Rare Old Map of El Alamein by German Army, 1942: WW2, Ed Daba, Trenches, Railway, Dunes

The "ED-DAB'A EL-'ALAMEN" map, meticulously crafted by the General Staff of the German Army in 1941 and published in January 1942, offers a fascinating glimpse into the strategic military geography of the El Alamein region during World War II. This thematic map, originally prepared from various sources, was a critical tool for Axis forces during the First and Second Battles of El Alamein. These battles, pivotal in the North African Campaign, saw the Axis powers' ambitions thwarted and marked a significant turning point in the war. The map's detailed representation of the terrain and key locations underscores its historical significance and the strategic importance of the region.

The General Staff of the German Army, renowned for their precision and expertise in military cartography, produced this map with an acute awareness of the region's topographical nuances. The map's design features contour lines that vividly depict elevation changes, essential for understanding the defensive positions and fortifications that dotted the landscape. The inclusion of trenches, minefields, and observation posts highlights the intense military activity and the tactical considerations that shaped the battles fought in this harsh desert environment.

Geographically, the map spans the northwestern coastal area of Egypt, prominently featuring the Mediterranean Sea (Mitteländisches Meer) and the critical railway line at El Alamein. The coastal dunes, ridges, and salt marshes are meticulously detailed, providing a comprehensive understanding of the natural barriers and challenges faced by the forces. The map also marks wadis, or dry riverbeds, which were significant for movement and supply routes in the arid landscape. These features collectively paint a vivid picture of the region's rugged terrain and its impact on military operations.

El Alamein and Ed Daba, the key settlements marked on the map, were focal points in the Western Desert Campaign. El Alamein, in particular, is etched in history for the fierce battles that took place there, ultimately leading to a decisive British victory. The map's depiction of these towns, along with the surrounding infrastructure such as roads, tracks, and water wells, provides invaluable insights into the logistical and strategic planning that underpinned the military efforts in the region. The map's provenance, believed to have been captured by a British or Australian soldier, adds a layer of intrigue and historical value.

In addition to its military significance, the map is a testament to the cartographic skills and meticulous planning of the German General Staff. The thematic focus on military geography, combined with the detailed topographical elements, makes this map a remarkable artifact from World War II. It not only serves as a historical document but also as a piece of art that captures the complexities and challenges of warfare in the North African desert. For collectors and history enthusiasts, this map offers a unique and compelling window into one of the most critical theaters of World War II.

Cities and towns on this map

• El Alamein: A key location in the map, known for the historic battles fought here during World War II.
• Ed Daba: Another settlement marked on the map, important for its proximity to El Alamein and the coastal region.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Geographical features:
• Mediterranean Sea (Mitteländisches Meer)
• Coastal dunes and ridges
• Salt marshes (Salzpfanne)
• Wadis (dry riverbeds)
• Military features:
• Defensive positions and fortifications
• Trenches and minefields
• Observation posts
• Topographical details:
• Contour lines indicating elevation
• Sand dunes and rocky outcrops
• Vegetation zones
• Transport and infrastructure:
• Railway line (El Alamein railway halt)
• Roads and tracks
• Water wells and cisterns

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: ED-DAB'A EL-'ALAMEN
• Date created: Originally prepared in 1941, published in January 1942
• Mapmaker or publisher: General Staff of the German Army
• Context about the mapmaker: The General Staff of the German Army was responsible for military planning and intelligence during World War II.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Military geography of the El Alamein region
• Key locations and terrain features relevant to the First and Second Battles of El Alamein
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Egypt, specifically the northwestern coastal area near El Alamein
• Design or style of the map:
• Thematic military map with topographical details
• Utilizes contour lines to indicate elevation changes
• Includes a legend and scale for interpreting symbols and distances
• Historical significance or context:
• The map was used during the First and Second Battles of El Alamein in 1942, critical engagements in the North African Campaign of World War II.
• The map reflects the strategic importance of the El Alamein region in preventing Axis forces from advancing into Egypt and capturing the Suez Canal and Middle Eastern oil fields.
• The British victories in these battles marked a turning point in the Western Desert Campaign, boosting Allied morale and contributing to the eventual defeat of the Axis powers in North Africa.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.