A remarkable piece of World War II history, hidden for decades, has emerged from a humble £10 job lot purchase and is now poised to fetch a staggering sum at auction.
The incredible find consists of a complete set of top-secret assault maps used by Allied forces during the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944. These were no ordinary maps—they formed the crucial navigational backbone of Operation Overlord, the largest seaborne invasion in history.
The Astonishing Discovery
The maps were acquired by an unknowing buyer in a miscellaneous job lot purchase several years ago. It was only upon closer examination that the true historical significance of the documents became apparent. The collection includes detailed charts of the Normandy coastline, precisely marking landing sectors Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches.
What makes these maps exceptionally rare is their classification level—marked 'BIGOT'—the highest possible security clearance indicating they were intended for use by senior officers involved in planning the top-secret operation.
A Window into D-Day Planning
These aren't just maps; they're intricate battle plans. The documents reveal astonishing details about the invasion strategy, including:
- Precise landing points for Allied troops
- German defensive positions and fortifications
- Navigation routes for landing craft
- Tide calculations and underwater obstacles
- Assembly areas for follow-up forces
Each map shows meticulous planning, with annotations, codes, and intelligence that would have been absolutely vital to the success of the operation and the safety of the thousands of men landing on the beaches.
From Attic Find to Auction Sensation
The maps are now set to go under the hammer at Hanson's Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, where experts anticipate fierce bidding from collectors and museums worldwide. The pre-auction estimate of £150,000 reflects both their historical significance and incredible rarity.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, described the find as "one of the most exciting historical discoveries we've ever handled." He added: "These maps were instrumental in the success of D-Day and ultimately helped to change the course of the war. To find a complete set in this condition is extraordinary."
The story of these maps—from their top-secret creation to their accidental discovery decades later—adds another fascinating chapter to the enduring legacy of the brave men who fought and died on the beaches of Normandy.
