VERY RARE! 15th Air Force B17 Flying Fortress Double-Sided "Graz, Austria" APPROACH CHART & TARGET MAP
VERY RARE! 15th Air Force B17 Flying Fortress Double-Sided "Graz, Austria" APPROACH CHART & TARGET MAP
Comes with hand-signed C.O.A.
This incredible rare and double sided APPROACH CHART & TARGET MAP were used by the B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 15th Air Force during one of their numerous aerial targeting missions of the German occupied town of GRAZ, AUSTRIA. Printed in August 1944 the 15th Air Force flew numerous mission aimed to target Graz. Graz was of strategic importance to Hitler as it was used as a distribution point for fuel to be sent to other the countries in the control of Nazi Germany - which was why for the Allies it was a vital target.
Using this very are and specialty printed “RESTRICTED” chart the B-17G Fortresses of the US 15th Air Force flew through heavy anti-aircraft flak bursts during the bombing runsover Graz, Austria.
Located on their way back from strategic targets around Vienna and in Upper Styria, Graz was among the most often bombed cities of present-day Austria. Almost 50% of all buildings were damaged, and many completely destroyed. A large number of people took refuge in the tunnel system of the Schloßberg.
Over the course of WWII Graz was bombed by the Allies a total of 56 times.
Altogether in Austria, from August 13, 1943 up until the end of war, approximately 120,000 tons of high explosive and incendiary bombs were dropped. Most bombing deaths to civilians were appx. 30,000 in Vienna, followed by Graz with 1,980 and Linz with 1,679. Soldiers, police, refugees, firemen, foreigners and prisoners of war totaled another 35,000 to 50,000 dead and 57,000 wounded.