What Maltese called the Illustrious Blitz began when bomb stocks depleted during the attacks of 10 and 11 January were replenished and the Axis made a concerted effort to destroy Illustrious before she could be repaired. Illustrious and Essex were hit by an air raid on 16 January. Ten Macchi C.202s, ten CR.42s and twenty Bf110s escorted 44 Ju87s. Bombs exploding in Grand Harbor killed numerous fish collected after the raid and eaten by the besieged Maltese. Illustrious was not seriously damaged, but a bomb exploded in Essex's engine room killing 15 men and wounding 23 more. There was another heavy air raid on 17 January, and Illustrious was again hit by an air raid on 18 January. Illustrious was not damaged by the final major attack on 19 January. Illustrious departed Malta on 23 January; but her Fulmars remained for the defense of the island. Illustrious was able to complete additional repairs after reaching Alexandria on 25 January, but restoration of full combat effectiveness required a trip to United States shipyards.
Read more about this topic: Operation Excess