Description:

"SECRET" PANORAMIC MAPS USED IN THE INVASION OF SICILY
Excessively rare set of nine panoramic sketches used by Gen. Geoffrey Keyes (who would later take Palermo) in the planning and execution of the American seaborne invasion of Sicily on July 9, 1942. Each printed 14" x 9 1/2" plan is marked in red: "SECRET BIGOT-HUSKY" and was prepared specifically for the invasion by COMNAVNAW N-2 Section and dated June 4, 1943. Four of the plans (one duplicate) are for the "JOSS" beaches which surrounded Licata, one for "DIME" which was in the center of Gela, and three (one duplicate) are for "CENT", in the area of Safaglione. Each plan indicates surface and soil conditions, labels hills, mountains, fields, groves, roads, railroads, and defensive works are highlighted in red. These maps were obviously indispensible in planning attacks and advances, and are certainly much rarer than their OVERLORD equivalents - only 800 sets of these views were printed in all. Also present is the cover sheet sent with the plans, likewise stamped "SECRET". An unrelated carbon copy of a memo sent to Gen. George Patton by Maj. Gen. Edwin House is present, 1p. 4to., [Sicily], Aug. 1, 1943 quoting a letter from Gen. Terry Allen stating somewhat sarcastically that he will not request close air support for ground troops, due to deaths from friendly fire. A later typed note at bottom refutes the claim. Fine condition. From the estate of Gen. Geoffrey Keyes.

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February 18, 2014 11:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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