Maps

[snj5]

Does anyone know if the RFC/RNAS used Trench Maps for navigation and mission planning, or was there a more specific product?
Thanks!

['14-'18aviationcollector]

Hi Russ,

I think that the RFC, RNAS, and RAF used trench maps in France and Belgium, but for Home Defence Squadrons there was a more specific map which was part of an "Air Packets" series. I have a few original maps from this series. If the "Air Packets" series extended to France and Belgium, I think it is at least possible that trench maps were used interchangeably. In any case, the results of reconnaissance whether they were in the form of sketches, reports or photographs were used to make and update trench maps of course.

I hope this is of help.

Cheers,

David.

[RAF56_Ball]

Have you seen Carl Bobrow's thread about era maps that can be downloaded?

http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63537&highlight=maps
Very cool stuff.

[joegertler]

Here are the official maps that came in Air Packets If you enlarge the text page, it will give a detailed description of what they are used for (including bombing attacks and vulnerable points. As you can see these are not general maps, but very detailed. I've included one close up of a section of the map #16 and the complete map #16.

These are from Air Packet No. 40. As the description says, each one is exactly 12 inches on linen, and each one has a code on the back (shown) of where it fits into the large full map when the entire area is covered. the sample is sheet No.16 (around Amiens, but lists all small twons and points in the wider area)
This original set, (serial numbered) is still in the official water proof package, and was apparently issued to Capt. Garland W. Powell (I have an album with his service history) and he has noted "211-6th, 62 RNAS & RFC, 22nd US Aero Sqn.
This set comes from Intelligence Division,April 1915. with a Ordnance survey date of Dec 1917.
These are Flying maps (Also used of planning, as it says) that cover Belgium, North East France, and Western Germany) Ther are 40 or 41 of them. I think the General outline maps of Belgium and the East Coast of England, may be missing.

[MikeMeech]

Does anyone know if the RFC/RNAS used Trench Maps for navigation and mission planning, or was there a more specific product?
Thanks!

Hi
'Trench' maps were used for operational purposes by Corps aeroplanes engaged in infantry support missions - Contact Patrols. 1/10,000 or 1/20,000 normally, but in the open warfare of 1918 1/40,000 maps were used as the aircraft tended to cover a wider area. Copies of these maps would be dropped to Division and Corps HQs in tin map tubes with streamers attached.
During the Second Army Offensive during June-November 1917, an after action report from the UKNA states:

"Maps were supplied by the Corps on a scale of 1/10,000 and were made up in pads of four with carbon paper inserted. Each observer took up four pads. The maps must be mounted on a board which should be backed with aluminium in order to obtain 4 clear copies. With a wooden board to write on it was found that only 3 copies could be obtained and that the third was far from clear, but with the aluminium backing and a hard pencil 4 good copies were made......Detail of a permanent nature should as far as possible be shown on C.P. maps. Trench lines become obliterated and difficult to recognize."

I hope that is of interest.
Mike

[Bletchley]

See also this thread:

http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/showthread.php?t=54674&highlight=small-scale

B.