Originally broadcast as an episode of Battlefield on the Discovery Channel in 2002. The Battle of the Mediterranean refers to the naval campaign between the Italian Royal Navy and the British Royal Navy. The Mediterranean was traditionally a focus of British maritime power, yet during WWII, British ships were out-numbered by the Italians. The British meant to retain the strategic points of Gibraltar, Malta, and the Suez Canal, thus holding open vital supply routes. Malta was especially important, as a needed stop for Allied convoys and a base from which to attack Axis shipping. A series of hard fought convoy battles ensured Malta's survival, and in September of 1943, the Italian fleet surrendered. Special features: Test your knowledge [interactive text feature]; Excerpts from other titles in the series [previews].

Battle for the Mediterranean -- Rivals in the Mediterranean -- Destruction of the French fleet -- Italy on the offensive -- Operation Compass -- Germany intervenes -- Fall of Greece -- Collapse in the Western desert -- Rommel retreats -- Malta survives.