Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Dive into the dramatic story of HMS Illustrious during the fierce Axis air raids on Malta in January 1941. This video covers the intense week known as ‘The Illustrious Blitz,’ where German and Italian air forces relentlessly tried to sink the battered British carrier while it was undergoing urgent repairs in the besieged Grand Harbour. Discover how RAF Hurricanes, Malta’s anti-aircraft defenses, and the carrier’s own planes fought to repel the attacks, the toll of the raids on personnel and infrastructure, and the strategic significance of Illustrious’ survival.
If you’re passionate about World War II naval aviation, Malta’s wartime saga, or epic air battles, this detailed account brings history to life. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Showtime112 for more deep dives into military aviation history!
Watch part one if you missed it:
youtu.be/kZ6FqESC3VA
Main sources:
- Dubious Refuge - Armoured Carriers
armouredcarriers.com/illustrious-blitz-january-12-21
- Ryan K. Noppen - Malta 1940–42: The Axis' air battle for Mediterranean supremacy
amzn.to/3MB7JTQ
- Brian Cull - HURRICANES OVER MALTA: June 1940 - April 1942
amzn.to/41SyS94
- Christopher Shores & Brian Cull - Malta: The Hurricane Years 1940-1941
amzn.to/3MfZEpU
When you purchase these books on Amazon through the links in this description, the channel earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. The proceeds help fund new book purchases and support the creation of future videos.
Support the channel on Patreon:
patreon.com/showtime112
Donate via Paypal:
paypal.com/paypalme/showtime112
Join our Discord server:
discord.gg/c56q7tUNCP
Machinations Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
#militaryaviationhistory #militaryaviation
Dive into the dramatic story of HMS Illustrious during the fierce Axis air raids on Malta in January 1941. This video covers the intense week known as ‘The Illustrious Blitz,’ where German and Italian air forces relentlessly tried to sink the battered British carrier while it was undergoing urgent repairs in the besieged Grand Harbour. Discover how RAF Hurricanes, Malta’s anti-aircraft defenses, and the carrier’s own planes fought to repel the attacks, the toll of the raids on personnel and infrastructure, and the strategic significance of Illustrious’ survival.
If you’re passionate about World War II naval aviation, Malta’s wartime saga, or epic air battles, this detailed account brings history to life. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Showtime112 for more deep dives into military aviation history!
Watch part one if you missed it:
youtu.be/kZ6FqESC3VA
Main sources:
- Dubious Refuge - Armoured Carriers
armouredcarriers.com/illustrious-blitz-january-12-21
- Ryan K. Noppen - Malta 1940–42: The Axis' air battle for Mediterranean supremacy
amzn.to/3MB7JTQ
- Brian Cull - HURRICANES OVER MALTA: June 1940 - April 1942
amzn.to/41SyS94
- Christopher Shores & Brian Cull - Malta: The Hurricane Years 1940-1941
amzn.to/3MfZEpU
When you purchase these books on Amazon through the links in this description, the channel earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. The proceeds help fund new book purchases and support the creation of future videos.
Support the channel on Patreon:
patreon.com/showtime112
Donate via Paypal:
paypal.com/paypalme/showtime112
Join our Discord server:
discord.gg/c56q7tUNCP
Machinations Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
#militaryaviationhistory #militaryaviation
