WWII 1945 European Theater Printed 5th Armored Division Campaign Map by Technician Robert Buchan
WWII 1945 European Theater Printed 5th Armored Division Campaign Map by Technician Robert Buchan
Comes with C.O.A.
This rare and limited print count 5th Armored Division map was designed by Technician Robert Buchan and issued to members of the division in 1945. This third map in the chronicle of the Victory Division was published not by the 669th Engineer Topographical Company, but the 663rd, possibly as a result of the divisional reassignment. Because this map was published while the war was still ongoing, they exhibit the necessary Army censorship stamp allowing for distribution. Because this map was printed in the field it is considered a “theater print” making them very collectible.
This incredible European theater-printed artistic 5th Armored Division map poster was published in 1945 while the Fifth Armored Division marched through Germany. This large map provides a detailed narrative of the unit’s advance; including movements by individual combat command groups, dates and notes on engagements, and lines of enemy defense.
It shows the movement of the Division after crossing the Rhine River adjacent to the Ruhr Valley. Most of the actions are considered “mop-ups” as the tanks rolled through Germany, but the destruction of the esteemed Von Clausewitz Panzer Division near the Elbe in April is noted with satisfaction. A nearby text block explains that “upon reaching [the] Elbe, 5th Armd was nearest American division to Hitler’s Berlin.” The German capital, a mere 45 miles away, is shown under a prominent swastika. The Victory Division would continue to clear remaining enemy resistance in the area around the Elbe until V-E Day on May 8th. The map is dated one week later, May 15th, 1945.