You are bidding on a once highly classified detailed study connected to the most famous 20th century invasion, the Invasion of Normandy. "TOP-SECRET BIGOT" is stamped on every page and map of the monograph. BIGOT was a code word for a security classification beyond Top Secret that was given to any document or map associated with the Invasion of Normandy and was derived from the reversal of two words ("To Gib") that had been stamped on papers of officers going to Gibraltar for the invasion of North Africa in November 1942. The April 1944 dated monograph is for Operation Neptune, which was the code word given to the naval and amphibious aspects of the invasion under the command of Admiral Bertram Ramsey. Operation Neptune began on D-Day (June 6, 1944) and came to a successful conclusion on June 30, 1944. Taking place along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast, the operation was the first phase to an invasion that ended with the Allies taking a firm foothold on the continent. The invasion fleet consisted of over 5,000 vessels from eight different navies. Around 156,000 troops landed in Normandy. This original Allied document describes Utah and Omaha beaches and includes the type of sand, tides, landmarks, approaches, underwater obstacles and natural and man-made defenses. Fold out maps and naval vessel recognition pictorials are also provided. According to the consignor, this monograph belonged to Lt. Commander Ernest Schur who was the original owner of the monograph from 1944 until his death in 2001.

Fine with typical age wear and a few loose pages. A highly prized World War II collectable from the largest seaborne invasion in history!