{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-airborne-zones-of-france-d-day-rayon-escape-map-with-miniature-compass-dated-march-1944-is9-wea-22-1-2-x-24","title":"Original U.S. WWII Airborne “Zones of France” D-Day Rayon Escape Map with Miniature Compass - Dated March 1944 - IS9 WEA - 22 1\/2\" x 24\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a rare original WWII “Zones of France” escape and evasion map dated March 1944, complete with an accompanying miniature compass. Produced immediately before D-Day, this colorful cloth map was intended for Allied personnel operating behind enemy lines and is particularly associated with American and British airborne troops, aircrew, special operations personnel, and intelligence agents involved in the liberation of France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe map is titled: \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZONES OF FRANCE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is marked as the second edition and printed at a scale of 1:2,000,000, equal to approximately one centimeter for every 20 kilometers. The lower marking identifies it as an Intelligence School No. 9 Western European Area production dated March 1944:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI.S.9 (W.E.A.)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMAR. 44\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Australian War Memorial identifies the “Zones of France” map as a second-edition MI9 escape and evasion map printed in multiple colors at the same 1:2,000,000 scale and dated March 1944.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntelligence School No. 9, commonly known as IS9, was the British organization responsible for developing escape and evasion equipment and assisting Allied personnel operating in or attempting to escape from occupied territory. The Western European Area section produced this map specifically for use in France during the period leading up to the Allied invasion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe map illustrates France and its surrounding regions, with roads, cities, railways, geographic features, borders, and the wartime administrative zones clearly identified. The title refers to the division of France following the 1940 Armistice, including the occupied and formerly unoccupied zones. A surviving example in the David Rumsey Historical Map Collection is identified as a second-edition escape map issued before D-Day on March 4, 1944.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese maps were distributed to personnel who faced a serious risk of becoming isolated behind German lines, including Allied aircrew, Special Operations Executive agents, Jedburgh teams, Office of Strategic Services operational groups, and American and British paratroopers. The Eisenhower Foundation notes that the March 1944 map was issued to IS9’s Western European section for American airborne troops and special forces working behind enemy lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaps of this type are commonly called “silk maps,” although most WWII examples were actually printed on rayon or rayon-acetate fabric. The material was thin, lightweight, quiet when handled, resistant to tearing, and far less vulnerable to water than an ordinary paper map. It could be folded into a very small space, hidden inside clothing or equipment, or carried around the neck without adding significant weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example measures approximately 22 1\/2\" by 24\". The colors remain vivid, and the printed text and geographic details are still readily discernible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe map shows clear evidence of wartime or period use. It has been heavily folded, with pronounced fold lines across the material. Several edges are folded, frayed, and weakened, and there is scattered wear consistent with repeated carrying and handling. These features give the map an excellent service-used appearance but also make the fabric unsuitable for continued folding or unsupported hanging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA miniature compass accompanies the map. Small concealment and escape compasses were important components of Allied evasion equipment, allowing isolated personnel to orient themselves while using compact cloth maps. The compass was reportedly found or stored with this map, although there is no documentation confirming that the two pieces were originally issued together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of the fragile edges and heavy fold lines, this map would benefit greatly from professional conservation framing. It should be supported across its full surface and protected from direct sunlight to preserve the fabric and vivid printed colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEscape maps were among the most practical pieces of equipment supplied to Allied personnel during WWII. They were intended not only for prisoners attempting to escape but also for aircrew, paratroopers, intelligence agents, and special forces trying to evade capture before reaching friendly territory. A National Air and Space Museum account describes an Allied airman who carried a cloth escape map while flying a D-Day mission over France, illustrating their direct connection with the invasion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe March 1944 date, IS9 Western European Area marking, strong colors, extensive service wear, and accompanying miniature compass make this an especially evocative example of Allied D-Day escape and evasion equipment. It would form an excellent centerpiece in a U.S. Airborne, special operations, military aviation, intelligence, or Normandy invasion display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45386318544965,"sku":"ONSV25OAC055","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25OAC055__01.jpg?v=1784716037","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-airborne-zones-of-france-d-day-rayon-escape-map-with-miniature-compass-dated-march-1944-is9-wea-22-1-2-x-24","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}