Comes with C.O.A.

This original and museum grade “EMERGENCY PRINTED” 1942 dated World War II Allied navigation fathom map was used by Allied ships operating in the Mediterranean Theater during WWII. This extremely large feather map of the Mediterranean sea features, some of the most famous battle grounds of the Mediterranean Theater.

World War II Naval Battles in the Mediterranean Sea

1. Battle of Taranto (November 1940): This battle was fought between the British Royal Navy and the Italian Regia Marina. British carrier-based aircraft launched a surprise attack on the Italian fleet anchored at Taranto, severely damaging several battleships. It showcased the effectiveness of carrier-based air power.

2. Battle of Cape Matapan (March 1941): This naval engagement involved British and Australian forces against the Italian Navy. The British fleet, commanded by Admiral Cunningham, intercepted an Italian convoy and defeated the Italian fleet in a night action, sinking several ships.

3. Battle of Crete (May 1941): Although primarily an airborne invasion, the Battle of Crete also involved significant naval operations in the Mediterranean. German and Italian naval forces clashed with British and Greek vessels during the German occupation of the island.

4. Operation Pedestal (August 1942): Also known as the "Santa Maria" convoy, this was a British operation to resupply the besieged island of Malta. The convoy faced heavy Axis opposition, including air attacks and naval encounters. Despite significant losses, a portion of the convoy successfully reached Malta, bolstering the island's defenses.

5. Second Battle of Sirte (March 1942): This was a series of naval engagements between British and Italian forces off the coast of Libya. The British sought to intercept an Italian convoy bound for North Africa. While the Italians successfully delivered supplies, the engagement demonstrated the challenges of naval operations in the Mediterranean.

6. Invasion of Sicily (July 1943): While primarily a combined amphibious and airborne operation, the invasion of Sicily also involved naval battles in the surrounding waters. The Allies secured control of the Mediterranean, paving the way for the invasion of the Italian mainland.

The Mediterranean Theater of World War II was a strategically vital region where the United States Navy played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the conflict. This theater encompassed a vast expanse of sea and land, including the Mediterranean Sea, North Africa, and southern Europe. The U.S. Navy's involvement in the Mediterranean was multifaceted, involving amphibious assaults, convoy protection, anti-submarine warfare, and air support. The dynamic nature of naval operations in this theater reflected the complexity of the overall war effort.

One of the earliest and most crucial aspects of the U.S. Navy's involvement in the Mediterranean was the protection of convoys supplying Allied forces in North Africa. The sea lanes connecting the United States and the Mediterranean were plagued by German and Italian submarines, posing a significant threat to the flow of supplies. The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with the Royal Navy, engaged in intense anti-submarine warfare, employing escort vessels, aircraft, and advanced sonar technology to detect and neutralize enemy submarines. The success of these efforts was pivotal in ensuring a steady supply of troops, equipment, and provisions to the Allied forces in North Africa.

Amphibious operations were another key facet of U.S. Navy activities in the Mediterranean. The invasion of Sicily, codenamed Operation Husky, marked a crucial turning point in the Allied campaign. The U.S. Navy, working in conjunction with the British Royal Navy, executed a massive amphibious assault involving numerous ships and landing craft. This operation showcased the strategic importance of naval power in projecting force onto enemy-held shores. The success of Operation Husky laid the groundwork for subsequent amphibious assaults in the European Theater, particularly the Normandy landings in 1944.

Naval aviation played a vital role in the Mediterranean Theater, providing air support for ground forces and conducting reconnaissance missions. Aircraft carriers, such as the USS Ranger and USS Wasp, operated in the Mediterranean, launching airstrikes against Axis targets in North Africa and southern Europe. These carriers not only contributed to the strategic bombing campaign but also served as mobile airfields, extending the reach of Allied air power across the theater. The flexibility and mobility of carrier-based aircraft proved instrumental in achieving air superiority and supporting ground operations.

The U.S. Navy's presence in the Mediterranean also facilitated cooperation with Allied nations, fostering a coordinated effort to counter Axis forces. The combined naval operations involved close collaboration with the British Royal Navy, as well as Free French and other Allied naval forces. This cooperation was essential for effectively countering the Axis powers, pooling resources, and sharing intelligence.

The Mediterranean Theater posed unique challenges for naval operations, including the diverse geography, varying weather conditions, and the need for close coordination with land and air forces. The U.S. Navy adapted to these challenges by employing innovative strategies and technologies. The development of amphibious assault tactics, improved anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and the use of carrier-based aircraft all demonstrated the Navy's ability to adapt to the demands of the Mediterranean campaign.

The U.S. Navy's operations in the Mediterranean Theater during World War II were instrumental in shaping the course of the conflict. From protecting convoys to executing amphibious assaults and conducting air operations, the Navy played a multifaceted role in this strategically vital region. The successful collaboration with Allied forces and the adaptability demonstrated by the U.S. Navy underscored its crucial contribution to the overall Allied victory in the Mediterranean. The lessons learned in this theater would prove invaluable in subsequent naval operations in other theaters of the war, highlighting the significance of the Mediterranean campaign in the broader context of World War II naval history.