Original Item: WW2 came expectantly upon Great Britain; years of appeasing AH had only put off the inevitable war. The disaster of the British Expeditionary Force defeated and evacuated at Dunkirk left England standing alone. Little did anyone know that by the end of 1941, more than a year away, both the USSR and the USA would have joined the war. In this interim period Britain, an island nation, made plans to combat AH and his Allies in the World Arena. This included Covert Operations and the fascinating inventions and adaptations to aid in these clandestine ventures.
A special Office of MI5 was established headed by the legendary Spy Master Christopher Layton-Hutton where “gadgets” for espionage and escape were developed. These included the “compass in heel or button” and the renowned “Silk” maps for concealment in clothing, etc; available for viewing in a permanent exhibition at Dover Castle Museum in Kent, England.
However the first covert maps were printed on tissue paper, but not just ordinary tissue paper. This special paper was made from Mulberry Leaves, which is claimed to be unaffected by water, and were eminently concealable and durable. Initially given to Secret Agents but also later smuggled to P.O.W. camps within Board Games, books and other “innocent” paraphernalia. Generally these Maps covered a large area and were of vital importance…
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