Old Map of Postwar Occupation and Denazification in Germany, 1946

Step into a pivotal moment in twentieth-century history with this exceptional map, "I.A. & C. Division Situation As At 21 Feb. 1946," a rare artifact from the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. Created by the British Information and Civil Division, this map offers a detailed and authoritative view of the British Zone of Occupation in northwest Germany, a region undergoing profound transformation. Spanning from Cologne in the south to the Danish border in the north, and encompassing such major cities as Hamburg, Hannover, and Bremen, the map captures the complexity of governance, reconstruction, and denazification efforts at a time when Europe was striving to rebuild from the ashes of conflict.

What sets this map apart is its remarkable thematic depth. Far more than a simple geographical reference, it serves as a comprehensive administrative and infrastructural overview, meticulously charting the region’s railways, roads, and waterways. Each element is clearly differentiated—railways by track type and electrification, roads by width and construction, and waterways by their carrying capacity—providing a window into the logistical backbone essential for both military and civilian life. These details illuminate the immense challenge of restoring normalcy, facilitating movement, and reviving trade in a landscape scarred by war.

Equally compelling are the boxed summaries and tables that frame the map, offering a granular snapshot of daily life and governance in early 1946. The British authorities, through their various branches—Education, Public Safety, Health, Administration, Survey, and more—monitored everything from school attendance and hospital bed availability to crime rates and the flow of displaced persons. These statistics and reports bring to life the multifaceted responsibilities of the occupying powers, revealing their efforts to democratize local governance, maintain order, and care for a population deeply affected by years of conflict and upheaval.

The map’s historical significance is profound. It not only delineates the British Zone and the notable U.S. Enclave within it but also marks the administrative boundaries of Corps Districts and Provinces, underscoring the careful organization required to manage such a vast and devastated territory. The presence of key cities like Hamburg, Cologne, and Hannover, alongside crucial transportation routes, speaks to the strategic importance of this region in the broader context of European recovery. The inclusion of data on war graves, political activities, and the status of communication networks further enriches our understanding of the immediate postwar environment.

For collectors, historians, or anyone with an appreciation for the nuanced tapestry of European history, this map is a rare and invaluable piece. Its rarity is underscored by the fact that so few examples are known to exist, making it not only a window into the past but also a testament to the extraordinary efforts of those tasked with rebuilding a nation. Displaying this map is an invitation to reflect on the resilience, complexity, and hope that defined Germany’s journey from war to peace—a story etched into every line, symbol, and annotation on this remarkable document.

Places on this map

• Hamburg
• Hannover
• Cologne (Köln)
• Bremen
• Lübeck
• Kiel
• Osnabrück
• Münster
• Oldenburg
• Flensburg
• Wilhelmshaven
• Bielefeld
• Braunschweig (Brunswick)
• Göttingen
• Cuxhaven
• Emden
• Bremerhaven
• Lüneburg
• Minden
• Hildesheim

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Clearly delineated British Zone of Occupation boundary
• U.S. Enclave marked within the British Zone
• Detailed railway network, with distinctions for number of tracks, gauge, electrification, and tunnels
• Road network categorized by type (motor highways, main roads, etc.) and width
• Waterways classified by navigable craft capacity
• Administrative boundaries: Corps Districts and Provinz boundaries
• Boxed summaries for each administrative branch: Education, Public Safety, Administration & Local Government, Survey, Health, Posts & Telecommunications, Entries & Exits
• Legend explaining map symbols for infrastructure and boundaries
• Tables and text blocks with statistics and situational reports as of January and February 1946
• Data on schools, students, and educational infrastructure
• Information on police training, uniforms, crime, and black market activity
• Notes on democratization, administrative directives, war graves, and political activities
• Survey branch notes on completion of administrative boundary information
• Health statistics: hospital beds, birth/death rates, DPs, and POWs
• Postal service, telephone, and radio status
• Travel statistics: permits issued and clearances granted
• Map scale and orientation
• Surrounding regions and neighboring countries, including Denmark
• Key transportation routes for military and civilian movement
• Emphasis on infrastructure vital for reconstruction and occupation logistics

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: I.A. & C. Division Situation As At 21 Feb. 1946 (Second World War - Postwar Occupation of Germany - Denazification)
• Date created: 21 February 1946
• Mapmaker/publisher: Information and Civil Division (I.A. & C. Division), British administration, post-World War II
• The I.A. & C. Division was a British administrative body responsible for overseeing civilian life, infrastructure, and governance in the British Zone of Occupation in postwar Germany.
• Covers northwest Germany, from Cologne in the south to the Danish border in the north, including major cities and regions within the British Zone
• Thematic, highly detailed, with a comprehensive legend; includes tables and boxed summaries for each administrative branch; uses color and symbols to differentiate infrastructure and boundaries
• Provides a snapshot of the immediate postwar situation in British-occupied Germany, including efforts at reconstruction, denazification, and democratization
• Highlights the administrative complexity and the multifaceted challenges faced by the occupying authorities
• Rare artifact: Very few known copies exist; part of a set of three maps with different dates
• Offers insight into the infrastructure, governance, and humanitarian situation in Germany shortly after WWII, making it valuable for historians studying the occupation and reconstruction period

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.