
Description
Exercise Snow Drop'. British military exercise map produced in April 1953, reproduced by 42 Survey Engineer Regiment from GSGS 4242 sheets 3, 4, 7, and 8 under the authority of the Geographical Section, General Staff. Originally issued RESTRICTED and later stamped as declassified. Exercise Snow Drop was a Cold War airborne and ground-forces training exercise conducted in Cyprus, then still a British Crown Colony, intended to test rapid deployment and manoeuvre of British forces during the early phase of the Cold War. The map covers western Cyprus between Morphou Bay and the approaches to Nicosia, at a scale suited to brigade-level planning and movement control. Conducted two years before the Cyprus Emergency (1955–59), the exercise reflects Britain’s continued emphasis on conventional and airborne operations rather than internal security. While specific units are not named, such exercises typically involved airborne/paratroop forces, infantry, engineers, and RAF transport, with the Royal Engineers responsible for survey. The map offers a revealing glimpse into British Cold War operational planning and training shortly before the island’s transition to an insurgency theatre. Since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Northern Cyprus, the map area is divided between Greek southern Cyprus and Turkish northern Cyprus, with the UN Green line running horizontally across the map. . Reproduced by 42 Survey Engineer Regiment from GSGS 4242 Sheets 3, 4, 7, 8. Published April 1953. Mid 20th century British military operational map, marked Restricted/Declassified. Size 64 x 90 cm | 25.0 x 35.0 inches. Condition: Good; suitable for framing. Edges strengthened verso. Manuscripted annotations and Cancellation and Declassification ink stamps. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. This is a folding map. There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is plain. Tags: 1953, Cyprus, Geographical Section General Staff, Map, Military maps, War Office
Reserve: $1,080.00
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $55.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from United Kingdom
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Reserve: $1,080.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Cyprus—Cold War Airborne Assault Exercise Snowdrop—Restricted—April 1953 map
Estimate $1,500-$2,000
Starting Price
$750
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Antique Maps of Europe
Mar 06, 2026 6:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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