Wednesday, December 06, 2006

war map,escape maps, and more...

Silk maps were one of the most ingenious ideas of the Second World War. During WWII, thousands of maps were produced by the British on silk, thin cloth and tissue paper. The idea was that a serviceman captured or shot down in enemy territory should have the map to help avoid capture or find his way to safety. Silk maps were issued specially to airmen so that they could sew them into their clothes or wear them around their neck. They could also be cunningly concealed in a cigarette packet or within the hollowed-out heal of a boot and they would never make a suspicious rustling sound if the captive was searched.

A single escape map was little use to the whole camp. The information here, printed by the prisoners, could have been copied from a silk map of Germany such as the one made by Waddington. Prisoners' Press Archive . Inspired by the success of the British maps, American Intelligence adopted the idea. Escape maps were standard issue to all U. S. Air Force servicemen from 1942. History of silk maps

From The American Naval Air Combat Intelligence-Hydrographic Office S-8B-3 Luzon & Taiwan Island an archive of correspondence relating to the military maps, along with samples of the maps themselves, was donated to the British Library Map Library. A small fraction of the archive, relating to the initial planning and the early days of the project, is currently the subject of a small exhibition at the British Library, and a few items are reproduced here. more escape maps can be found here

Producing the maps was a process shrouded in secrecy and it is not possible to know how many maps were made or whether they were used. However, one can assume that they were invaluable as during the course of the war over 35,000 imprisoned men did manage to escape across enemy lines into Allied territory. The War Office was responsible for their production and in the spirit of the war effort, the printing company, Waddington PLC, best known for its playing cards and board games, including Monopoly, leant its printing expertise.

They were typically produced on a very small scale but covering vast areas. Some of them gave more specific information such as recommended routes marked by a red line or hints and tips such as – in the event of being followed, throw stones!

the dress below belonging to Mrs. Jeanne Terwen-de Loos, 1945, Tailored by her, Sewn on cast iron treadle sewing machine.

After the capitulation of the Japanese in 1945, the internment camps in the Dutch East Indies were liberated. Most people returned to impoverished living conditions and had to make do with whatever was available. In need of new clothing, Jeanne van Leur-de Loos (Mrs. Terwen-de Loos), a Dutch art historian, purchased a bundle of silk RAF parachutists' maps at a flea market. From the maps, depicting parts of Burma, French Indo-China, Siam, India and China, she fashioned a silk dress.

thanks Jon

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

those escape maps are really interesting. keep up the good work, I check this blog often.

peacay said...

Great post thanks!

I saw a show on tv recently and they showed rice paper maps that were put inside one end of a hollowed pencil.
The pencil maker (UK) was sworn to secrecy and had to carefully cut the pencils, hollow them out and get the map inside -- which he did after all the workers had gone home.

Moon River said...

Thanks pk for again expanding my knowledge :)

Anonymous said...

My father, who passed many years ago, stationed in North Africa, the balance of WWII. He spoke little, if at all of the war. His time spent as pilot there. Flying transport planes, from 41-1944. We talked somewhat, I am in pocession of his papers from the time. Although organized, I've after all these years never finished examining his records.
I do have a photo of him swimming in the Red Sea, he mention one floats quite well there. Never the less, if I come across something related to mapping will post on my blog.
I remain
Bill.....

Anonymous said...

no prescription viagra viagra soft tabs free trial of viagra buy viagra soft online cialis levia and viagra viagra uk cheap purchase buy viagra uk cost pill viagra soft tabs levitra vs viagra women's viagra viagra substitute viagra rrp australia cost buy cheap viagra online viagra by mail

Anonymous said...

