Antiquarian Auctions

Auction #119 begins on 14 Nov 2024

World War II

Reconnaissance Panoramic Photo Montage

Six metre long B&W photo montage of the Normandy coastline, used during the D Day invasions.

Published: N/A, N/A, 1944

Edition: First (once-off)

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A rare, top secret document. This six metre+ long photo montage of the Normandy coastline was taken by daring RAF pilots two months before the D-Day invasions. These brave airmen risked death to take these photographs in a top secret mission. All the photographs were taken in broad daylight while flying just 3 metres above the ocean.

The photos were then pasted together in a panorama and given only to the highest ranking admirals for reconnaissance. The booklet was used to draw up highly detailed maps and three-dimensional models and identify detailed landmarks to plan the invasion. In an article published by the Daily Mail (UK) in 2013, the background of this rare photo booklet was outlined. Booklet 'G': coastal silhouette from St. Honorine-des-Pertes to Grandcamp-les-Bains.

The annotated images depict Gold beach, which was one of the five sections of coastline including Utah, Omaha, Juno and Sword, stormed by British troops as part of the attacks on 6 June, 1944.

The photos picked out important landmarks, towns, German gun emplacements and beach exits. This hardcover booklet, produced by the Inter-Services Topographical Department [ISTD] 1943-1944, shows sections of the Normandy coast at wave-top height from off-shore, including landing areas for Operation Neptune, Overload.

Admiralty chart, scale 1:12,500. Each of the 21 plates measures 29 x 20.5cm. When spread out, the panorama measures 6.10 metres.

Condition: Good. Blue cloth pasted on cover. Typed text. No foxing.

Read the article here: The painstaking paper panorama that shaped D-Day | Daily Mail Online

  • Jacket Condition: Good
  • Binding Condition: Good
  • Overall Condition: Good
  • Sold By: Shelf Life
  • Contact Person: Justus Wagener
  • Country: South Africa
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Telephone: 0725466596
  • Preferred Payment Methods: EFT, Bank Deposit. For International Customers: Paypal with 6% surcharge
  • Trade Associations: AA Approved


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