Title: WW2 Walcheren assault—Secret—Defence Overprint—Operation Infatuate Oct 1944 map Description: Holland 1:25,000 Middelburg—Sheet 14 N.W.—Second Edition—Secret—Defence Overpint edition of 27 Oct 44 [Print code 10M/9/44/3RCE/5201]. A rare Second World War Defence Overprint map of Middelburg and Walcheren, dated 27 October 1944; issued four days before the Allied landings on the island as part of Operation Infatuate. Overprinted “SECRET”, the sheet records German strongpoints and gun batteries, inundated polders, landing stages, supply points and suspected minefields. Issued during the climactic phase of the Battle of the Scheldt (September–November 1944), the map reflects the strategic urgency of opening Antwerp. Although the city had fallen in early September, its port remained unusable while German forces controlled the Scheldt estuary. As part of the Atlantic Wall, Walcheren had been transformed into “Fortress Walcheren”, described as the strongest concentration of defences the Germans had constructed. Hitler ordered the 15th Army to hold the Scheldt “at all costs”, and heavy coastal batteries dominated the approaches to Antwerp. The Allied prioritisation of Operation Market Garden had allowed elements of the 15th Army to withdraw and reinforce Walcheren and South Beveland. On 9 October 1944 Montgomery directed the Canadian First Army to give absolute priority to clearing the Scheldt. The amphibious assaults of Operation Infatuate began on South Beveland (26 October), followed by landings on Walcheren and North Beveland on 1 and 2 November—within days of this map’s issue. This overprint captures the operational geography at the critical moment before the 1 November landings. A powerful documentary survival from the campaign that secured Antwerp and opened up a critical Allied supply artery into north-west Europe. . Geographical Section General Staff (War Office). Partially revised from Airphotos Sep 44 (1 RCE). Published 1944 - Edition of 27 Oct 1944. Air photo information as at 24 Oct 1944. Ground information (GS) as at 21 Oct 1944. Large operational War Office military intelligence map showing the German defences in the vicinity of Middelburg. Size 50 x 62 cm | 19.5 x 24.0 inches. Condition: Good; suitable for framing. Light toning on reverse consistent with operational use during Operation Infatuate. Light spotting. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. If the print has been scanned in black and white, any foxing or spotting highlighted in this statement may appear brown on the actual print. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. This is a folding map. The Defence overprint Legend is printed on the reverse side - see second image. Tags: 1944, Holland, Map, Middelburg, Netherlands, Second World War, Walcheren, War Office
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