Eurooppa - Skotlannin ylämaa; German Sonderausgabe Maps - Lot of 5 German “Sonderausgabe” (Special Edition) “Dienstgebrauch” (Official Use Only) Maps (1938) – - 1921-1950

Lot of 5 German “Sonderausgabe” (Special Edition) “Dienstgebrauch” (Official Use Only) Maps (1938) – Rare Pre-WWII Scottish Highlands Collection


Historical Significance in the Context of WWII

This collection of German Sonderausgabe maps (1938) holds immense historical importance as they were produced just before WWII, during Germany's preparations for potential military campaigns. The detailed mapping of the Scottish Highlands, including Ben Nevis, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry, reflects Germany's strategic interest in the UK’s terrain, likely intended to support the planned Operation Sea Lion – Hitler's proposed invasion of Britain in 1940.

The precision and focus on such remote and challenging landscapes underline the meticulous reconnaissance efforts undertaken by German intelligence to assess potential routes, resources, and obstacles for land-based military operations. These maps serve as rare artifacts that reveal how Germany was preparing for a possible full-scale invasion, emphasizing the significance of the British Isles in Hitler's broader war strategy.

Owning this lot is akin to holding a tangible blueprint of a pivotal moment in WWII history – where meticulous planning met the realities of global conflict.


Key Highlights of the Lot

1. Unique Historical Significance:

This is a rare collection of 5 German Sonderausgabe (Special Edition) maps produced in 1938 as part of an advanced pre-World War II military intelligence effort. Created for “Dienstgebrauch” (Official Use Only), these maps were meticulously detailed to aid German planners in terrain analysis, potentially for strategic or reconnaissance purposes.

2. Exceptional Detail and Precision:

* Scale: 1:100,000 (1 cm = 1 km)

* Features include topographical contour lines, height markings in red, and an intricate depiction of forests, rivers, lochs, mountains, roads, railways, and settlements.

* Each map highlights key geographical features of the Scottish Highlands, famous for their rugged beauty and historical importance.

3. Historical Context:

These maps reflect the immense detail and preparation undertaken during pre-WWII Germany. The Scottish Highlands, with their challenging terrain, were of particular interest to German cartographers and military planners. Such maps are valuable as both historical artifacts and as representations of cartographic excellence during this tense geopolitical period.

4. Collectible Appeal:

Maps of this nature are highly sought-after by collectors of WWII memorabilia, historical maps, and military history. They serve as tangible records of an era where geopolitical boundaries and warfare strategies were rapidly evolving.

5. Condition:

The maps are in very good overall condition for their age, with vibrant color retention, legible print, and minimal wear along edges.
Folds are present, consistent with original storage practices, adding to their authenticity as field maps.


Maps Included in the Lot:


1. Blatt 12 – Loch Carron (1938)

* Covers the area around Loch Carron and Loch Alsh. Features mountainous terrain and coastal regions with clear markings of lochs, roads, and settlements.
* Notable for its depiction of Loch Torridon and surrounding highland beauty.

Geographic Importance:

* Loch Carron, situated on Scotland’s west coast, is strategically located near key waterways and natural harbors such as Loch Kishorn and Loch Alsh. These regions provided potential landing zones and access routes for German forces to control the western coastline and establish supply lines into the Highlands.

Military Relevance:

* The Germans would have been interested in Loch Carron for its proximity to ports and sheltered waters, ideal for naval and amphibious landings.
* Controlling this area could allow forces to advance eastward toward key central Highlands routes, disrupting British defensive positions.

2. Blatt 17 – Inverness (1938)

* Highlights the historic city of Inverness and the River Ness region. It includes Loch Ness, famed for its legends and deep natural significance.
* A map that bridges the cultural and geographical significance of the Scottish Highlands.

Geographic Importance:

* The Ben Nevis region, home to Britain’s highest mountain, sits at the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Its rugged terrain posed both a challenge and an opportunity: a natural defensive barrier but also a critical area to control for securing routes through the Highlands.

