Original WWII Allied MI9 Silk Escape & Evasion Map 43/C–43/D – France, Germany, Belgium, Holland & Switzerland

Original WWII MI9 Series 43 silk escape and evasion map, double-sided with Sheets 43/C and 43/D. This type of lightweight textile map was produced by the British War Office for Allied personnel who might find themselves behind enemy lines. The Australian War Memorial identifies this exact C/D configuration as a 1943 War Office map specifically produced by MI9 for escape and evasion purposes. 

Sheet 43/C covers Holland, Belgium, northeastern France, and western/central Germany. Sheet 43/D covers southeastern France, southwestern Germany and Switzerland and incorporates the detailed “Belgium & Germany (New Frontier)” inset at 1:250,000 scale. The primary maps are printed at 1:1,000,000 scale. 

These maps were designed to be folded into a very small package and carried by Allied aircrew and other personnel. Unlike conventional paper maps, the textile material was durable, relatively moisture resistant and could be unfolded and handled quietly. Examples of this C/D map are documented as having been carried by Allied airborne personnel as well as RAF, RCAF and U.S. personnel. 

This example remains complete and exceptionally presentable, retaining strong multicolor printing throughout. Both sides display clearly with detailed roads, railways, cities, international boundaries, terrain, waterways and other navigation information. The original fold lines remain evident from wartime-style storage, with expected age and handling wear but no major losses apparent in the photographs.

An outstanding piece of WWII aviation and escape-and-evasion equipment with direct historical connections to Allied operations over occupied Europe. These maps make especially impressive displays alongside WWII flight equipment, airborne material, survival equipment or an aircrew grouping.

FREE SHIPPING!