Bonin Is. [and] Okinawa Shima & Parece Vela

Naval evasion map covering several southern Japanese islands.

This interesting textile map was published in 1945 as a joint effort between U.S. Naval Air Combat Intelligence and the Hydrographic Office. Nicknamed a handkerchief map for its convenient size, they were issued to pilots operating in hostile territory in the event they had to ditch or were shot down. Each side covers a large area across the Pacific Ocean south of Japan, including the Bonin Islands, Okinawa, and a portion of the Satsunan Islands.

Printed on durable material that was easy to hide, the map provides rudimentary information on local topography, ocean currents, and wind directions. While sparse, the details could be very helpful in navigating a life raft or identifying terrain features in friendly (or hostile) territory. This particular example includes seasonal information applicable for both winter and summer.