WORLD WAR II - D-DAY LANDINGS Archive of 'Confidential' operational instructions, 'Top Secret' maps, and aerial photographs relating to Operation Neptune, comprising: TOP SECRET MEMORANDA 'Confidential... No.74/8. Memorandum. Force 'G' Standing Orders', typescript, approximately 60 leaves (most recto only), a few pencil markings, brown printed wrappers ('Confidential... Copy No. 191'), small folio, Office of Naval Commander, Force 'G', 1 March 1944 'Top Secret... Operation Neptune - Naval Communication Orders', typescript, upwards of 140 leaves (printed recto only), printed correction slips tipped-in, quite a few manuscript amendments in blue ink, confirmation of amendments signed off on 31 May and 4 June 1944 inside upper wrapper, opening leaf worn with some loss to 5 lines of text, brown printed wrappers ('Top Secret' and marked 'Copy No. 1839'), small folio, Office of Allied Naval Commander-in-Chief, 10 April 1944 'Top Secret... Force 'G' Orders for Operation 'Neptune'. Communication Orders. (ONCO/EAST/G)', typescript, approximately 70 leaves (printed recto only), title printed 'Top Secret' and 'Copy No. 259', a few manuscript amendments in blue ink, upper leaf frayed at fore-edge and loose, without wrappers, small folio, Office of Naval Commander, Force 'G', 20 May 1944 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS A group of 6 aerial photographs of the Normandy beaches, including 4 bird's-eye views showing defences, and 2 from above showing coastline, gelatin silver prints, worn and creased, photo references and dates within the negative, 240 x 245mm. (4), 225 x 185mm. (2), 19 and 22 May 1944 MAPS 'Tilly-sur-Seulles... Going Map... Top Secret until issued for briefing troops; thereafter Secret... Sheet No. 37/16 S.W.', printed in red and black, 550 x 710mm., Edition of June 1943 'Defences. Bayeux. Bigot Copy No. [stamped] 718. Information as at 19 May 44... Stop Press Edition of 20 May 1944... Top Secret...', printed in red, blue and purple, 3 annotations in red pencil, 550 x 710mm., 20 May 1944 'Defences. Ryes. Bigot Copy No. [stamped] 957. Information as at 19 May 44... Stop Press Edition of 20 May 1944... Top Secret...', printed in red, blue and purple, 550 x 710mm., 20 May 1944 'Isigny. WHeet 6E/6', printed in colours, coloured pencil annotations delineating Omaha and Utah sections, and the landing beaches (marked 'A' to 'G' in Omaha section', with pencil marking locating Mulberry harbour 'A' and locating the position of 'Mace' [probably H.M.S. Empire Mace] off-shore between 13 and 24 June, trimmed, 465 x 660mm., [1944] Four other maps, all issued by the War Office, of St. Lo, Aunay-Sur-Odon, Torigni-Sur-Vire, and Cherbourg-Valognes, the last mentioned with landing beaches marked in red pencil, [1943] 'Naval Messages', upwards of 50 typed carbon copies, mostly relating to H.M.S. Hopetoun (position, manouevres and operations including mention of 'G Force', weather, etc., on pink paper, filing holes, some stapled in batches, occasional rust spots, small 4to, mostly February-March 1944, sold as an archive (group) Footnotes: Confidential and top secret D-day memoranda, maps issued by the War Office, detailing defences, tank traps, inaccessible landscapes, etc., and aerial photographs - from the collection of a signals officer active on the day. Provenance: John Blamire-Brown (1915-2008); by descent to the present owner, who states that his father, a solicitor by trade, 'was called up at the start of the war and had served with the Royal Marines rising to the rank of Captain. He was trained and worked as a signals officer throughout his service. He met my mother whilst she was in the Wrens and she was involved, as a secretary, with typing D-Day instructions so a real family effort for D-Day. My father explained that he was on the ship during the D-Day landings but I know little else about his role. He was proficient at morse code and would often tap out messages to me and my brother as young children.' This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: • • Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing