A copy of Hitler’s plans to invade Ireland during World War II was sold at auction for 1,100 euros ($1,300). independent reported on Thursday. Ironically, during the same week, it was reported that a Montreal auction house sold Nazi memorabilia as historical artifacts.
In relation to the plan to invade Ireland, the Intelligence Handbook was prepared by Nazi German Supreme Command of the Armed Forces and includes maps, photographs and drawings of the West Coast of Ireland centered on bridges, sites and industrial centres.
The proposed military offensive was named “Operation Green”.
Purcell auctioneers, who host the auction, say the secret documents are “extremely rare” even though the first 19 pages are missing. It was also described as an “extraordinarily rare and detailed military study of the geographical and topographical features of the west of Ireland from Mizzen Head to Malin Head”. The estimated price ranged from 250 to 500 euros.
Completed invasion plans included maps of Irish cities marked with targets for the invasion, as well as approximately 1,500 photographs.
There are theories about the goal of Operation Green, which also included the evacuation of British Army troops stationed in Northern Ireland. They could also see Ireland, which remained neutral in WWII, as an opportunity to stop American shipping.
In April, an Australian company called JB Smoove criticized Hitler’s personal belongings for auction.