Original WWII 1944 AAF Cloth Map 32/33 French Indo China, Central China

The Asiatic Series cloth maps were all in the Lambert conic projection with a scale of 1:2,000,000.  They contain normal typographic features along with some rough elevation tick marks. There were numerous reprints of the Asiatic Series map until the conclusion of the war, and they were issued primarily to US and British units operating in the China, India, Southwest Pacific, and Central Pacific theaters.  Some of the later printings contain ocean wind and surface currents directional arrows and data.

The need for silk maps of China was emphasized in a letter from MIS-X China to Lt. Col. Johnson of MIS-X Washington in November 1943 advising the maps produced in India [presumably by the Survey of India] were inadequate because the scale of 1:4,000,000 was useless for the needs of his theater.  The letter recommended that a scale of 1:2,000,000 was required.  MIS-X China also recommended that additional maps be produced of the Yellow Sea, Eastern Sea and adjacent land areas, North China and all of Korea.  Finally, it suggested it would be extremely helpful if place names were in both English and Chinese on the maps.  In February 1944, Major Winfrey, MIS-X Washington, responded and informed MIS-X China that the Asiatic series had been produced and would be completed by the end of February 1944.

These maps were made for servicemembers, for the purpose of escape and evasion if caught behind enemy lines. Such maps were secreted to prisoners of war by various means to aid in escape attempts.

During World War II, these clandestine maps were used by many American, British, and allied servicemen to escape from behind enemy lines. They were made of materials that could easily be carried and not damaged by the elements.

This is a cloth map of French Indo China (32) and Central China (33). It is in excellent condition, with no stains, rips, snags or holes. The color is rich and vibrant and it is quite legible. Overall a great piece of history for any WWII, military, aviation or cartography enthusiast.

This particular map is very large, measuring 19.5" x 25". Most of these rare maps were made of a surface treated silk material. Because of the durability of the fabric these maps were in the field of war over and over again.

I will be listing many escape and evasion maps over the next several days, so check out my listings to see if I have items of interest to you.

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