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This striking and highly visual map, titled Britain – Spearhead of Attack, is a Second World War propaganda poster illustrating the extensive impact of British military operations on continental Europe. Published by the British Information Service in New York, the map was designed to reassure both British citizens and occupied populations under Nazi rule, this work forms part of a series created by Scottish artist J. Donald Blake. The map. represents a powerful testament to Britain’s strategic air and sea dominance as the war approached its decisive phases.

The map encompasses Great Britain and a large portion of Europe, highlighting battle sites, industrial targets, and strategic locations impacted by British and Allied forces. Britain is depicted in a vibrant yellow hue, portraying peace and productivity with symbols of factories, coal production, shipbuilding, tanks, and livestock. Contrastingly, continental Europe, rendered in grey, is aflame with red explosions and plumes of smoke rising from cities, factories, and key infrastructure. This stark visual dichotomy reinforces Britain’s role as a haven of stability and its central position in the Allied effort.

The map identifies major cities and industrial centers across Europe—particularly in Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands—that have been subject to Allied bombing campaigns. Explosions and fires engulf critical areas, symbolizing the destruction wrought by British aerial strikes. Swarms of Royal Air Force (RAF) planes are shown flying across the Channel, emphasizing the relentless nature of Britain’s offensive capabilities.

The map prominently features aircraft formations, paratroopers, and naval operations to convey Britain’s multifaceted military strategy. The Royal Navy ensures maritime dominance, safeguarding vital shipping lanes for supplies and reinforcements arriving from the United States and Canada. A key message is Britain’s capacity to maintain “a ceaseless and gigantic flow of supplies,” providing the power needed for the eventual Allied invasion of Europe.

A notable feature is the legend and descriptive text at the bottom, which explains the scope of British operations. It highlights contributions from various military branches:

• Bomber Command: Conducting devastating attacks on Germany’s war industry day and night.
• Fighter Command: Supporting bombers and intercepting enemy defenses.
• Coastal Command: Protecting shipping routes and attacking enemy supply lines.
• Combined Operations: Conducting raids and disrupting enemy fortifications.
• The Royal Navy: Ensuring secure and steady supply chains to Britain.

These explanations underscore the organized and unified nature of Britain’s armed forces, while visually reinforcing the message of overwhelming force being directed toward Nazi-occupied Europe.

Created at a critical juncture in the war, this poster was designed to boost morale in Britain and occupied territories, particularly as the Allied invasion of Europe was still forthcoming. By showcasing Britain as the “spearhead of attack,” the map reassures viewers of the effectiveness of Allied strategies and the inevitability of victory.  This map also conveys a sense of hope and continuity. Britain’s peaceful production of arms, alongside agricultural symbols like sheep and cattle, highlights the nation’s resilience and preparedness. It draws a stark contrast to Europe’s turmoil, positioning Britain as the launchpad for liberation.

The map was issued in several languages, including English, Italian and Arabic.