A series of hard fought convoy battles ( such as the Second Battle of Sirte in March , Operations `` Harpoon '' and `` Vigorous '' in June and Operation `` Pedestal '' in August ) , ensured Malta 's survival until the Allies regained the advantage in November 1942 .
A series of hard fought convoy battles ( Second Battle of Sirte in March , Operations Harpoon and Vigorous in June , and Operation Pedestal in August ) were victories for the Axis but ensured Malta 's survival , until the Allies regained the advantage in November 1942 .