has such a fascinating history. I discovered a story that may interest you. I was in Greenwood, Mississippi for work this week and stopped to read an historical marker. It explained how U. S. Grant's Yazoo Expedition to capture Vicksburg had been stopped there in early 1863, partly because The Star of the West had been sunk in the Tallahatchhie River to impede the Union Navy. The Star of the West was the supply ship sent to Fort Sumter and was the recipient of what could be considered the first shots of the American Civil War. it was later captured by the Confederates off the coast of Texas. I was surprised there was not more marking the final resting place of a ship that holds an important place in history that deserves to be remembered.

[@MililaniJag]

S.S. Ohios arrival in Malta was featured in the 1953 war movie Malta Story starring Sir Alec Guinness. Great movie BTW. Cheers!

[@hlynnkeith9334]

I knew the story of the heroic SS Ohio before, but you told so damn well. Kudos.

[@1anthonybrowning]

Incredible Herculean effort to get the SS Ohio to port.

[@Acin75]

Would be nice if you could make a video about the polish submarines ORP Dzik and ORP Sokół that were stationed in Malta. Especially interesting is be the story of ORP Dzik's captain. Cpt. Romanowski wrote down his memories in a book called "torpedo w celu" (torpedoed in target) that recall his war's story. If you dig deeper into his story you will find a sunk american sub under polish flag, a heroic escape with ORP Wilk and a sad fate after returning to Poland. Cheers.

[@rogerwhittle2078]

I have known about SS Ohio for many years - even as a kid I knew about how she had a battle all her own to get to Malta and that she did so, 'hanging on the arms' of two or three RN warships. Perhaps because my Godfather, Robert Dunk RAF served on Malta all through th siege. He was an instrument fitter. What I hadn't realised and, in a way, sort of feel obliged to appologise to her original owners for my Country 'requisitioning' Ohio - a brand new ship on her maiden voyage. Like the Titanic, she only made one voyage, although unlike Titanic, she fought and was fought for in an epic battle and, although she ended as a wreck, her cargo was so precious, it may have changed the outcome of the war. Thank you, as ever THG, for a fascinating story that will be remembered.

[@paulwallis7586]

An astonishing story, and incredible seamanship. Imagine trying to steer a ship that was already a wreck, let alone a big tanker.

[@baldeagle5297]

History that deserves to be remembered told in a memorable manner.

[@bigblue6917]

I did know about the S.S. Ohio and I have long thought it had more then its share of luck on that trip. It is as if it had taken all the luck it would have had over its normal lifetime and had it all in one go. To give you an indication of how short of aviation fuel the RAF was, ground crews had to push the fighters to the end of the runway before the pilot could start his engine. That way the save fuel. Air attacks on Malta were so frequent that when one group of Spitfires arrived they had just enough time to refuel before they had to take off to face the next attack. Gave the German Stukas something of a shock though as they were not expecting the Spitfires, their arrival had been missed, and the RAF pilots had what was referred to as a Stuka party. That is a each Stuka dived down a Spitfire followed it. All the Stukas were shot down. And the Me 109s flying topcover never had a chance to intervene. Their problem was if they dived down to intercept the Spitfires they were flying to fast and just ended up passing the Spitfires, which would then leave the 109s open to being shot down. At various points during any war you look at decisions and wonder why those decisions were made or not made. Why the Axis forces did not take Malta has got to be one of those decisions has got to be one of those. I know other things were going on, such as the invasion of Russia, but the fact that the Germans had to send forces to North Africa anyway just shows how important taking Malta should have been.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Big Blue there were several reasons that plans to invade never materialized. There were real obstacles. Given how close the island came to surrender, the plan to use a siege rather than an invasion doesn’t seem to have been totally irrational.

[@elcastorgrande]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Among the problems was infighting among the Italian high command. Chief of Staff Ugo Cavallero wanted to invade, but other did not. Mussolini's Foreign Minister, Ciano, said the island was "one solid nest of machineguns," and a parachute invasion would have been a massacre.

[@bigblue6917]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel This is true but by taking Malta it would have meant the only way to supply the Allied troops in Egypt was by sending the supplies around the Cape. At the same time Axis supplies would have been safer. This would have forced the evacuation of troops in Egypt and its surrender to the Axis forces. And considering how many military personnel, how much equipment Tanks, aircraft and ships the Axis lost in North Africa and the Med the price would have been worth paying. I believe that the number of Axis soldiers who surrendered in North Africa at the end of that campaign was around 250,000, which is more then those at Stalingrad.

