RARE WW2 SECRET INTELLIGENCE COLLATION MAP - "PORT of CIVITAVECCHIA" (ITALY)

Description: Original WW2 "SECRET" INTELLIGENCE COLLATION map of ITALY entitled "PORT of CIVITAVECCHIA" which features a number of highlighted locations in and around this vital coastal town (around 35 miles from ROME). Compiled at the highly detailed scale of 1:5,000 in APRIL 1943, and printed the following month. It's a very intriguing sheet which, at first glance, could easily be mistaken for a bombing target map. However, it has a number of features which are more reminiscent of maps I have seen produced for Commando Raids. For example, despite no large scale amphibious assaults planned for this part of the coast, the portion of the map covering the sea is tightly packed with naval 'depth soundings' information, something which would be more in keeping with 'X' CRAFT (midget submarines) or very small surface boats. In addition, the "SECRET" red overprinted information includes suspected Machine Gun positions on the end of the outer harbour wall (marked as red arrows), which would obviously be of little concern to incoming bombers or large naval craft further out to sea. Addressing some of the information highlighted in the black, red and purple overprints, attention is drawn to the layout of Civitavecchia's rail infrastructure. There is clearly much military and industrial activity nearby, and with it being so close to the sea these could easily have been suitable targets for small units coming ashore. Reference to 'strong points' and 'slit trenches' in the key are, again, much more in keeping with the concerns of troops on the ground. The light blue 'base map' (itself marked "NOT TO BE PUBLISHED") has a PURPLE 'layer' of information produced from aerial reconnaissance photographs. The RED overprinted information is marked "SECRET" and was supplied by the various military branches, HQ and 'I.U's (Intelligence Units) referenced in the compilation footnotes in the margin. To my knowledge, no such raid ever took place, so this map was likely to have been created as part of a wider assessment of possible targets. For example, similar missions were carried out by the 'Special Boat Squadron' on the Italian island of Sardinia the following month as part of Operation Hawthorn. It's a fascinating map which would have been produced in very small numbers for a limited audience. As such, it's a rare example which has remained in excellent condition due to its retention in the official archives. It is one of a number of similar sheets released from a British military map depository a few decades ago, hence the reference number in the top right corner. Measures 74cm x 58cm. Will be sent carefully rolled in a cardboard tube. Please see my other WW2 (and WW1) maps including several more of Italy. (Seller's Ref - ST0824)

Price: 174.99 GBP

Location: Ipswich

End Time: 2024-09-18T12:25:02.000Z

Shipping Cost: 34.46 GBP