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As a final note on this, it also wasn't so much about the control of Ottoman WARSHIP movement (mostly galleys/galleots) but LINES OF SUPPLY.
While the Knights held Malta, the Ottomans COULDN'T field any kind of large force west of it. Because there was no way to effectively supply it. The Knights could pirate or destroy any attempt to do so.
This was why the Spanish were so supportive - because it hugely limited the threat of an Ottoman/French alliance AND allowed them to try and expand (ultimately without success) into North Africa.
In truce "history repeats itself" style, this is EXACTLY how the British use Malta to fuck with the Germans/Italians in WW2 as well.
And why they move heaven and earth to lift the siege of the island in 1942
And why they move heaven and earth to lift the siege of the island in 1942
That they manage to do so is the result of a series of extraordinary acts of maritime skill and courage by both the Royal Navy and the British & Commonwealth merchant marine in the 'do or die' relief attempt, Operation Pedestal.
But that's a story for next week. 😎
But that's a story for next week. 😎
