Hollywood-inspired ‘debriefing map’
Four large sheets depict a US division’s participation in the Allied advance following D Day. The beautifully designed frame tells the story of the 79th division. This starts at training camps in the United States and England and depicts each of the places the division passes through. In addition, special actions are shown as film scenes. See for example the ‘black spot’ on sheet 1: it tells of the night crossing of the Seine on 19 August 1944, where these soldiers arrived as the first Allied combat unit. Sheet 2 shows the extremely rapid advance into Belgium (26 August – 2 September) and heavy fighting in the Parroy forest in Lorraine. Sheet 4 shows the crossing of the Rhine (March 1945). These maps were created by artists who actively participated in the war as soldiers. The sheets were subsequently printed in Germany. This Hollywood-style ‘debriefing card’ was meant to ensure all discharged soldiers would all tell the same story back home.
The 79th Infantry Division (S. Kaliher & H. White), Through France / To Belgium and Back / To the Rhine / Over the Rhine with the 79th Division, Dortmund (1 January 1946). Coll. S/T W.1p.29, 4 x 67 x 86 cm.
