Line by squadrons operationally controlled by Air Headquarters, Western Desert, 20–24 March 1943. Fortress Europe 1940–1944. For operations by aircraft based in the British Isles against targets in Germany, Italy and enemy-occupied Europe, from the fall of France to the invasion of Normandy. France And Germany 1944–1945. For operations over France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany during the liberation of north-west Europe and the advance into the enemy's homeland, from the start of air action preparatory to the invasion of France to VE Day, April 1944 to 8 May 1945. France And Low Countries 1939–1940. For operations in France and the Low Countries between the outbreak of war and the fall of France, 3 September 1939 to 25 June 1940. German Ports 1940–1945. For bombardment of the German ports by aircraft of Bomber and Coastal Commands. Greece 1940–1941. For operations over Albania and Greece during the Italian and German invasion, whether carried out by squadrons based in Greece or operating from external bases, 28 October 1940 to 30 April 1941. Gothic Line. For operations in support of the breaching of the Gothic Line, August to September 1944. Gustav Line. For squadrons participating in the operations against the Gustav Line, May 1944. Habbaniya. For units engaged in the defence of RAF Habbaniya, 30 April to 6 May 1941. Home Defence 1940–1945. For interception operations after the Battle of Britain, in defence of Great Britain and Northern Ireland against enemy aircraft and flying bombs, November 1940 to 1945. Invasion Ports 1940. For bombing operations against German-occupied Channel ports, to dislocate enemy preparations for the invasion of England. Iraq 1941. For operations in the defeat of Rashid Ali's rebellion, 2–31 May 1941. Italy 1943–1945. For operations over Italy. Madagascar 1942. For operations by squadrons of the South African Air Force during and after the landings in Madagascar. Malaya 1941–1942. For operations against the Japanese in Malaya, Sumatra and Java from 8 December 1941 to 12 March 1942. Malta 1940–1942. For squadrons participating in defensive, offensive and reconnaissance operations from Malta during the period of enemy action against the island, 10 June 1940 to 31 December 1942. Manipur 1944. For operations in support of the besieged forces at Imphal, March to July 1944. Mediterranean 1940–1943. For operations over Italy, Sicily and the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas by aircraft based in the Mediterranean area between 10 June 1940 and 30 June 1943. Meuse Bridges. For