C00036554
| “ | The western powers were, of course, shocked and alarmed when at first they saw the plans, for the attack. However, they finally decided that the documents had been placed in their hands by the Cermans purposely in order to mislead them. They probably could not imagine that we had been guilty of such a crass blunder. (Emphasis added). | ” |
A second example occurred in the North African campaigns. Alam el Halfa, a ridge roughly 15 miles behind the Alamein line was a natural stronghold, an excellent defensive position for the British at that stage in the war. It could, however, be outflanked by the advancing Germans who might be able to press on to Alexandria. The British maps of the area were excellent, being based upon captured Italian maps corrected by aerial photographs. One tyPe of British map was thought particularly valuable by both armies, the so-called "going map." This map showed color-coded regions denoting how difficult the terrain was, and what speeds could be maintained by various vehicles. The British decided to print a false "going map" showing that an outflanking movement would present rough going whereas the route direct to the Alam el Halfa region was easily passible. The map was secretly printed and placed in an armored car to be captured by the Germans in a latterday version of the Meinertzhagen haversack
