backs of angels

A special video for my dad who is in Malta annually for the Santa Maria Convoy / Operation Pedestal Commemoration.
In 1942 in Malta the supply situation had become critical, particularly aviation fuel. The largest convoy to date was assembled at Gibraltar (Operation Pedestal). It consisted of 14 transports, including the large oil tanker SS Ohio. These were protected by powerful escort and covering forces: 44 warships, including three aircraft carriers (Eagle, Indomitable, and Victorious) and two battleships (Nelson and Rodney). A diversionary operation was staged from Alexandria.
The convoy was attacked fiercely. Three transports reached Malta on 13 August and another on 14 August. Ohio arrived on 15 August, heavily damaged by air attacks, and under tow by destroyers HMS Penn and Ledbury. The rest were sunk. Ohio later broke in two in Valetta Harbour, but not before much of her cargo had been unloaded. The aircraft carrier Eagle, cruisers HMS Cairo and Manchester and the destroyer HMS Foresight were sunk, and there was serious damage to other warships. The Italian losses were two submarines and damage to two cruisers.
This convoy, especially the arrival of Ohio, was seen as Divine intervention by the people of Malta. August 15 is celebrated as the feast of St. Mary's Assumption and many Maltese attributed the arrival of Ohio into Grand Harbour as the answer to their prayers.
My dad is one of only two surviving members of the SS Ohio.
I have assembled this video especially to commemorate this event.........and for dad.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Backs of Angels
• Operation Pedestal
• Malta Convoy
• Allan George Shaw
• Pete Shaw

[rick0071966]

My dad was also part of Operation Pedestal on a Royal Navy Destroyer HMS Penn. Its nice to find other people that are proud of what our fathers did in WWll, thank you for the video

[mychoicealfred2]

Please thank your Dad for working hard to save the Maltese from starvation. We are eternally appreciative of what he and others have done. God bless him and his family. Regards from Malta and thanks for this interesting presentation.