The Grand Maneuvers of 1941

Embellished map showing Army training maneuvers in the southeastern United States.

This map depicts a series of training exercises, the largest ever at that time, undertaken in the southeastern United States by the 1st Armored Division. “The Grand Maneuvers of 1941” consisted of several separate mock engagements in Louisiana, Arkansas, and the Carolinas. Over 400,000 men took part; including many names that would become famous during the forthcoming war – Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton, just to name a few. The 1st (nicknamed “Old Ironsides”) was just one of several divisions that participated and the map shows the unit’s route across twelve different states by boat, truck, and rail.

The image is highly ornamental and features an elaborate cartouche, scale, and compass rose. The insignia of the units comprising the 1st Armored can be seen across the top of the map, supported by the pillars of the Headquarters Battalion and the 81st Armored Reconnaissance Squadron. The decorations and text are attributed to Pvt. Boyd C. Mutschler, while the publishing credit goes to the 16th Engineer Battalion (attached to “Old Ironsides”).

Despite the scale and organizational complexity of the 1941 maneuvers, the attack on Pearl Harbor quickly nullified any feeling of preparedness or adequacy. By 1942, re-organization from the rapid expansion of the armed forces left many of the units that participated in the training virtually unrecognizable.

References: Gabel, Christopher R. The U.S. Army GHQ Maneuvers of 1941. Washington, D.C.: Center of Military History, United States Army, 1991.