These map cases are often listed as Officer’s Map Cases as they are copies of rather posher versions made from Khaki and leather. The lighter version we have here appeared in 1944 with two versions, one for the jungle, one for everywhere else. The British troops operating in the jungle back then wore Olive Green clothing (O.G.s) and the map case is a colour match.

The mosquito repellent issued to troops back then was very similar to modern day paint stripper and killed most things except mosquitoes, it also liquidised Celluloid, hence the warning on the case, soldiers’ skin was excluded from similar warnings!

John Hawley & Co of Walsall, makers of this map case, were established in 1837 manufacturing outdoor leisure goods, tents & camping equipment, so no surprise that they got the government contract to supply similar items.

Masses of surplus military equipment was sold off after the war to be snapped up by the outdoor folk, in this case by Ken MacTaggart, who passed it on to us when he lost his bearings.