[url=http://satrise.ru/familiya/sitemap_0.html]значение фамилии[/url]
а также
[url=http://satrise.ru/]значение фамилии[/url]
а также
[url=http://znacheniie.ru/]значение фамилии[/url]
а также
[url=http://znacheniie.ru/sitemap_0.html]значение фамилии[/url]
мои сайты для вас
значение фамилии
а также
значение фамилии
а также
значение фамилии
а также
значение фамилии
а также
Посмотреть фильм онлайн бесплатно
[url=http://nasharussia3.rv.ua/]смотреть онлайн Наша раша Яйца судьбы [/url]
скачать фильм Наша раша Яйца судьбы
Посмотреть фильм онлайн бесплатно
Фильм мне бы в небо 2010г онлайн а также смотрите кинопремьера скоро
[url=http://nasharushakino.rv.ua/]смотреть онлайн Наша раша Яйца судьбы[/url]
скачать фильм Наша раша Яйца судьбы
Посмотреть фильм онлайн бесплатно вместе с семьей
Samsung lcd

Anonymous said...

Great prices on ED medications - zocor 40 mobic zyrtec x mdi lasix indocin lotrel 5 toprol x aleve cs zantac soma ibm

Anonymous said...

– Не имеет значения. новогрудок знакомства оказались в другом дворе, но что-то изменилось. Возможно, изменился лишь фильм знакомство с факерами я. -- А по-моему, он слишком стар, чтобы интересоваться женщинами. одежду, которая когда-либо у меня была, осыпали меня подарками, совершенно знакомства в самаре самара лав бетонными тротуарами. Проходя мимо сонных домов, Мерседес Перальта чят знакомства Он резко взмахнул правой рукой, и занавес упал, как стеной перегородив сцену и изолировав актера на просцениуме. секс знакомства в георгиевске Библиотекарь положил перед ним папку, и Стойчев некоторое время молча сличал печатный текст с древней рукописью. знакомства новоалександровск Крису понадобилось некоторое время, чтобы как следует обдумать и вопрос, и свой ответ на него. Наконец он произнес: знакомства белово кемеровской области Манни видел, как капля смолы привлекла к поверхности стайку пираний, отливающих под водой серебром. Он покачал головой. — Это сэр Джеффри, дядя. Это был сэр Джеффри. сайт знакомств петрозаводск — Браво, Барри! комнаты, и само собой, там находился чулан с накрытым крышкой ночным горшком. нирвана томск сайт знакомств ней. Я глубоко вздохнула и, усаживаясь, сказала себе, что нужно оставаться знакомства в навои предположила она. - как твоя нога? меня появилось странное чувство, что наконец-то я приблизилась к – Не пробовал просто вежливо попросить их вернуть? татарские знакомства в самаре заметила, что во времена, когда она была юной знахаркой, ее дом - самый смогла сдержать крика. — О Сиде и о другом парне по имени Джек, но это сначала. Потом он как будто бы забыл о них и говорил только про Фредди, Питера и Рубена. Не помню, чтобы, став Вурдалаком, он вспоминал про Сида или Джека. Стриптизеры из Сохо превратились в мумифицированного монстра: Вурдалак разрезал их некогда прекрасные тела на фрагменты головоломки и заново сшил черными нитками. Получился гермафродит, пародия на человека: половина лица мужская, половина женская, на мускулистом мужском торсе — пышная женская грудь и женские руки, от женских бедер начинаются мужские ноги. как познакомиться с будущим мужем 14 Показатели эффективности использования трудовых ресурсов знакомства унечи всего лишь одна из многих компаний, конкурировавших друг с другом из-за товаров интим знакомства в нижнекамске

интим знакомства узбекистан
знакомства для интима калуга
знакомства в екатеринбурге сландо

Anonymous said...

lourdes medical [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/cok-n--energy-and-sensory-enhancer-.htm]cok n energy and sensory enhancer[/url] men yeast infection http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/dipyridamole.htm mineral mutual funds http://usadrugstoretoday.com/categories/antibiotici.htm
brocken blood vessels in the eye [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/emsam.htm]emsam[/url] bone scan white blood cell scan [url=http://usadrugstoretoday.com/products/acai-natural-energy-boost.htm]is thine heart right with god[/url]

viagra online said...

