To mark the 100th anniversary of the assassination of the Archduke Ferdinand on Saturday the 28th of June the Map Room is exhibiting a small number of maps from its extensive Trench Map Collection. As well as a maps of Vimy Ridge and No-Man’s Land enemy wire defences we show this map, Message Map, dated 22.9.17 showing enemy trench positions during the Battle of
Polygon Wood (which was part of the larger 3rd Battle of Ypres). While the Bodleian holds a large amount of Trench Maps showing enemy positions and British front-lines this map is one of the few examples we have of a message map. On the reverse is a questionnaire used by advancing soldiers to send back to Headquarters information on positions, enemy strengths and other
details. The maps will be on display in the main entrance to the Library on Friday the 27th and Monday the 30th of June.
Message Map, 1917. Field Survey Company. C1 (3) [2157]