[Route Map of Operation Baytown] - Chasing the German Army north after Italy's surrender.

British XIII Corps?

Publication Date: 1943

About this Item

This somewhat indeterminate map, marked SECRET, presents the path of an unconfirmed military unit across the straits of Messina and up through southern Italy. Text on the verso dictates eleven rules for the mission; including stops along the route, instructions for extra fuel and provisions, blackout regulations, and driving laws. Based on the information provided, the map was likely issued in preparation for Operation Baytown, part of the Allied amphibious invasion of Italy that took place in early September, 1943. The British XIII Corps was ordered to cross into the Italian mainland from Sicily in an effort to draw German forces away from the primary assault site near Salerno. Unfortunately, the defenders called their bluff, offering little resistance in their organized retreat to more defensible positions in the north. It's also worth noting the map was likely printed by an American engineering unit, as the text refers to gasoline (not petroleum) and the Secret marking has a British equivalency. Sheet Width (in) 8 Sheet Height (in) 13 Condition Description Creasing and wear along old fold lines. Small brown spots on either side of the sheet along the horizontal fold line. A route line has been drawn in green ink and there is some moderate soiling on the verso. About good condition overall.

Seller Inventory # W000861

Bibliographic Details

• Title: [Route Map of Operation Baytown] - Chasing the German Army north after Italy's surrender.
• Publication Date: 1943
• Condition: Very Good