Description: Original WW1 British Army map of the YPRES SALIENT recording changes to the frontline following the Germans’ LYS OFFENSIVE (4th Battle of YPRES) - also known as the "BATTLE OF THE LYS".The survey date (24th May 1918) shows that this second phase of the German Spring Offensive had already stalled three weeks earlier, but this is a map which reveals Allied concerns that the Ypres Salient may reignite resulting in further losses along this pivotal sector.It’s not a typical ‘trench map’ showing individually named earthworks. Instead, it gives an overview of the most important fortified reserve lines and ‘switch lines’ behind the Allies’ main frontline. It also shows the 'ANGLO-BELGIAN BOUNDARY' to the North of Ypres.Given the German gains achieved around the Ypres Salient, and the even larger successes on the Somme, the Allies would have considered a managed retreat to pre-prepared fortifications in order to shorten the line and free up troops for the next German push (similar to the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line the previous year).The next phase of the German Spring Offensive came just three days later with the AISNE OFFENSIVE much further South.Maps such as this were not standardly produced and it would have been printed in very small numbers for high-ranking intelligence briefings far behind the frontline.The map was officially retained, hence the War Office’s GSGS Map Room ink stamp dated 11th July 1918.In great condition with a few edge nicks.Measures 90cm x 66cm.Has a map cabinet hanging strip neatly attached to the rear and has a raised museum stamp (with archive serial number) in the top right corner as explained below.... This map is one of many acquired from a private collection which had previously been purchased in 2002 from The Imperial War Museum. Each item was held in the museum's duplicate archives and deemed surplus. Many have IWM stock numbers or stamps etc and some have been linen backed for long term conservation and storage purposes. Significant numbers were unused surplus stock when originally transferred to the museum and have never even been folded. As such, many of these original WW1 maps are in 'time capsule' condition, and there are numerous 'Secret' or 'Confidential' maps relating to major battles amongst them.POSTAGE - Will be sent rolled in a stout cardboard tube using Royal Mail's Guaranteed Delivery by 1pm Service which will adequately cover the insurance cost of the item. This is fully tracked and requires a signature on receipt. Missed deliveries may result in the buyer having to rearrange a delivery date as per Royal Mail's instructions.International Shipping will be carried out by eBay's Global Shipping Programme, who set their own postage rates and do not routinely combine shipping. (This is calculated by eBay's automated systems and is completely beyond my control.) (Ref 971)
Price: 119.99 GBP
Location: Ipswich
End Time: 2024-12-13T15:37:11.000Z
Shipping Cost: 33.76 GBP
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Item Specifics
Return postage will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
After receiving the item, your buyer should cancel the purchase within: 30 days
Type: Documents & Maps
Conflict: World War I (1914-1918)
Era: 1914-1945
Country/ Organization: Great Britain
Service: Army
