696th Armored Field Artillery Battalion

75,974 rounds expended across 2,275 miles!

This boldly colored map chronicles the World War II routes of the 696th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. Training in the United States and England is covered by insets in in the lower corners, while the primary campaigns across the European Theater are shown by the main image. Blocks of text describe many of the major actions. Notable achievements include a 30-hour forced march of nearly 230 miles, commendable operations at Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, and the first armored field artillery battalion to cross the Elbe River in Germany. A list of commanding officers is provided, along with a large recreation of the 696th FA insignia and motto – Our Utmost Forever. An interesting decorative border shows hoofprints, tracks, and wheels – the primary means of conveyance for the unit.

The map was created and published anonymously, though it was probably issued in 1945 in Germany. Uncommon on the market and in institutional collections (this is the first example I have handled). Four entries in WorldCat as of September 2024, at the University of Minnesota, University of Florida, Texas A&M University, and Oregon State University Library. OCLC# 809109632.