WW2 "OPERATION IRONCLAD" British map entitled "DIEGO SUAREZ AREA" (MADAGASCAR).

Description: WW2 British War Office map of MADAGASCAR entitled "DIEGO SUAREZ AREA" that was produced in April 1942.A few weeks later, in May 1942, the British launched OPERATION IRONCLAD - the amphibious landing of infantry and commando units, spearheading an invasion to capture the important French colony of Madagascar from the Vichy regime. The port of DIEGO-SUAREZ was a vital naval base situated in a deep 'bay' at the tip of the island. Securing this base was the primary objective of OPERATION IRONCLAD, which came ashore to the West at 'Courrier Bay' and 'Ambararata Bay'.Both 'Ambararata Bay' and the approach to 'Courrier Bay' can be seen on the right side of the map, and the port of DIEGO SUAREZ lies just to the East on the adjoining map of the same title.The wider operation to take the whole island "OPERATION STREAM LINE JANE" continued until November 1942. Madagascar was critical to the wider War effort due to its many deep water ports and location off the East coast of Africa. Control of the island ensured unbroken supply routes, and the surrounding seas were a constant hunting ground for German and Japanese submarines.The British transferred control of the Madagascar to a 'Free French' administration the following year.Scale - 1:100,000At the time of listing, I have a small number of Madagascar maps, including the adjoining map featuring the port in the same scale. I also have the wider area captured in a lower scale.These are scarce maps, produced in very small numbers over a limited period.In excellent condition. Seller's Ref - 2U / 219

Price: 69.99 GBP

Location: Ipswich

End Time: 2023-12-30T15:00:53.000Z

Shipping Cost: 13.82 GBP