Shadow Over England
- Title:
- Shadow Over England
- Alternate Title:
- Shadow Over England
- Collection:
- Persuasive Maps: PJ Mode Collection
- Creator:
- Unknown
- Date:
- 1944
- Posted Date:
- 2017-04-14
- ID Number:
- 2267.01
- Collection Number:
- 8548
- File Name:
- PJM_2267_01.jpg
- Style/Period:
- 1940 - 1959
- Subject:
- World War II
Pictorial - Measurement:
- 28 x 20 (centimeters, height x width)
- Notes:
- This German leaflet, dated September 1944, was intended to intimidate Londoners living under the assault of the newly-developed V1 cruise missile. These flying bombs, named "V" for vengeance, were launched from the French coast at a time when the Luftwaffe was unwilling to continue the use of manned bombers to attack London because of the losses it had suffered. The first V1s aimed at London were launched in June 1944, the week after D-Day. While they were relatively inaccurate and unreliable, they were difficult to defend against, and a great number did in fact hit the city. By October, British forces had overrun all of the launch sites within range of London, and the V1 attacks on the city ended.
The V1 made a distinctive buzzing noise, which added to the apprehension of those under attack. The design of this leaflet, with the "Shadow Over England" of the bomb, reflected the ominous nature of the weapon.
Churchill had warned - as early as 1939 - that Hitler might brag about some secret weapon (particularly having to do with atomic energy), and had characterized any such claim as a "bluff." The verso is headed, "V1- The Deadly 'Bluff'" and describes how "With one stroke" Britain's vast air defense system "has become worthless." It concludes that "Other equally revolutionary new weapons will follow . . . V1 Flying Bombs Aren't the Last 'Bluff.'" In fact, this new threat was not a bluff either: In September 1944, the same month this leaflet was produced, the Germans launched the first of its V2 rockets, the world's first guided ballistic missiles.
For further information on the Collector’s Notes and a Feedback/Contact Link, see https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/about-collection-personal-statement and https://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/content/feedback-and-contact - Cite As:
- P.J. Mode collection of persuasive cartography, #8548. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
- Repository:
- Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
- Archival Collection:
- P.J. Mode collection of persuasive cartography
- Format:
- Image
- Rights:
- For important information about copyright and use, see http://persuasivemaps.library.cornell.edu/copyright.