Description:

Important chart used in the planning of OPERATION OVERLORD, the June 6, 1944 Allied assault on the Normandy coast. The "TOP SECRET" 22" x 17" chart is titled "OVERLORD M.T. PRELOADING AND SUSTAINED MOVEMENT THAMES AREA BERTHING PLAN" Beneath the title appears a grid with the names of six Thames docks printed at left, including Tilbury, Royal Albert Dock, Victoria, Millwall, etc. The top of the chart shows a two week period, seven days before and after "D" day, with the names of approx. 150 cargo vessels listed (some in code). The dates at top indicate the dates the vessels beneath would be loaded. Most of the vessels had already been assigned a convoy date, the first being "ETM1" which arrived with the invasion fleet on June 6th. Twelve larger vessels were given code names, including "SAMZONA", "SAMPHILL", SAMPEP", etc., and the "SAMBUT" was actually sunk by shore fire on June 6th. 32 "coasters were also quickly loaded on June 4th, and these vessels too likely arrived at the beaches on June 6th. The bottom of the chart details berthing arrangements for more "coasters". The bottom of this plan bears a stamp: "AGREED Ministry of War Transport, War Office" which is initialed by three planners. In essence, this chart was prepared in advance to plan the loading and convoy assignments for the first ships to arrive carrying men and materiel to the coast of occupied Europe. In randomly researching only a few of the vessels named, we see that a substantial number were later lost to German U-boat and E-boat attacks. Very good condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

April 30, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000