WW2 ALLIED INTELLIGENCE "SECRET DEFENCE OVERPRINT" map for "RIVER ELBE CROSSING"

Description: A fantastic original WW2 "SECRET - DEFENCE OVERPRINT" map of the LAUENBURG area produced for the "RIVER ELBE CROSSING". It's an incredibly detailed map with a scale of just 1:25,000, and its purpose was to provide the exact known locations of all German defensive positions in the vicinity. The back of the map is therefore taken up with a large "DEFENCE LEGEND" explaining the various symbols used. The DEFENCE LEGEND has been compiled by the G-2 (Intelligence) Division, which was responsible for policy, planning and coordination of all intelligence matters within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF). It provided the Supreme Commander and SHAEF divisions with day-to-day operational intelligence, and furnished detailed research and intelligence data during the planning and operational stages of forthcoming operations. It also briefed the wider intelligence picture to the British War Office, the U.S. War Department, and the Combined Chiefs of Staff. Critically, the map is headed "EDITION OF 27th APRIL 1945", just a few days before the RIVER ELBE CROSSING began, so this would almost certainly have been the most up to date record of the German defences available going into Battle. (The operation was ultimately successful, heaping yet more pressure on the Germans, who surrendered to Montgomery a few days later at Luneburg Heath, just a few miles to the South.) Entitled "COMPOSITE SHEET - ELBE 'A'", the map covers an area which would have normally spanned the boundaries of FOUR standard sheets at this scale. COMPOSITE SHEETS (or "SPECIAL" SHEETS as they are sometimes known) are only produced for specific areas of interest that would otherwise be spread over the limits of two or maps. They are only produced for significant operations, and the secrecy level of this example shows that it was intended for higher ranking officers. In fact, it is very rare to see a DEFENCE OVERPRINT sheet which has been used in the field as this one clearly has. The only other examples of similar maps I have ever seen had been retained for official purposes and housed in military archives for decades before finally becoming declassified. As stated, this map has been used on the Battlefield, so it naturally has a variety of marks and wear from service use. As such, it has a great historic feel to it and would look great preserved in a frame for future generations. A tear to the lower right corner has been carefully restored to the rear using a specialist acid free (non-yellowing) archive repair tape of the kind used by museums and libraries etc. This area is shown from both sides in the images provided. Measures 62cm x 50cm. Will be shipped as per its existing fold lines. Please see my other WW2 (and WW1) maps, documents, photos etc. UK postage by Special Delivery. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OVERSEAS BUYERS - International Shipping will be carried out by eBay's Global Shipping Programme (GSP), who set their own postage rates, deal with all invoices and do not routinely combine shipping. (This is calculated by eBay's automated systems and is completely beyond my control.) Please do not buy multiple items sold through GSP if you are not prepared to pay the shipping costs quoted by eBay in advance. (Seller's Ref - TNT0623)

Price: 249.99 GBP

Location: Ipswich

End Time: 2024-09-13T14:37:11.000Z

Shipping Cost: 42.88 GBP