[@bigblue6917]

@@elcastorgrande After Crete Hitler would have all but ruled out paratroopers making an airborne landing. I have wondered if it is a mental attitude problem. German and Italy are land based forces used to fighting in continental Europe. Whereas Britain and America were for the most part are sea based forces. If they had to go anywhere to fight it usually involved a landing of some sort. So they would have had a better understanding of what was involved and therefor more willing to consider it. We only have to look at Operation Sealion to realise Germany had little understanding of how to conduct such operations.

[@thomashughes_teh]

My Grandparents brought this up at a holiday when I was a child. I didn't understand at the time. My Father and Uncles were all aware of this , but I think My Grandparents were attempting to highlight the significance. Thank You for the elegant presentation of this pivot point that really does have lingering significance today.

[@RJT80]

What an amazing piece of history. No matter how many documentaries you see on WW2, there are thousands of amazing stories you still haven't heard. It's what keeps WW2 almost a constant learning experience.

[@neilwilson5785]

If any of the designers and builders of that class of tankers are still alive, thank you from the UK.

[@kenycharles8600]

Malta, Wake Island, Hawaii, Okinawa are small places with huge strategic significance.

[@therenumerator9198]

The Australian group Down Under used the phrase in a song, 'When men thundered.' Seems appropriate.

[@mathewkelly9968]

The Renumerator it's Men at Work and the song is called the land down under

[@rosscollingwood5189]

@@mathewkelly9968 Yes indeed! It's a great song and considered by many as a first choice for an alternative national anthem! 😄

[@mongolike513]

Ross Collingwood god yes Ross but I still have a soft spot for waltzing Matilda to the point that I almost got them to sing it as the national anthem before the League Grand Final! But alas my psychic powers only extend to bad Lotto numbers. Still think that waltzing Matilda is the one.

[@mathewkelly9968]

Ross Collingwood no solid rock by Goanna should be national anthem

[@rosscollingwood5189]

@@mathewkelly9968 I don't know that band - is "Solid Rock" the actual name of the song?

[@kotori87]

Thank you for making this! I have been asking for an episode on the SS Ohio and the Siege of Malta for years, ever since I first discovered the channel. It's been a long wait but oh boy was it worth it. You knocked this one out of the park! Keep up the great work!

[@justanumber427]

Wow! Amazing! One of your best story tellings yet! Great joub!

[@carmelpule6954]

I am Maltese and was born and still live in Malta since prior to WW2 and all that is shown in this video after 03:50 is still in my vivid memory. My parents lived near the Royal Naval Dockyard in the Grandharbour but we moved to Siggiewi a small village away from the bombed dockyard but rather close to the airport! We lived in stone underground dug shelters and once I fell down the stairs leading to the shelters. I was about five years old when Ohio came to Malta and though I do not remember that particular episode, I do remember my parents mentioning, "Ohio", and being very happy about it. I just did not understand what it was then! I remember the searchlights lighting the sky at night and guns firing at Italian aircraft overhead and clearly remember two white parchures floating down. I must congratulate " The History Guy" for the extremely accurate detail of his videos and as I know this one so closely, well I am particularly touched, as it brought back memories of how my parents did their best to look after us six children during a war! It was not easy and my mother sewed our shirts out of parachute silk that was given to my father by some downed pilots. My father worked in the NAFFI looking after British PIlots!!!

[@g_e_o_m9369]

You should follow up with the MV Brisbane Star from the same convoy. After losing their bow to air attack they fell out of the convoy and were forced to sneak along the coast of Africa without cover, this included bribing the Vichy French in Algeria to sail through their waters and tricking an Italian Destroyer that was laying mines in neutral waters into not attacking them. Despite making 5 knots they arrived ahead of the Ohio and the ship would return to service after repairs. An almost comedic counter to the intense battle a few mile away from them in the convoy.

[@markdavis2475]

About 20 years ago Channel 4 did a great documentary about the operation, I think it was simply called "Convoy".

[@SavageTactical]

I remember reading about this in VDH’s The Second World Wars. The Ohio’s story would make an excellent movie.

[@rutabagasteu]

There is a b&w movie made back last century that shows one of the relief efforts to Malta. I believe its British made.

