1944 WW2 USAAF Silk Pilot Escape Drift Map K'UN-MING, YUNNAN, CHABU,ASSAM, INDIA

Description: WW2 USAAF Silk Pilot Escape Evasion Drift Map Jan. 1944: K'UN-MING, YUNNAN, CHINATO, CHABU, ASSAM, INDIA (Western & Eastern Portion). Original AAF "silk" pilot escape, evasion & survival map/charts, issued to pilots who might need to bail out. Map has the feel of silk but is actually rayon acetate, which is what the US used for its maps. This map is really neat because it has several languages on one side that in English says: "I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN. MY PLANE IS DESTROYED. I CANNOT SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE. I AM AN ENEMY OF THE JAPANESE. PLEASE GIVE ME FOOD AND TAKE ME TO THE NEAREST ALLIED MILITARY POST. YOU WILL BE REWARDED" The map is double sided. It measures approximately 24" x 24". It is also what is known as a "drift" map showing ocean currents. The map in very good condition with expected fold lines. No stains. I acquired this at an estate sale at my neighbor's house who was a WW2 and Korean War veteran. The Army Air Force (AAF) through the efforts of their Aeronautical Chart Service produced a series of the cloth maps on printed on rayon. From this came the term ‘silk maps’. One of the military uses of the silk (cloth) maps was to have them included in the survival kits of allied pilots. There durability and foldability were ideal for downed pilots in enemy territory, for escape and evasion needs [the kits were known as Escape & Evasion Survival Kits]. After WWII the cloth ‘silk maps’ continued to be used as the Cold War escalated. Soon after WW II ended, the U.S. Air Force was formed and under their Aeronautical Chart Service the cloth maps continued until the early 1950’s as part of the Cold War effort. The story of the WWII cloth (silk maps) has been difficult to piece together because of the manner in which they were developed, and their production was shrouded in secrecy during and after the war.

Price: 75 USD

Location: Dixon, Missouri

End Time: 2024-11-20T19:29:35.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.5 USD