A newly discovered WWII map yields intriguing information about the conflict that shook the world in the 1940s. Found in the garage of a former soldier who died in the early 1990s, this interesting cartographic wonder is now being transferred to a Delaware museum where visitors will be able to gain information on his adventures. The large WWII map also yields information regarding the destruction of submarines used by the United States Navy.
The chart measures seven feet by fifteen feet, and is heavily detailed. Between twenty and thirty years prior to his death in 1992, Rear Admiral Henry Draper Sipple decided to create a chart which marked the locations in which United States subs were decimated. He included other information on his personally made WWII map as well, such as who destroyed the subs as well as how many men were held captive following the destruction and how many men went down with the ship. Sipple’s chart is to undergo a process of restoration, after which the museum hopes to preserve its legacy. Given its size, this will not be an easy task.
The task is being overseen by a number of people employed by the Fort Miles Historical Association. In collaboration with the Atelier Art Services of Philadelphia, they are hoping to keep the WWII map in the best shape possible. The museum has a vested interest in this project, as Sipple was originally born in Delaware. He was a decorated submariner, eventually earning himself a bronze star for his abilities, the NBC 10 Philadelphia reports.
The Fort Miles Historical Association is accustomed to difficult yet deeply important projects. They have been working on a piece of the USS Missouri for almost two years, and are nearly done with the project. While Sipple’sWWII map will be difficult to handle, Fort Miles is confident in their abilities. They do not anticipate the preservation of Sipple’s work to be so difficult that they cannot proceed successfully with the assignment.
Sipple created a highly unique WWII map, which provides details on over four dozen destroyed units within the United States Navy. It was almost lost entirely, as the owners of the house he lived in prior to his death were clearing out their garage at the time of its discovery. Luckily, they saw it for what it was worth and decided to hand it over to those with the ability to ensure its proper preservation. Now, after twenty years of sitting unnoticed in a garage, Sipple’sWWII map will be able to benefit public knowledge in a museum.