[@CallieMasters5000]

Without a doubt, WW2 was so unbelievably complicated and difficult, it really makes you wonder if today's leaders could deal with all these battles taking place all over the world at the same time.

[@truckinphilosopher3775]

And another true story that would make a great movie.

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

It did and really a remake would not do it justice.

[@dryroasted5599]

I actually cheered out loud when THG called in the Spitfires! Incredible story, thanks for sharing it.

[@ObservingtheObvious]

Another OUTSTANDING story. Gripping and moving. Thanks

[@superdupergrover9857]

Wow. This particular chapter of the Malta Siege deserves its own movie. It is almost too incredible to be fiction.

[@deanstuart8012]

You're not under selling this, are you? But you're right, Ohio was possibly THE horse shoe nail moment of WWII. And this is possibly your best ever video. I only disagree in that I don't think that Britain would have been knocked out of the war if Malta fell. However there would have been no D-Day and the Soviets would have taken Paris, making the Cold War a lot more interesting. If you are ever in Malta, visit the Lascaris War Tunnels underneath the Upper Bakara Gardens in Valletta. It was from there that the defence of Malta was organised and from where Eisenhower controlled the invasion of Sicily. Again, congratulations on a brilliant video.

[@dirus3142]

Midway could be considered another.

[@sfs2040]

I disagree. It's argued whether Malta falling would have even changed the outcome of the North African Campaign, let alone cause D-Day to not happen or the UK to fall, or even for the USSR to take Paris. At worst it may have delayed or disrupted an invasion of Mainland Italy, and frankly considering Roosevelt wanted to invade France in 1943 anyway Malta's fall may have caused DDay to be a year early, rather than never happen.

[@neilwilson5785]

You nailed it. In the UK, we were allies with the USSR, but would have been terrified of a soviet advance past Berlin. The USA stopped that.

[@jhorn3405]

Serving on the USS John F Kennedy CVA-67 from commissioning in 1968 to November 1971, we had two cruises to the Mediterranean where we visited Malta several times. At that time we had to anchor outside the port at Valletta. Malta was one of my favorite ports to visit. I wish I had known more of the history of the island back then as I would have appreciated it a lot more. Of course the internet now days allows one access to so much information that was not available back then. I really enjoy this channel. Keep up the good work.

[@davidorf3921]

A few minor details, the crew repeatedly abandoned and re boarded the Ohio and whilst she was indeed under tow her captain and crew were still manning her right up to the point where she reached the harbor side. Also once the fuel was removed she actually broke into two parts that were both sunk after the war (she was totally beyond salvage) but despite this she was still used during the war initially for storage and then as barracks facilities.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

You are correct on both points

[@TheHylianBatman]

That's beautiful. I love ships and I love history, so to hear something like this is just wonderful. Good on the crew of the SS Ohio.

[@billquillin1952]

Excellent summation!!

[@Kreln1221]

Another call for the story of the attack on the U.S.S. Liberty, history that truly deserves to be remembered...

[@stevek8829]

They had to bring it in to get full pay. If they abandoned ship their paycheck stopped. Unlike a navy sailor a merchant seaman's pay ceases when they don't have a berth. Tough life in merchant marine.

[@Cloudman572]

The no pay was only true until May 1941. So by Operation Pedestal they would have been paid either way. Still amazing service was given by the Merchant Navy throughout the war and not respected enough. Merchant Navy sailors were paid 1/2 of Merchant Marine sailors too.

[@sparky6086]

When compared to the Army, Army Air Corps, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, the Merchant Marine had the highest per capita fatality rate during World War II.

[@rogerwilliamcoates5724]

Interesting to hear a different perspective on the story told by my Gt Uncle who was on HMS Ledbury. Even in old age it was something he was quite proud of, however having to assist with the removal of the dead from the Ohio wasn't on of his more pleasant memories. HMS Ledbury always seemed to be in the thick of it throughout the whole war, including the infamous fiasco of convoy PQ17. He was certainly an interesting chap to talk to. cheers fro a great video.

[@rabbi120348]

A friend of mine told me he was playing a WW II strategy game with someone who really knew his stuff. The other guy was Germany, and on the first move of the game he took Malta. From there on he won everything. After that, my friend, on his first move (of subsequent games, against other people) would secure Malta, and he never lost again.

