Image: SS-Ohio supported

Description: The damaged tanker OHIO, supported by Royal Navy destroyers, approaches Malta after an epic voyage across the Mediterranean as part of convoy WS21S (en:Operation Pedestal) to deliver fuel and other vital supplies to the besieged island. OHIO's back was broken and her engines failed during heavy German and Italian attacks. Because of the vital importance of her cargo (10,000 tons of fuel which would enable the aircraft and submarines based at Malta to return to the offensive), she could not be abandoned. In a highly unusual manoeuvre, two destroyers supported her to provide buoyancy and power for the remainder of the voyage. The OHIO's captain was subsequently awarded the George Cross. The OHIO itself was sunk outside the harbour after discharging its cargo.
Title: SS-Ohio supported
Credit: This is photograph GM 1480 from the collections of the Imperial War Museums.
Author: Cook H E (Lt), War Office official photographer
Permission: This work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain. This is because it is one of the following: It is a photograph taken prior to 1 June 1957; or It was published prior to 1972; or It is an artistic work other than a photograph or engraving (e.g. a painting) which was created prior to 1972. HMSO has declared that the expiry of Crown Copyrights applies worldwide (ref: HMSO Email Reply) More information. See also Copyright and Crown copyright artistic works.
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No