AAF Cloth Chart – No. C-52 Japan and South China Seas [and] No. 53 East China Sea

American evasion map of the China Sea issued during the final push to victory in the Pacific.

This fascinating relic from the Second World War shows detailed information on a large area across the Pacific Theater; including the coast of China, the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan. Of particular interest is the relationship of Iwo Jima to the Japanese home islands, visible on C-53. The small-scale topographic maps, printed on either side of a synthetic cloth sheet (similar to silk), were designed to be used by airmen operating in the region in order to aid their escape, should they be shot down over water or hostile territory.

Relevant information like currents, prevailing winds, prominent landmarks, and transportation routes are presented. The format was easy to conceal, water and tear-resistant, and quiet to use. Created in June 1945 by the Army Map Service in Washington, D.C. More information on WWII escape maps can be found in my blog post here.