Description:

GEN. FRANZ HALDER'S OPERATION BEOWOLF II PLANNING MAP OF MUHU ISLAND
Operation Beowulf refers to two German plans to occupy the islands of Saaremaa, Hiiumaa and Muhu, off the Estonian west coast. Both plans had the same objectives but assumed differing start points. The attack, using Beowulf II, started on 9 September 1941 and had achieved its objectives by 21 October. Offered here is a simple hand-drawn map from the personal files of German Gen. FRANZ HALDER (1884–1972), titled ‘Skizze [sketch] 3 Feindbild und Verluaf [Enemy Picture and Movements]', illustrating the German course of action on Muhu Island as part of Beowulf II, the plan ultimately employed by the Germans to take the islands from Russia. The 1p. 4to. plan is executed in india ink on map drafting paper, and serves as a briefing or overview map rather than a tactical sheet. The 1:100,000-scale drawing depicts Muhu (the natural first step via the causeway) as an operational objective, with German forces landing at two point on the islands eastern and northeastern shores, pushing west to overpower Russian defensive forces and then outward to secure Saaremaa. Both German and Russian units are identified by name. The island focus ties the sheet to Germany's 1941 plan to seize the West Estonian Archipelago from Soviet control. These islands dominated the Gulf of Riga and approaches to the Gulf of Finland. Control of these islands neutralized Soviet coastal batteries and minefields, opened the Bay of Riga, and helped secure the flank of the advance on Leningrad. The emphasis on this archipelago foreshadows the heavy fighting that followed on Saaremaa's Sõrve Peninsula and around Hiiumaa, making the sketch a useful starting point for campaign reconstructions. In fine condition.

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April 21, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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