Military Relevance:

* Germany would need detailed maps of this area to understand the topography and identify passable routes through the Highlands.
* The control of this region would allow German forces to dominate access to central and northern Scotland, cutting off British resistance and isolating key cities like Inverness.
* The surrounding lochs and glens were vital for maneuvering troops and equipment.


3. Blatt 18 – Ben Nevis (1938)

* Focuses on Scotland's tallest mountain, Ben Nevis, along with Loch Linnhe and Loch Lochy. The rugged terrain and strategic pathways are meticulously marked.
* A must-have for anyone interested in iconic landmarks of Scotland.

Geographic Importance:

* Pitlochry, located in central Scotland, is a crucial hub for roads and railways connecting northern and southern Scotland. The surrounding Grampian Mountains and lowland valleys are critical for troop movement and logistics.

Military Relevance:

* Control of Pitlochry would allow German forces to dominate Scotland’s central road and rail network, enabling rapid movement of troops, supplies, and vehicles.
* The Germans would need maps of this region to navigate the complex terrain and to target infrastructure, weakening British supply lines and defenses.
* Its location could act as a springboard for advancing into southern Scotland or consolidating control of the Highlands.


4. Blatt 19 – Pitlochry (1938)

* Features the Grampian Mountains, the Forest of Atholl, and the town of Pitlochry. Rich in details of mountainous landscapes and forested regions.
* A stunning map capturing the heart of the central Highlands.

* Geographic Importance:
Loch Ness, a major inland waterway stretching through the Great Glen Fault, is a natural corridor cutting across Scotland from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east. This made it a key invasion route.

Military Relevance:

* The Germans would have seen Loch Ness and the Great Glen as an essential pathway for advancing through Scotland, avoiding the difficult Highland terrain.
* Fort Augustus, at the southern end, and Inverness, at the northern end, could serve as strategic strongholds for German forces to secure supply lines.
* The Germans’ interest in detailed topography highlights their recognition of the loch as a transportation and operational corridor.

5. Blatt 22 – Blair Atholl (1938)

* Covers the area surrounding Blair Atholl, known for its rolling hills, forests, and notable landmarks such as the River Garry.
* A detailed representation of the natural beauty and rural pathways of the Scottish Highlands.

* Geographic Importance:

Oban, on the west coast of Scotland, is a significant port town with access to the Atlantic and surrounding islands. Its natural harbor and proximity to key waterways made it strategically important for controlling sea routes and coastal landings.

* Military Relevance:

- Oban would have been a prime target for German forces seeking to establish a naval base or landing site to secure the western coast of Scotland.
- The Germans would view this region as essential for controlling shipping routes and disrupting British naval operations in the Atlantic.
- From Oban, German forces could advance inland to secure key routes leading to the Highlands or push south toward Glasgow and central Scotland.


Summary of the Lot’s Importance

This collection of maps represents Germany’s deep understanding of Scotland’s strategic importance during WWII. The meticulous mapping of remote regions such as Loch Carron, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Pitlochry, and Oban reflects Germany's intent to:

1. Identify critical invasion routes through natural corridors and transportation hubs.
2. Evaluate key landing zones along Scotland’s west coast for amphibious operations.
3. Overcome the Highlands’ challenging topography by mapping key passes, roads, and railways.

These maps, produced with military precision, provide a fascinating window into Germany's preparation and reconnaissance efforts for a possible invasion of Britain. For collectors, they are a rare testament to WWII history, offering insight into strategic planning during one of the most critical moments of the 20th century.





The German mission to invade the United Kingdom during World War II was named "Operation Sea Lion" (Unternehmen Seelöwe in German).

Planned in 1940, the operation was intended as a full-scale amphibious invasion of southern England following the defeat of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Battle of Britain. The Germans aimed to establish air superiority as a prerequisite for the operation's success. However, the failure to achieve this during the Battle of Britain led to the indefinite postponement and eventual abandonment of Operation Sea Lion.

The operation remains a significant "what-if" scenario in WWII history, demonstrating Germany's strategic ambitions and the critical role of air power and naval control in thwarting the invasion