Malta invasion Q&A: the island garrison

How strong was Malta's garrison by 1942?

Malta fielded British and Maltese infantry battalions, artillery, a Home Guard, tanks, carriers, anti-aircraft guns, naval weapons, and deeply prepared positions.

By 1942, Malta had eleven British battalions, three Maltese infantry battalions, artillery regiments, and a 3,000-strong Home Guard. Its mobile equipment included Matilda II, Cruiser III, Valentine, and light tanks as well as Universal Carriers. Field artillery, heavy anti-aircraft guns, and naval weapons occupied prepared positions, and the defenders retained older equipment whenever it remained usable. An Axis landing would meet organized combined-arms resistance from the outset.