MALTA SPITFIRE

American fighter ace Claude Weaver III DFC DFM

- BY CLIVE ROWLEY, MBE RAF (RET.)

Claude Weaver III, an American from Oklahoma City, joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in February 1941 and flew Spitfires with 185 Squadron Royal Air Force in the fierce aerial battles in defense of Malta in 1942. Shortly after arriving on the island in July 1942, Weaver shot down five German Messerschmitt Bf 109s in a week, becoming the youngest Allied fighter ace at the age of 18. Four of his kills, plus a half-shared victory against a Junkers Ju 88 bomber a day later, were achieved flying Spitfire Mk Vb EP122, which is part of the Comanche Fighters collection in Texas, painted again in her distinctive 185 Squadron Malta markings. As a rare combat veteran and one of the most significant aircraft to have been involved in the defense of Malta, this special Spitfire has many stories to tell, not least that of the largely unknown teenage American fighter ace Claude Weaver.

Malta, an island under siege

Described by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill as an “unsinkable aircraft carrier," the island of Malta was pivotal to operations in the Mediterranean during World War Two, both for the Allied and Axis forces.

For the Allies, Malta was essential to the war effort as a strategically located base to conduct attacks against the Axis forces and supply lines in the Mediterranean, while also offering protection to the Allies' own supply routes to North Africa. For the Germans and Italians, Malta was a thorn in their side, which needed to be neutralized by bombing, invasion, or by starving the inhabitants and defenders into submission. For the population and the defenders of Malta, less than 30 minutes' flying time from Axis airfields in Sicily, it meant continual attacks, shortages of food and essential supplies, and extreme hardship.