Essen Sheet M.32/1

WWII plan of the German industrial center of Essen.

This British military map covers a large area around the eastern German city of Essen. Issued at a scale of 1:250,000, the image offers a strategic overview of the vitally important Ruhr River Valley – home to the vast majority of German industry and one of its densest population centers. International borders are highlighted in red. Topography is shown in contours and various settlements and geographic features are labeled. The transportation network of roads and railroads is also emphasized.

Second Edition. Compiled by the Geographical Section, General Staff and published by the War Office in 1943. Red overprinting indicates it likely was intended for use by the RAF, identifying Luftwaffe airfields such as Borkenberge, Hahndorf, and Krefeld. Royal Air Forces launched over 20,000 sorties against targets throughout the Ruhr during World War II. The heaviest concentrations occurred between March and July 1943. For further information on military map of the Second World War, check out the UK National Archives.