WW2 British RAF Silk Escape Map Bulgaria-Romania 17″ X 21″ Air Ministry No 7317

This item is an original World War II British Royal Air Force silk escape map, covering the regions of Bulgaria and Romania. Measuring approximately 17 by 21 inches, the map is designated Air Ministry No 7317. Silk escape maps were issued to RAF personnel during World War II as part of their survival equipment. Constructed from lightweight silk, these maps were durable, water-resistant, and easily concealed, making them suitable for aircrews who risked being captured behind enemy lines. The printed details include key geographic features, major towns, and transportation routes relevant to the area covered. Maps of this type were typically folded and carried in flight clothing or equipment. The production of such maps was overseen by the British Air Ministry, which assigned individual numbers to each map variant. This example represents an original artifact from the era, reflecting British military navigation and evasion strategies used in the European theater during World War II.