I'm pretty sure the Feet Air arm had about 3 planes left at the end - those crappy biplanes that were used on the raid on the Italian fleet (can't remember the type) - were they called Faith, Hope & Charity?
You have it Mark.
At the onset of hostilities, it was deamed thag strategic Malta needed air defence from the impending Italian airforce. Three (in reality more) Gloster Gladiators were shipped and assembled. They were already obsolete even before any hostilities. Three were named Faith, Hope and Charity, sent to defend the island from the might of the squadrili Italiane. One didn't last long, one a little longer, and one survived. Despite being relieved by a sqaudron of Hurricanes, their endeavour and courage is still rememebered and celebrated. Subsequently tne squadron has always three aircraft named so, now suplemented by another named 'Desperation'. Last based in tne Falklands.
'In the face of all odds......'
A truer account of the desparate seige and defence from the air can be read from Geoffrey Wellan's 'First Light'. The remorseless pressure resulted in his complete mental and physical breakdown, shipped home. Even if you're not interested in aviation, this is a measured account of the experiences of a young lad as he journies through his training, into combat, and the highs and horrors. Determination
.
Over to you Mark.