Battle Route of the 285th Engr. C. Bn. in the European Theater of Operations

Colorful unit map for the 285th Engineer Combat Battalion.

This vibrant commemorative map captures the route of the 285th Engineer Combat Battalion across Europe during the Second World War. A base map of the theater (utilized by several respective unit histories) is overlaid with bright red arrows and several dated captions.

Illustrated vignettes highlight memorable events and scenes between arriving in the U.K. in November 1944 and meeting up with the Red Army after V-E Day. Amusing images of overcrowded rail cars, lackluster rations, and beautiful women reflect contemporary priorities shared by many in the battalion. A brief summary of the primary engagements is provided in the lower left – “It Says Here in Small Print.” In addition to training, crossing the Rhine, and supporting different armored divisions, the unit enjoyed “a week on salmon and cheese” near Duclair, France.

Created anonymously, but probably issued by the 285th in Germany in 1945. Scarce on the market and unlisted in WorldCat as of April 2024.