WWII 1943 British War Office Tripoli Libya Plotting Map – Tobruk – GSGS 4080

An original Second World War British War Office military plotting map covering Libya and the central Mediterranean, including the historically important Tobruk area.

Officially designated:

TRIPOLI – Sheet N.E. 23/10

Produced by the Geographical Section, General Staff (GSGS) as part of its No. 4080 plotting-map series.

The lower margin is clearly printed:

Geographical Section, General Staff No. 4080
Published by War Office, 1941
4th Edition 1943
20,000/11/43

This dates this particular printing to November 1943, firmly within the Second World War.

The map covers a large area of Libya, Egypt and the Mediterranean, with locations including Tobruk, Derna, El Adem and the Libyan coastline clearly marked. Tobruk gives this sheet considerably more collector appeal because of its importance during the North African Campaign, including the famous siege and subsequent fighting involving British, Commonwealth, German and Italian forces.

Printed in red with a large military plotting grid, latitude/longitude markings, navigation circles, relief information and other features intended for operational plotting rather than civilian road navigation.

The margin also states “Drawn and Heliographed at O.S. 1941”, confirming its British Ordnance Survey/War Office production.

There are handwritten period/later inventory markings to the upper margin, including “Scull 2 Sheet 4”, suggesting this formed part of a larger numbered collection of military plotting sheets.

Good original used condition for an 80+ year old military map. Original storage folds throughout, creasing, minor staining and general handling wear. Some edge/corner wear and handwritten annotations. Importantly, it remains a large and visually impressive complete sheet. Please study photographs for condition.

Date: November 1943
Area: Tripoli / Libya / North Africa / Mediterranean
Notable location: Tobruk
Sheet: N.E. 23/10
Series: GSGS No. 4080
Edition: 4th Edition
Publisher: British War Office
Originally drawn: 1941
Print run: 20,000
Period: WWII / North African Campaign