Today in World War II History—March 23, 1941 POSTED: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 by Sarah Sundin Carrier HMS Illustrious under Luftwaffe Ju 87 attack in Grand Harbor, Malta, 24 Jan 1941 (UK government photo) 80 Years Ago—Mar. 23, 1941: Heavy Luftwaffe attack on Malta leads the RAF to withdraw bombers and flying boats.