Mussolini declared war on Britain on 10 June 1940 and the next day Italian aircraft began the first of more than 3,000 bombing raids over Malta. The diary entries of the RAF airmen involved provide a unique account of the epic battle as experienced by fighter pilots of 185 Squadron. For eighteen months the squadron saw continual action, finally helping to win the war in the air over Malta in 1943. Here, life in Malta's longest serving fighter squadron is narrated as an often humorous and sometimes poignant tale – all the more so with the knowledge that some contributors never survived the war. AUTHOR: Anthony Rogers grew up in Malta where he later served in the Royal Marines Commandos. As a freelance photographer and journalist in the 1980s and 1990s, he covered wars on three continents. An enduring interest in the Second World War resulted in the publication of 'Battle Over Malta' and 'Churchill's Folly'. SELLING POINTS: . First-hand accounts of the great air battle for the island of Malta . Includes rare combat and intelligence reports . Provides key insight into the services of Malta's longest serving fighter squadron 16pp mono 34 b/w illustrations