During the grimmest period of World War II, the small island of Malta in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea had become a beacon of hope for Allied Forces. Hitler had to act. A massive strike plan codenamed Operation Herkules, concocted by Mussolini and Hitler, intended to capture Malta. In anticipation, the Italians assembled an impressive array of troops, armament, ships, and aircraft. By storming the island fortress of Malta, the Axis powers would deal a massive blow to Allied forces while also showing their collective military might. It could invariably shore up a German and Italian victory.The Axis powers devised waves of extensive air and sea landings. Their aim was not only to eliminate their enemies but to secure a solid supply line and transport between Europe and the Middle East. Still, the operation, along with its potential horrors, would fade into historical archives until now.- –