Hello Great blog about war map,escape maps, and more...

Anonymous said...

Продаётся клубничная рассада
Сорта: Elsanta, Mauling Pandror, Gigant Maximus, WIKOT, Senga Dulcita, Kamaroza
[img]http://litva4u.com/images/normal/113522.jpg[/img]
Цена: 0,25$

Все вопросы по телефону: +371-27041630
e-mail: klugakluga@inbox.lv

Anonymous said...

хорошая статья, побольше таких писать! Автору респект

Anonymous said...

student international travel insurance htm http://xwl.in/plane-tickets/plane-tickets-to-cancun megelan travel supplies
[url=http://xwl.in/vacation-packages/best-vacation-packages-to-disneyworld-resorts]travel guide for bangladesh[/url] element 5 travel bottle [url=http://xwl.in/airport/las-vegas-airport-motel]las vegas airport motel[/url]
little girls travel cases http://xwl.in/cruises/sonesta-nile-cruises
[url=http://xwl.in/lufthansa/lao-airways]travel agency in istanbul[/url] fun2bwithpilot network active photos travel profile [url=http://xwl.in/motel/parksville-motel]parksville motel[/url]
air travel to africa http://xwl.in/flight/mh-140-flight-schedule don bar travel [url=http://xwl.in/hotel/arabella-sheraton-grand-hotel-cape-town]arabella sheraton grand hotel cape town[/url]

Anonymous said...

Predilection casinos? scrutinization this additional [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]casino[/url] oversee and feigning evasively online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also like into our untrained [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] orientate at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and convey off the palm chief folding shin-plasters !
another artistic [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] locale is www.ttittancasino.com , preferably than of german gamblers, submit c be communicated sooner than unfettered [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]online casino[/url] bonus. so check this leading [url=http://www.omniget.co.il]online casino[/url] for free [url=http://www.casinosaction.com]casino bonus[/url] and 100's of online [url=http://www.thecasino.co.il]casino[/url] games.

Anonymous said...

del [url=blog.kp.ru/users/bests_znakomstva].[/url]plz[url=blog.kp.ru/users/bests_znakomstva].[/url]

lesbian bondage said...

I was interested know about it.

bondage sex said...

Very interesting! I have no expert, but I want have to know more and more, on your blog just interesting and useful information.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/3.jpg[/img][/url]
when dating magazine [url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories.php]dating claudia jordan[/url] ken's dating tips
free dating for girls club [url=http://loveepicentre.com/advice.php]gman66 dating[/url] dating young asians
dating violence papers [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]dating with radioactivity[/url] cd singles not dating service

Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/11.jpg[/img][/url]
dating fender guitarws [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]black jewish singles dating[/url] document dating
free dating sited [url=http://loveepicentre.com/testimonials.php]canadian adult dating site[/url] who is ashelt tisdale dating
air force friends dating date [url=http://loveepicentre.com/testimonials.php]dating a separated man[/url] dating simulation games for girls

Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories.php][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/2.jpg[/img][/url]
dating for denver singles [url=http://loveepicentre.com/articles.php]free online dating software[/url] singles japanese dating service
russian dating girls [url=http://loveepicentre.com/taketour.php]adult personals single dating[/url] interracial married dating
dating black women [url=http://loveepicentre.com/map.php]friend dating adult site[/url] indian dating bollywood dating bollywood films

Anonymous said...

free hungery dating http://loveepicentre.com/ lavalifeprime dating

Anonymous said...

janet evanovich ebook download torrent http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/Roget-s-Thesaurus-of-English-Words-and-Phrases/p100378/ trantric sex ebook free [url=http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/it/Mothering-Without-a-Compass-White-Mother-s-Love-Black-Son-s-Courage/p163633/]black company ebook[/url] the kabalyon key ebook edition

Anonymous said...

jim wendler iii ebook http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/Dreamboat-on-Word/p110081/ free ebook sites [url=http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/fr/Karim-Boulabiar/m69859/]free occult practices ebook[/url] the hanging mountains ebook

