World War II Silk Aviator’s Survival Maps
During World War II, the use of specialized survival maps made from silk was an innovative tool. These maps were crucial for Allied pilots. These maps are often referred to as escape and evasion maps. They are also known as silk maps. These were designed to aid downed aviators in hostile territory. They helped them navigate unfamiliar areas and evade capture. The history of these maps is a fascinating blend of military necessity, cartographic ingenuity, and human survival.
Origins and Development of Silk Maps
The concept of using silk as a material for maps dates back to the early 20th century. It was during World War II that these maps became widely used and crucial to military operations. In the early years of the war, many downed pilots found themselves lost in enemy territory. Paper maps proved unreliable in the harsh conditions of war. Paper was easily torn, degraded in wet conditions, and crumpled when stored. The British military recognized the limitations of traditional paper maps. They led the charge in developing silk-based alternatives that endure the rigors of survival situations.
The idea of silk maps was initially proposed by MI9. This was a secretive branch of British military intelligence dedicated to helping Allied personnel evade capture. MI9’s mission included devising escape and evasion techniques. They also provided tools for POWs. Additionally, they produced aids to help servicemen navigate unfamiliar or hostile regions. Silk maps quickly became one of their most important innovations.
Why Silk?
Silk was chosen as the material for these survival maps for several key reasons:
- Durability: Silk is far more durable than paper and does not tear easily. It withstands harsh environmental conditions like wind, rain, and even fire.
- Lightweight: Silk is incredibly light. It can be folded into a compact size. It can be easily hidden in a pocket, shoe, or even sewn into the lining of uniforms.
- Silent: Unlike paper, which crinkles and makes noise, silk is silent when handled. This is a crucial advantage for evading soldiers trying to move stealthily in enemy territory.
- Waterproof and Flexible: Silk maps were used in wet conditions without becoming damaged. This made them ideal for pilots who land in rivers, lakes, or marshy areas.
Cartographic Design and Production
The production of silk maps was a significant technical achievement. MI9 worked closely with John Bartholomew and Son Ltd, a renowned Edinburgh-based cartographic company. They also collaborated with Waddingtons, a printing company more famously known for producing board games like Monopoly. These companies had to develop ways to print fine details on fabric without compromising clarity, durability, or functionality.
To guarantee their effectiveness, these maps were highly detailed. They often featured topographical information, names of towns and cities, roads, railways, rivers, and other key geographic features. Some maps were printed in multiple colors to make them easier to read. Different sections showed escape routes, safe zones, and local landmarks. These landmarks help guide airmen to friendly forces or neutral territories.
The maps were also geographically tailored to the regions where airmen were most likely to be shot down. These included areas in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Pacific theater. Multiple versions were produced to cover specific regions, like the French Alps, Norway, or the Burma-Thailand jungle.
Distribution and Use in the Field
Silk maps were distributed discreetly to Allied pilots and special operations personnel. Pilots would often carry them hidden in their flight suits or survival kits. The maps were sewn into clothing linings. They were especially in collars, hats, or pockets. This ensured that they be retrieved without raising suspicion if the pilot was captured or searched. In some cases, these maps were even concealed in playing cards, compasses, or other survival tools.
Aviators were trained on how to use the maps in case they were shot down. Their value became obvious as more and more Allied pilots found themselves behind enemy lines. In the European theater, many pilots crash-landed in Nazi-occupied France.
They used silk maps to reach the safety of Spain or Switzerland. In the Pacific, aviators went down in the jungle or at sea. They used the maps to find their way to friendly forces. They also used the maps to avoid dangerous areas controlled by Japanese forces.
One famous use of the silk maps involved Flight Lieutenant Leslie Thomas Bull. He was an RAF pilot shot down over Holland in 1942 and successfully used his map to evade capture. He navigated back to Allied territory after months of travel across hostile regions.
The Role of Silk Maps in POW Escapes
Silk maps played a key role in helping downed airmen evade capture. They were also crucial for the escape efforts of prisoners of war (POWs). MI9 secretly smuggled silk maps into POW camps. They were hidden in seemingly innocent items like board games, playing cards, and care packages. The Red Cross sometimes unwittingly aided in this smuggling effort, as MI9 used their packages to send maps to prisoners. These silk maps were used in several daring escape attempts from POW camps. One example is the infamous “Great Escape” from Stalag Luft III in 1944.
The maps were compact and be hidden easily, allowing POWs to carry them during their escapes. They became prized possessions for prisoners planning to flee. These maps gave them hope that they find their way through enemy territory to safety.
Legacy and Collectability
After World War II, the importance of silk maps became widely recognized. They entered the annals of military history as one of the war’s most innovative survival tools. Today, original World War II silk maps are considered valuable collector’s items. Many museums, including the Imperial War Museum in London, hold silk maps in their collections. Private collectors seek out these relics as symbols of wartime ingenuity.
Besides their historical value, these maps also had a lasting impact on military survival gear. Modern escape and evasion kits used by airmen and special operations forces often include waterproof and durable maps. These maps are made from synthetic materials inspired by the World War II silk maps.
Conclusion
Silk aviator’s survival maps were more than just navigational tools. They were lifelines for thousands of Allied pilots and servicemen during World War II. These maps merged the best of cartographic skill, material innovation, and military cunning. They played a pivotal role in helping downed airmen evade capture. They also helped them make their way back to friendly territory. Today, they stand as a testament to the creativity and resilience that defined the Allied war effort.