Title: Operational D-Day map of Gold & Juno landing beaches—German defences—May 1944 Description: Cruelly—Defences—Sheet No. 37/18 S.E.—GSGS 4347 [Defence overprint print code 5/44/13MRS/1265]—TOP SECRET until issued for briefing to ground troops, thereafter SECRET. A scarce Allied Operation Overlord operational invasion intelligence map of the Gold and Juno landing beaches on the Normandy coast, covering the sector between Arromanches and Bernières-sur-Mer / Courseulles-sur-Mer. Blue and red overprinting delineates German defensive positions, derived from tactical intelligence compiled from aerial photography in the weeks preceding D-Day. The sheet identifies coastal strongpoints and defended localities, anti-tank obstacles and inundations, road classifications, bridge capacities, suspected soft ground, and other engineer-relevant details essential for ground operations. Prominently stamped “TOP SECRET until issued for briefing ground troops; thereafter SECRET”, the map was prepared specifically for use during the landings of 6 June 1944. Gold Beach (the western sector, between Arromanches and La Rivière) was assaulted by British XXX Corps, advancing west to secure Arromanches and push inland. Juno Beach (east of La Rivière) was attacked by the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division and 2nd Armoured Brigade, and No. 46 and 48 (Royal Marine) Commando battalions, who encountered determined resistance from the German 716th Infantry Division. Large folded sheet with light toning and handling marks consistent with operational use in theatre. A striking surviving example of wartime intelligence cartography at the operational edge of the largest seaborne invasion in history. . Geographical Section General Staff (War Office). Compiled from Air photographs on a control provided by existing French Triangulation. Published 1944 - Second edition April 1944—Defence overprint information as at May 1944. Large operational War Office military intelligence map showing the German defences along Gold and Juno landing beaches and their hinterland. Size 54 x 71 cm | 21.5 x 28.0 inches. Condition: Good; suitable for framing. Blemishes and light soiling consistent with operational use in active service during Operation Overlord. 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. The Defence overprint Legend is printed on the reverse side - see second image. Tags: 1944, Calvados, France | Gaul, German, Map, Second World War, War Office
Reserve: $5,144.00
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