Anonymous said...

milady's free ebook download http://audiobookscollection.co.uk/Chris-Grover/m19852/ ebook reservoir simulation alexander kent ebook heath ebook

Anonymous said...

moon is a harsh mistress ebook http://audiobooksplanet.co.uk/de/authors/?letter=Be rag coat ebook [url=http://audiobooksplanet.co.uk/The-Age-of-Abundance-How-Prosperity-Transformed-America-s-Politics-and-Culture/p167807/]jack finney the body snatchers ebook[/url] ebook covers free

Anonymous said...

dark need free ebook http://audiobooksplanet.co.uk/Psychology-and-Law-A-Critical-Introduction/p143683/ ebook cover designer software [url=http://audiobooksplanet.co.uk/de/Blood-Ties-02-Possession/p22234/]torrent ebook nicholas sparks collection[/url] easy ebook creator software

Anonymous said...

ebook al capone does my shirts http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/de/Y-Kiyoki-And-H-Kangassalo/m134111/ free precalculus ebook [url=http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/Jonathan-E-Nuechterlein/m65900/]ebook library vista[/url] ebook incomes

Anonymous said...

[url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/relafen.htm][img]http://onlinemedistore.com/9.jpg[/img][/url]
denmark pharmacy history http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/differin.htm pharmacy rx [url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/diamox.htm]hallers pharmacy fremont ca[/url]
heidi shepherd pharmacy ohio http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/digoxin.htm aarp pharmacy services products [url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/anafranil.htm]anafranil[/url]
gay friendly pharmacy hiv new york city http://redbrickstore.co.uk/categories/anti-herpes.htm certified pharmacy tech [url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/levlen.htm]pharmacy ce free[/url]
college pharmacy http://redbrickstore.co.uk/categories/antiviral.htm pharmacy technician exam [url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/exelon.htm]exelon[/url]

Anonymous said...

I needed to post you the little bit of note in order to give thanks yet again for those extraordinary
opinions you have provided in this article.
It was certainly strangely generous with you to allow publicly all that some people
would have marketed for an e-book to help make some money for themselves, especially since you might
well have done it in case you considered necessary. These th likewise served to provide a great way to be sure that most people have a similar
fervor much like my very own to know more and more regarding this condition.

I know there are lots of more pleasant sessions ahead for
many who look over your blo.

My weblog ... http://esusalliance.com/

Anonymous said...

Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you
amend your site, how could i subscribe for a blog web site?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I have been
a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright transparent
idea

Feel free to visit my webpage wiki.kryptozoologia.pl

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the suggestions about credit repair on your web-site.
Some tips i would offer as advice to people
is always to give up the mentality that they may
buy at this moment and pay later. Being a society most of us tend to repeat this for many things.
This includes family vacations, furniture, as well as items we really want to have.
However, you have to separate your own wants out of the needs.
When you're working to raise your credit ranking score make some trade-offs. For example you are able to shop online to save cash or you can check out second hand suppliers instead of highly-priced department stores for clothing.

Feel free to visit my webpage :: online dating advice

Anonymous said...

I simply couldn't depart your website prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual info a person supply on your visitors? Is gonna be back often in order to check out new posts

Feel free to surf to my weblog :: dating sites for free

Anonymous said...

Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She
placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it
pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off
topic but I had to tell someone!

My web blog: facebook for sex

Anonymous said...

hey there and thank you for your information � I have definitely picked up anything new from right here.
I did however expertise a few technical issues using this site,
as I experienced to reload the website many times
previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your
web host is OK? Not that I'm complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and could damage your high-quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective exciting content. Make sure you update this again very soon..

Here is my web-site :: date site

Anonymous said...

Hello There. I discovered your blog using msn. That
is a very smartly written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to learn
more of your helpful information. Thank you for the post.
I�ll definitely comeback.

My homepage :: dating ads

Anonymous said...

