RARE WW2 SECRET INTELLIGENCE map "CATANZARO" (ITALY) for POSSIBLE COMMANDO RAID?

Description: Original WW2 "SECRET" INTELLIGENCE map of ITALY entitled "CATANZARO" which features a number of highlighted locations in and around the coastal town. Produced in APRIL 1943. It's a very intriguing map which at first glance appears to be some kind of bombing target map. However, it has a number of different characteristics which are more reminiscent of maps I have seen produced for Commando Raids. Firstly, it identifies two beach areas either side of the town and describes their depths measured from the shoreline and the general angle of incline. Each beach is labelled "SAND BEACH, 40yds to 100yds. GENTLE SLOPE". Obviously, this information would be of no importance whatsoever unless there were plans to come ashore for some reason. In addition, while the red overprinted information includes 'Coastal Defence' and 'Anti-Aircraft' batteries (something perhaps normally highlighted for Allied shipping and aircraft) there is also a barbed wire entanglement marked, and Machine Gun positions marked on the coastline pointing out to sea - both of which would be of little concern to bombers or large naval craft. Another compelling factor is the offset grid. This is something often employed in maps created for specific operations, usually for reasons of easier orientation on the ground, although in this case the grid is not actually that far from being aligned with 'true north'. Addressing the other information highlighted in the black and red overprints, attention is drawn to the presence of a triple junction in the rail infrastructure. There is clearly some industrial activity nearby, some of it not confidently identified in the intelligence, but there is enough evidence to suggest an interest in the workings of the railway. With it being so close to the sea it could easily have been considered a suitable target for a small unit to come ashore. 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. The light blue 'base map' has been produced from aerial reconnaissance photographs and is marked "SECRET". The overprinted information is also 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. 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. The GHQ Middle East ink stamps show that it was officially retained the same month it was printed. Measures 46 x 31cm. 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 - ST)

Price: 134.99 GBP

Location: Ipswich

End Time: 2024-11-13T15:37:11.000Z

Shipping Cost: 33.06 GBP