Description:

MAP OF A PROPOSED ALLIED MARNE OFFENSIVE, OWNED BY OWNED BY COL. WILLIAM J. DONOVAN
WILLIAM J. DONOVAN (1883-1959) 'Wild Bill', American brigadier general chosen by Roosevelt to head the O.S.S. (precursor to the C.I.A.). Donovan planted over 16,000 people behind enemy lines and developed elaborate plans to subvert Axis military operations. During World War I, Donovan served as colonel of the U.S. 165th Regiment, originally the famous 69th New York Infantry 'Fighting Irish'. The regiment would distinguish itself at the Second Battle of the Marne, the Ourcq River during the Aisne-Marne Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Donovan himself would be awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in mid-October, 1918. A very interesting historical document, a 29.5 x 36 in. French ‘Plan Directure', or artillery map, constructed of two sheets joined at the center, depicting the city of Reims and its environs to the southwest, including the commune of Epernay, with the southern half of the map bisected by the Marne River. Interestingly, the map has been heavily annotated with red and blue indelible pencil to show sectors of responsibility and locations of divisional headquarters for a proposed French Fourth Army offensive across the Marne, towards the communes of Jonquery and Chambrecy. In particular, the map shows the headquarters of the American 42nd Infantry Division, to which the 165th belonged, on the banks of the Marne at the commune of Damery. Additional commands points, including two to the east which appear to indicate Italian infantry divisions, are labeled in blue, with likely German defensive lines indicated in red. The area of the Marne has been extended into the left margin of the map using the hectograph, or gelatin duplicator, process, adding the commune of Dormans and several smaller villages, marked in blue pencil to indicate the western boundary of the proposed assault. The verso bears an interesting pencil notation: ‘Map of dispositions [French] IV Army for projected attack of 4 July ‘18. This attack was not made at the proposed time or by American Troops'. The note is signed ‘A', for 1st Lt. Harold L. Allen, intelligence officer of the 165th Regiment Headquarters Company. This proposed offensive would have preempted the Champagne-Marne Offensive launched by German forces, which was repulsed by Allied troops during the Second Battle of the Marne, lasting from July 15-18. The assault depicted here would eventually be undertaken as part of the Allied counteroffensive towards Soissons, launched on July 18; however, only French forces would be involved at this location, with American units committed further west. The maps shows folds overall, with ink stains and pinholes at each corner, and an additional hole at lower left, otherwise in very good condition. This example, along with other maps and documents, was contained within two of Donovan's footlockers purchased by our consignor and previously sold by us.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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