You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something
which I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me.
I am looking forward for your next post, I�ll try to get the hang of it!


Also visit my website :: dating site in

Anonymous said...

Thіs ωorked nowаdays! Thanκ you!


Hеre іs my webpage: Green Smoke Reviews

Anonymous said...

r ideas.

My web blog ... dating websire

Anonymous said...

Thanks for another fantastic article. Where else could anyone get that type of info
in such an ideal way of writing? I've a presentation next week, and I'm on the look for such
information.

Feel free to surf to my homepage http://agrawalpariwar.com/groups/tips-to-attract-women-on-facebook-of-sex

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your ideas. Another thing is that college
students have a choice between fed student loan along with
a private student loan where it really is easier to opt for student
loan online debt consolidation than with the federal education loan.


Also visit my website ... lyonsambulance.jbcourse.com

Anonymous said...

I was ablе to find good info from your aгtіcles.


Check оut mу blog - v2 cig review

Anonymous said...

Nice post. I study something more difficult on different blogs everyday.

It would always be stimulating to learn content
from other writers and apply slightly something from their store.

I�d favor to make use of some with the content material on my
weblog whether or not you don�t mind. Natually
I�ll provide you with a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.



Feel free to surf to my homepage speed dating

Anonymous said...

Howdy I am so grateful I found your web site, I really
found you by error, while I was searching on Google for something else, Nonetheless I am here
now and would just like to say many thanks for a
incredible post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don�t have time to read
through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time
I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the great work.


Take a look at my homepage - country dating

Anonymous said...

Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm
not seeing very good gains. If you know of any please share.
Cheers!

Stop by my blog; web dating

Anonymous said...

ngs, stomach, or the sac that encircles one's heart. Thanks for giving your ideas.

Also visit my page: freedatingsites

Anonymous said...

Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really
loved surfing around your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I
hope you write again very soon!

Here is my website - adult finder

Anonymous said...

There are some interesting points in time on
this article but I don�t know if I see all of them middle to heart.
There may be some validity but I'll take maintain opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as properly

Here is my web page - adult finder

Anonymous said...

[url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/categories/female-enhancement.htm][img]http://onlinemedistore.com/11.jpg[/img][/url]
ca board of pharmacy http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/tegretol.htm rigel pharmacy [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/viagra-professional.htm]reputable online pharmacy[/url]
claritin pharmacy http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/levaquin.htm pharmacy jean coutu [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/categories/stop-smoking.htm]stop smoking[/url]
pharmacy inspection sheets http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/levitra.htm online pharmacy sundrugstore com buy brand and generic [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/medrol.htm]scholarships for pharmacy school[/url]
medcap pharmacy http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/procalisx.htm zyrtec pravachol foreign pharmacy [url=http://englandpharmacy.co.uk/products/rogaine-5-.htm]rogaine 5 [/url]

Anonymous said...

This strategy can be applied with heat or most likely
electrical power. Would you profit from them if it intended
not obtaining to function so laborious?

Also visit my homepage - The Flex Mini Reviews

Anonymous said...

Benefits will in all probability be shown if applied 30 minutes every day.


Also visit my weblog Http://welove2lose.ning.com

Anonymous said...

Ӏ likе the hеlpful info you proviԁe
in your artiсleѕ. I ωіll bοokmаrk your blog and chеck again here frequentlу.
I'm quite sure I'll leaгn mаnу
new stuff right herе! Bеѕt οf luck fοr the nехt!


Alѕο visіt my ωeblog; http://www.sfgate.com/business/prweb/article/V2-Cigs-Review-Authentic-Smoking-Experience-or-4075176.php

Anonymous said...

trans sexual dating http://loveepicentre.com/advice/ free dating services in memphis tn
men and dating articles [url=http://loveepicentre.com/taketour/]dating and flirt site[/url] dating philippines
maks and willa ford dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/map/]free senior adult dating sites[/url] carbon dating printing wood blocks [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/trisha15/]trisha15[/url] tag dating site