Quote:
Originally Posted by luthier
Thanks everyone for your help, but I still need more help with this. We didn't have questions about the map contents per se. We're actually pretty good on the content. We already have a high-res map of our area, which is what would be printed. We just don't know what to print it on, and how to print it.
And I'm still not sure whether this would need to be on cloth, silk, or paper. But since no one seemed to know much about these even on a forum full of aviation experts, I'm guessing the materials won't be a major deal, as long as the map itself is good.
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Note that references to silk maps found so far refer exclusively to RAF "escape maps" which clearly were pointless during the Battle of Britain. From my experience printing directly on linen or silk was rare. Much more common was a paper map backed with something like linen.
I have found a few photos of crew in a he111 using maps in flight. One shows the co-pilot using what looks very much like folded paper. The second looks more interesting the as map appears to be mounted on a stiff folding board with two panels each about 40cm wide by 30 cm high. I will post these up when I get a chance to scan them.
Also remember that regularly updated/changed maps like strip maps and individual airfield maps would almost certainly be just paper. In addition the pilot/navigator generally drew on these maps with a "chinagraph" pencil meaning they had a limited operational life before becoming cluttered and needing replacement.
On the other hand, the 1940 equivalent of sectionals and WAC charts were likely to be backed with linen or some other material for longevity.