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 . A series of hard fought convoy battles ( 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 .