| UPDATED: 16:59, Wed, Feb 3, 2021 Link copied Sign up for our columnists plus the most commented stories driving conversation SUBSCRIBE Invalid email When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. During World War 2, the British Overseas Territory served a vital strategic hub in both the Atlantic Theatre and the Mediterranean Theatre, controlling a huge slice of naval traffic. Over the course of the war, Gibraltar came under aerial bombardment from the Vichy French and the Italian Royal Air Force based on Sardinia. Consequently, the decision to increase the strength of the Rock's defence with more military and naval personnel meant 13,500 Gibraltarians were evacuated to Casablanca in French Morocco.