Old Pictorial Military Map of Britain in World War II by Blake, 1944: English Channel, Allied Offensives

Step into the pivotal days of World War II with “Britain – Spearhead of attack,” a masterfully illustrated pictorial map crafted by F. Donald Blake in 1944. This exceptional artifact captures Great Britain at the very heart of the Allied war effort, visually narrating its transformation into the launchpad for liberation across Europe. The map’s rich illustrations bring to life the bustling industrial cities, critical transport routes, and the intricate web of military logistics that underpinned the Allied strategy. Its vivid pictorial style is both captivating and informative, offering a rare window into the geography and spirit of wartime Britain.

What sets this map apart is its unique blend of artistry and military intelligence. Blake’s design employs striking symbols—tanks, aircraft, ships, and coalfields—to highlight the nation’s vital resources and the relentless movement of troops and materiel. The decorative title cartouche and the use of color and shading not only enhance its visual appeal but also serve to underscore the urgency and dynamism of the era. Insets of Turin, Milan, and Genoa further extend the map’s narrative, situating Britain’s role within the broader European theater and reminding viewers of the far-reaching impact of Allied operations.

Historically, this map is a testament to Britain’s central role in orchestrating the Allied offensive against Nazi-occupied Europe. The English Channel is depicted as a critical artery, with bold arrows and lines tracing the planned routes of invasion and supply. Major cities such as London, Liverpool, and Glasgow are not just geographical points—they are portrayed as hubs of industrial might and resilience, essential to the war effort. The inclusion of key battle sites, ports, and airfields speaks to the strategic complexity of the conflict and the meticulous planning that defined this period.

Beyond its military significance, the map is a celebration of Britain’s industrial and logistical prowess. Factories, power stations, and coalfields are meticulously illustrated, emphasizing the immense resources marshaled for victory. Railways and transport routes snake across the landscape, visually narrating the movement of troops and supplies that would ultimately turn the tide of war. The map’s legend and descriptive panels provide additional layers of context, making it as educational as it is visually stunning.

Owning this map is to possess a piece of living history—a snapshot of a nation at the zenith of its resolve and ingenuity. It stands as both a collector’s treasure and a source of inspiration, capturing the drama, complexity, and hope of a world in the throes of transformation. Whether displayed in a study, library, or gallery, “Britain – Spearhead of attack” invites reflection on the extraordinary events and enduring legacy of the Second World War.

Places on this map

• London
• Liverpool
• Glasgow
• Birmingham
• Manchester
• Edinburgh
• Bristol
• Southampton
• Portsmouth
• Plymouth
• Newcastle
• Sheffield
• Cardiff
• Belfast
• Dover
• Turin (inset)
• Milan (inset)
• Genoa (inset)
• Paris (visible in continental Europe)
• Antwerp (visible in continental Europe)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Pictorial symbols representing tanks, aircraft, and ships, indicating military resources and movements
• Major British cities such as London, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Birmingham are prominently illustrated
• Key battle sites and military locations are marked across Britain and continental Europe
• The English Channel is depicted as a critical route for Allied operations
• Arrows and lines illustrate the direction of military offensives from Britain toward occupied Europe
• Coalfields and power stations are marked, emphasizing the industrial base supporting the war effort
• Ports and naval bases are highlighted, showing the importance of maritime logistics
• Airfields and aircraft are illustrated, underlining the role of air power
• The map legend explains the meaning of various pictorial symbols
• Decorative title cartouche with thematic artwork
• Insets of Turin, Milan, and Genoa, providing additional European context
• Descriptive text panels summarizing Britain’s role as the “spearhead” of Allied attacks
• Railways and transport routes are depicted, showing the movement of troops and supplies
• The coastline of Britain and Western Europe is clearly delineated
• Illustrations of factories and industrial centers
• Flags and insignia representing Allied nations
• Notations of significant military events or campaigns
• The map uses color and shading to differentiate regions and highlight strategic areas
• Artistic depictions of soldiers and military equipment
• The map’s border is decorated with thematic motifs related to war and victory

Historical and design context

• The map is titled Britain – Spearhead of attack, created by F. Donald Blake in 1944 during World War II
• Printed in England by Alf Cooke Ltd., Leeds and London
• A pictorial and thematic military map, combining artistic illustration with informative content
• Highlights Great Britain as the central base for Allied military operations in Europe during WWII
• Depicts significant battle sites, military resources, and key logistical hubs
• Features a decorative title cartouche and insets of Italian cities, situating Britain’s role within the broader European theater
• Employs striking symbols and color to convey military strategy and urgency
• The map’s historical significance lies in its role as a morale-boosting and informative artifact, illustrating Britain’s pivotal role in WWII
• Reflects the wartime need for public understanding of military strategy and resource mobilization
• A valuable collector’s item for those interested in historical cartography and military history

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.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

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 and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

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

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) 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).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

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, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

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 and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my 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 order for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

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

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

Almost all of my maps and art prints 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.