All,
We are now in on the Malta discussion again. Let's broaden that a bit.
Gibraltar:
It is true that only a land based attack could make any inroads. Whatever the case, Franco was not interested (even after the German/Italian help he had received).
As far as I recall, it was the considered wisdom in Britain that Gibraltar could not be held if a land based attack was carried out.
Now: Could Axis have initiated one? landed in Spain and with Franco's tacit approvbal had gone through with a land based attack.
What would have been the consequences of Gibraltar falling to the Axis?
Imagine a time of 1940. I am not linking it to BoB or the sea creature. It is really a follow-on from Raeder's strategy of hitting Britain where it will hurt: The Med.
So, Gib gone n 1940.
Then Malta:
I think we have concluded a lot of times that Malta would not be able to defend itself in 1940 or very early 1941. So with Malta gone in 1940 as well, the North Africa and Egypt suddenly becomes very dangerous territory.
The Med as an Axis lake is now within reach? or is it?
Can we imagine the Italian navy being a bit more courageous? Not saying that the destroyer fleet weren't (they did a job).
Crete is sort of the key to Greece and Egypt. but if that is the only part left in the Med, then what?
Did it really hinge on Gib, Malta and Crete?
Ivan