WW2 Silk Escape Map

[alan8376]

Sorry,
Where on the site might threads about silk maps be to see if anyone collects them? I want to see if the one I have is genuine!

Thanks
Alan

[GasMasksUK]

the best way to find out is to post pictures if it on the forum


Thanks

Danny

[alan8376]

My friend has recently been given this item. WW2 (Zones of Fance) Silk Escape Map.

I believe they were issued to Aircrew to help them escape should they be shot down. There must have been thousands issed during the war, this is the first I have seen.



Any comments please!

Alan

[alan8376]

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Allan, the info you have is correct. Used by both Airmen and also Paratroopers to a smaller extent. A Veteran friend of mine still has his issued for the Arnhem drop.

You can find them for all theatres of war. The most popular ones are always the type which cover NW Europe.

They continued to make them post war too.

I have never actually bought one of these. I can recall them selling in the 1970's for £4.50 each

Cheers, Ade.

[ILH]

Hi Allan,

This method of printing on silk was invented during the Boer War- for intsructions rather than maps.

Yours looks genuine- damage to edges and browning of material- consistent with its age.

I haven't seen this particular map before.
Is there anything on the other side?- they were usually doublesided.

jim.

[alan8376]

Jim, Nothing on the reverse!

Alan

[OrangSoldier]

Hi !

I have also such a silk-map.

Mine shows Norway, Sweden, parts of the USSR, Germany, Finland and Denmark.

These maps were printed on silk because of two reasons:
The paratrooper/pilot could use it as a shawl. So he always had it with him which is essential for emergency situations.
The other reason is that it did not make any noise when it was unfolded an folded again. That is also very important if you're moving secretly.

Best wishes,
0.S.

[alan8376]

Hi O.S,
Here are another 2 good reasons:

1. It didn't go soggy when the map got wet.
2. It could be folded into a small space in the jacket or boots and not easily be found during a search.

Alan

[gretza]

The guy who can contact through his site: Paratrooper-Parachutist can tell you more about silk maps.