WWII.- Normandy Landings

Exceptionally interesting Normandy Landings related archive of Lt J.W. Main DSC Royal Navy, who was the Navigating officer, responsible for Mine Clearance operations on HMS Fraserborough, the leading ship of the Minesweeping flotilla on D-Day, occupying a position off Ouistreham, on Sword beach. The archive comprises: top secret Navigation Maps and photographs which were used to identify the mined areas and beach landing positions, as well as presumed enemy force dispositions; very rare Communication Orders for Operation Neptune, marked top secret, issued on May 20th 1944, listing all naval headquarters, as well as instructions on communications protocols; a top secret marked chart trace headed 'Swept Channels and Routing Situation P.M. D.Day' showing routes from Channel into each landing beach; a wrecked German flag recovered from ‘Sword’; an Australian flag recovered from the landing area; the Original full size Royal Navy Ensign from HMS Fraserborough; Main's personal navigation instruments in his instrument box; with other personal effects of J.W. Main including: a rare Edward VIII naval dirk, 44.5cm blade etched with scrolling foliage, crowned fouled anchor and Royal cypher, regulation brass hilt with lion's head pommel, wire bound fishskin grip, contained in its engraved brass mounted leather scabbard, complete with knot, the upper mount with owner's name; bicorn hat, epaulettes, belt etc all contained in their transit tin; Main's tropical hat housed in original tin; drinks coasters; commission document issued by George VI; medal ribbons, and a small selection of printed items, to include original identity card and photographs, 1940-1944 (quantity)