Top-secret papers and pictures from the D-Day landings have been found and will go under the hammer 81 years after bosses were supposed to burn them.
A special collection of wartime memorabilia will be sold off next month by Ashford-based C&T Auctions, having formerly been part of the digital museum and militaria database, the Overlord Collection.
Operation Overlord was the name given to the D-Day landings, which saw thousands of Allied troops storm Normandy after setting off across the English Channel on June 6, 1944.
Among the most valuable items are the Operation Neptune Force ‘G’ Orders. They were so important to the war effort, bosses behind the plans were ordered to burn them to avoid them falling into the wrong hands.
The highly-classified papers were issued to Allied naval commanders on May 20, less than three weeks before the invasion.
Expected to go for at least £8,000, the documents include detailed maps showing how to approach Gold Beach for the first wave of assaults, highlighting which shipping lanes to use.
On the front of the booklet, it offers a stark warning: “To be taken on charge in accordance with article 39 of C.B form U.2.D and destroyed by fire on completion of the operation.”
Other fascinating lots include a collection of images and uniforms from officers who took part in the landings, and special edition newspapers from America.
Last year marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and Kent veterans shared their memories of the crucial war effort.
