The Martin Maryland 167 was a light bomber designed by the Glenn L. Martin Company in response to the light-bomber requirements issued by the United States Army Air Corps in 1938. Ultimately the aircraft was not approved for operational use in the United States, instead seeing service in the Second World War with France and later Great Britain. The Maryland 167 was a twin-engine, all-metal aircraft with a three-member crew consisting of the pilot, navigator/bomb aimer, and a radio-operator/gunner. A total of 215 aircraft were sold to France, with all but 75 delivered before the Fall of France in June 1940. The remaining 75 aircraft were taken over by the British, known as the Maryland MkI. These were followed by an order of 150 Maryland MkII, resulting in a total of 225 Martin Maryland aircraft in British service.

The Maryland first entered service with the Royal Air Force in the No. 431 Flight, established in Malta on 6 September 1940 as a reconnaissance unit. The main role of the No. 431 Flight was maritime reconnaissance and photography, playing a crucial role in the success of the Battle of Taranto. Daily reconnaissance flights from Malta over Taranto commenced in early October 1940. These culminated in the 11-12 November 1940 Battle of Taranto, which shifted the balance of power in the Mediterranean. The first photographic evidence of the damage to the Italian fleet was captured by a Maryland aircraft from Malta the next day. In early January 1941, the No.431 Flight became the No.69 Squadron, which continued to conduct reconnaissance missions from Malta and played a vital role in the drive to eliminate Axis shipping in the central Mediterranean.

Martin Maryland

Dive Site, Delicate and Protected Marine Flora

Open to Divers through Registered Dive Centres and Clubs

Maximum Depth: 70 metres

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