BRIEFED to ATTACK

Inscribed, signed and dated by

Air Marshal Sir Hugh Lloyd CBE BB MC DFC
3.X.68

Hodder & Stoughton First edition 1949.  231 pages and well illustrated with photographs and maps.

A Fine condition hardback book in bright blue boards with silver gilt titles and classical Hercules design on the front cover. Clean, bright and tight with no foxing . The scarce, unclipped dustjacket is in Good condition with some loss to the top and bottom of the spine and corners. It looks presentable in its protective cover. NB. The colour Orde portrait above is for illustration only.

‘Briefed to Attack’ is a valuable and authoritative account of the Malta Story from the author’s appointment as A.O.C. in June 1941 until he left a year later by which time the situation was easing.  It is a tremendous story of great courage against heavy odds and Malta not only covered itself with honour in defence, but carried the war right into the vitals of the enemy. The book is a great narrative of noble endeavour, written simply without  technical jargon by the man who personally directed these operations. 

Hugh Pughe Lloyd (1894 – 1981) had a distinguished career spanning both World Wars. Before WWI, he worked as a telegraphist in Worcestershire. When war broke out, he enlisted in the Royal Engineers, serving as a signaller on the Western Front and sustaining injuries. After recovering, he joined the Royal Flying Corps  in 1917 winning the MC & DFC.

Lloyd’s post-war career saw him rise through the ranks of the RAF. He served in various capacities and at the start of WWII he commanded 9 Squadron (Wellingtons) and then RAF Marham. His leadership during WWII was marked by his improvisational skills and his unorthodox approach, particularly as Air Officer Commanding in Malta. There, he effectively disrupted Axis supply lines across the Mediterranean, though he often had to “hijack” reinforcements due to the intense pressure on the island.

After Malta, Lloyd served in Egypt and later commanded the newly formed North West African Coastal Air Forces, which played a crucial role in the Mediterranean theatre. He was later involved in planning operations against Japan, though the war ended before these plans could be fully realized.

Post-war, Lloyd held senior positions, including heading Bomber Command. He retired in 1950 as an Air Chief Marshal.  His career is remembered for his strategic insight, adaptability, and leadership in challenging circumstances.

A highly collectable copy of this scarce signed authoritative account of the Malta story.