Tracers and search lights: a surreal spectacle during an Axis night raid over Malta. Victor Sierra

A surreal spectacle

Two RAF’s Hawker Hurricanes burning on one of Malta’s airfields after an Axis air forces attack. The biggest concentration of Axis aircraft sorties on Malta was from 20 March to 28 April 1942 where 520 Luftwaffe’s and 300 Regia Aeronautica’s aircraft, which included approximately 140 Messerschmitt Bf 109Fs of JG 53 and II/JG 3 and 80 Macchi MC.202s of the 4th and 51st Stormo. In June 1942 the number of sorties flown by the German Fliegerkorps II (Second Air Corps) against Malta amounted to 956 compared to 8.788 in April. This being due to German aircraft being transferred to the Russian Front. Victor Sierra

After an Axis attack

A wounded German officer, found in the Egyptian desert during the first two days of a British offensive, is guarded by a sentry while awaiting backup, on November 13, 1942. 