Benito Mussolini's decision not to attempt an invasion of Malta in June 1940, has been called the worst Axis mistake of World War II. Italian generals overestimated Malta's defenses. If the Italians had invaded the colony then, it would have been impossible for the Royal Navy to re-supply the garrison. Adolf Hitler was shocked that Mussolini had wasted time in formally declaring war on France and the British Empire on 10 June 1940, instead suggesting Mussolini should have invaded Malta after first launching a surprise attack on the British fleet at Alexandria.
The average age of a pilot during the Siege of Malta was 21.
This movie was not well received in Malta, as the country was still under British occupation.
Alec Guinness was generally felt to be miscast in this film.
Spits with bubble canopies and Griffon engines came later in the war.