First World War maps of the Western Front

Collection

Identifier: MSS-Archives-2023/21

Staff Only

Content Description

Six folders containing 34 First World War era maps of the Western Front. Collection includes a range of maps from small scale (1: 250,0000) maps of North West Europe through to detailed trench maps. A number of the maps have been annotated with troop positions and/or the names of previous owners.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1914 - 1918

Conditions Governing Access

Not restricted

Biographical / Historical

The names annotated on the maps include Auckland University College (AUC) alumni and architect, Acland Withiel Thomas (1888-1962), who served with the British Section of the (New Zealand) Field Engineers at Gallipoli and on the Western Front where he earned a Military Cross. Acland was the eldest son of Professor Algernon Thomas who taught Natural Sciences (geology and biology) at AUC from 1883 to 1913. Norman Russell Withiel Thomas (1891-1969), younger brother of Acland, who also served on the Westen Front. Lawrence Morris Blyth (1896-2001) who served with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade (known as the Dinks), and Lt J.Finn.

Extent

34 Sheets (6 map folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Physical Location

Six map folders stored in drawer 2 of the Fine Arts poster cabinet, 109, G-47

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Transferred from the Te Tumu Herenga | Libraries and Learning Services map collection in 2021 on account of their unique annotations and association with Auckland University College alumni.