Original WWII German Industrial Map Wesseling Oil Plant Bomb Damage 1944 Plan

Original large-format WWII German industrial site map dated July 19, 1944, measuring approximately 28 x 16 inches. This is a highly detailed “Lageplan” (site plan) of a major synthetic fuel facility in Wesseling, Germany, located along the Rhine River.
This is not just a map — it is a bomb damage assessment / operational layout of one of Germany’s critical wartime fuel production plants.
Translated Text (full, line-by-line where visible):
“Lageplan M. 1:1500”
→ Site Plan, Scale 1:1500
“Union Rheinische Braunkohlen Kraftstoff Aktiengesellschaft, Wesseling”
→ Union Rhenish Brown Coal Fuel Corporation, Wesseling
(Important: This was a major synthetic fuel producer using coal to create gasoline for the German war effort.)
Handwritten date:
“19.7.44”
→ July 19, 1944
Legend / Key on map:

Bombentrichter
→ Bomb craters 
Blindgänger
→ Unexploded bombs (duds) 
Entschärfte Blindgänger
→ Defused unexploded bombs 

👉 The numerous black dots across the map represent actual bomb strike locations, making this a direct record of Allied bombing damage.
“Geheim” (stamp):
→ Secret
Partial translation:
→ “This is a state secret under the law of June 5, 1934… Distribution only via official channels… Storage under responsibility…”
👉 Confirms this was restricted wartime material, likely for engineering, repair, or military planning use.
What This Map Shows (Important Collector Insight):

Detailed layout of a synthetic fuel / oil hydrogenation plant 
Buildings, tanks, rail lines, and infrastructure all numbered 
Heavy concentration of bomb hits across the facility 
Rhine River labeled at top (“Rheinstrom”) 
Industrial + worker housing area at bottom 

Historical Context (Highly Relevant):
This plant was part of Germany’s synthetic fuel program, which was critical to the war effort (fuel for tanks, aircraft, etc.).

The Wesseling plant produced fuel from coal using chemical processes  
It became a major Allied bombing target in 1944 
Heavy raids occurred in June, July, and October 1944, causing severe damage and eventual shutdown  

👉 Just 1–2 days before this map (July 18–19, 1944):

Allied bombers attacked synthetic oil plants including Wesseling  

This strongly suggests:
👉 This map was likely created immediately after a bombing raid to document damage
What Was Happening on July 19, 1944 (Wider War Context):

Battle of Normandy ongoing 
Allied forces pushing through France: 

Liberation of Saint-Lô (major breakthrough)  
Heavy tank battles near Caen (Operation Goodwood continues) 

👉 This was a critical turning point in the war, when:

Allies were advancing on land 
AND systematically destroying Germany’s fuel supply from the air 

Condition:

Original large fold-out map 
Fold lines present as issued 
Light wear / handling marks consistent with age 
No major loss of detail 
See photos for exact condition 

Collector Value / Significance:

Direct connection to Allied bombing campaign against fuel industry 
Rare bomb damage plotted industrial map 
Marked “Secret” wartime document 
Identifiable strategic target (Wesseling oil plant) 
Strong crossover appeal: 

WWII collectors 
Military historians 
Industrial / engineering history collectors 

Keywords (SEO for eBay):
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