WOW RARE WWII German Staraja Russia Battle Map 1942 Hand Marked Eastern Front For Sale

Very interesting large WWII German military field/battle map measuring approximately 21 x 11.5 inches, covering the Staraja Russa–Lake Ilmen sector of the Eastern Front in Russia.

This is much more interesting than a standard unmarked military map. It is extensively hand-annotated in multiple colors—red, blue, green and dark brown/black—with unit positions, defensive lines, attack arrows, movement routes, dates and tactical markings covering nearly the entire sheet.

The printed map identifies Staraja Russa prominently at the western end and includes numerous surrounding villages, rivers, lakes, marshes, rail lines and roads. The markings appear to document the intense fighting in this sector during the Soviet winter offensive of January 1942. Soviet forces broke through the German 290th Infantry Division south of Lake Ilmen on January 8, 1942 and reached the approaches to Staraja Russa the following day.

Especially interesting markings visible on the map include 290, 501, 502, 24.1. Ing.Btl. 38, numerous January dates including 9.1, 10.1, 13.1, 20.1, 21.1, 23.1, 24.1, 25.1, 26.1, 29.1, 30.1 and 31.1, and multiple German and opposing troop positions. Period records confirm that the 290th Infantry Division fought in this sector and that Infantry Regiment 502 was among its formations.

One particularly appealing feature is the handwritten chronological notation along the lower margin:

“15.12. – 7.u.8.1 – 9.u.10.1 – 11.–17.1 – 18.–22.1 – 23.–31.1”

This appears to organize or reference successive stages of the fighting from December through the end of January, adding considerably to the map's research potential.

The sheet provides a remarkable visual record of the fluid fighting around Staraja Russa immediately south of Lake Ilmen, an area directly connected with the fighting that developed into the Demyansk battles of 1942. German archival photographs from January 1942 likewise identify Staraja Russa/Cholm-area operations and PK 501 during this period.

Good field-used condition for its age. Original fold lines, wrinkles, handling wear, minor edge wear and several punched holes along the left side are present. Numerous period colored pencil/ink annotations cover the map.

Size: approximately 21" × 11.5"

This is a very displayable and research-worthy Eastern Front map with considerably more historical interest than an ordinary unused map because of the extensive tactical annotations.

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