[@shawnr771]

Interesting.

[@rabbi120348]

He didn't mention it. He's actually a professor of history at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. If he had mentioned it, I probably wouldn't have remembered it.

[@rabbi120348]

@Lats Niebling I asked him and he said the name of the game is "3rd Reich."

[@wordsmithgmxch]

That four-torpedo spread that sank HMS Eagle? I knew the man who fired it. He's dead now. He taught math at a school in Hamburg where I taught English. He had run away to sea as a lad, and had years of service in the merchant marine when the war came and he was put in U-73. He was a joker, a prankster, a not altogether pleasant sort. He told his U-Boot stories with the gusto of a university kid telling gross-out frat house tales. I only saw him serious once -- for about 15 seconds -- while talking about Eagle's sinking, and what came after. With its weakened air cover, the convoy was brutally savaged by Italian and German planes. For ten days afterwards, he said, you didn't even want to put up the periscope. "Why not?" I asked. His voice dropped to a horrified croak: "Nur Aas!" It's difficult to translate. "Only corpses" doesn't do it. More like "Dead meat" or "Only roadkill".

[@SeverityOne]

"Bait".

[@sparky6086]

@@SeverityOne Like "chum"?

[@LuvBorderCollies]

I don't think he was exaggerating. A former co-worker was on a troop ship in the Med when it was blasted by a German guided bomb. He said about 1,500 guys were killed in the huge blast which ripped out the center of the ship. That's a lot of body parts and blood in the water. His ship was part of a convoy and I don't recall if other ships got hit, probably were as there was a number of German bombers overhead. Hard to fathom even when talking to a an eye witness. Albert passed away a couple years ago. He was a great guy to have known. :(

[@Simonsvids]

I hope you did the decent thing and put cling film (plastic wrap) over the male teachers toilet before he went to take a dump.

[@joeottsoulbikes415]

When I was a teen living in Germany while my dad was stationed in Wurzberg I met an old man one day in a park that would talk to me everytime he saw me about the bombing of Wurzberg and his eploits as an SS soldier. One day we went to his apartment building and he showed me his old uniform, gun, rifle, medals and photos. He was a strange sort that told the stories with a feeling of regret rather than pride. He would comment on how diluted he was, how the whole country was leading up to and during the war. He talked about how the hyperinflation, food shortages and separate feelings made him reach out to the Nazi party as a solution, pride in self and nation and willingness to follow as he said a "insane madman". He would tell me in each story why he took the actions he did. How his thinking changed as he saw the suffering of the Jewish, Gypsy and non German people. He always told me to never make the same mistakes of following an "insane madman".

[@theworth123]

It's not just called Malta, but Malta GC.

[@davidrenton]

there is a movie The Malta Story 1953, with the original Ben Kenobi (Alec Guinness) that is well worth watching and covers this exact incident.I always feel Malta is interesting from another perspective, it was surrounded by Axis countries and occupied lands, yet the Axis ultimately were incapable of invading it, makes you think how badly operation SeaLion would off gone for the Germans. Also, Malta and it's people should be proud as well, being the only country as far as I know recognized by the British as a whole in receiving the George Cross medal, as someone who is British I have a special affinity for the Maltese, a small country but plucky and brave.

[@henrycaruana3896]

The planned Axis invasion of Malta was Operation Herkules, Sealion was the invasion of the UK.

[@davidrenton]

@@henrycaruana3896 i know the point being the Germans couldn't take Malta a small island surrounded by Axis Airfields, Naval bases, then Sealion a far harder proposition would off gone much worse.

[@almyska467]

Great story (as usual). You might want to check out the story of the SS Contessa. Not the kind of war-changing impact as the SS Ohio, but a remarkable story nonetheless. You can read its story in the book "Twelve Desperate Miles" by Tim Brady. The blurb on Amazon reads: "The Dirty Dozen meets Band of Brothers in this true story of how a rusty old New Orleans banana boat staffed with an unlikely crew of international merchant seamen, a gang of inmates from a local jail, and a French harbor pilot spirited out of Morocco by O.S.S. agents in the trunk of a Chevy, were drafted into service in WWII -- and heroically succeeded in setting the stage for Patton's epic invasion of North Africa." That may be a tad overhyped, but it's an amazing bit of history. I enjoyed the book immensely. It's history that deserves to be remembered.