A fine original map belonging to Luftwaffe meteorologist Karl Trappe, a winner of the Iron Cross Second Class, and stamped with his purple ownership stamp at top left and again on verso. Trappe was also awarded the German Cross in gold for his work as a WD-Inspector, and Luftwaffe Goblet for outstanding achievements in aerial warfare. The map is taken from a larger document and measures in itself 17.5 x 11.5 in., linen-backed paper. Iceland is shown at center, with Trappe’s penciled notations for the day’s operations for May 19, 1943 at lower right. Beneath the date, Trappe adds his name and that of his flight officer Wilhelm Hering. Hering too was awarded the Iron Cross, Second Cross, German Cross in Gold as an Oberleutnant, and Luftwaffe Goblet. Trappe also indicates the location of the fishing village Hofn, ‘Hammerle/Ziegler’ and ‘Flug Nr. 195 8 hours 59 minutes’. Worthy of further research! Although Iceland officially maintained neutrality during World War II, it like so many other small and vulnerable countries became a pawn in the game of the larger players. Fully comprehending the island’s importance as a stepping stone between Europe and the New World, Roosevelt ordered American forces to land on the island in September 1941 to prevent takeover of its significant shipping and airways by the Germans. By 1943, Allied troops numbered a whopping 50,000 strong among a population of merely 120,000. Also in 1943, Iceland would break all legal ties with Denmark, recreating itself as an independent republic after both British and U.S. occupation. Very good condition, with just the usual folds.