When the Mediterranean Light Forces restructured in August, "Liverpool" was switched to the 3rd Cruiser Squadron, grouped with "Gloucester" and under the command of Rear-Admiral Edward de Faye Renouf. On 28 September, as part of Operation MB.5, "Liverpool" and "Gloucester" proceeded to Malta, transporting reinforcements, airmen, and RAF provisions. The cruisers—briefly protected by a force consisting of the battleships and "Warspite", aircraft carrier with her aircraft, cruisers , and the Australian , and 11 destroyers—came under repeated aerial attack. Both cruisers later detached from the naval force and reached the island on the 30th.