S4 Ep4: Smuggling Silk: WWII Escape Maps with Dr. Barbara A. Bond

About this episode

Jerry speaks with Dr. Barbara A. Bond about WWII escape maps and her career in cartography.

In this episode, Jerry speaks with the illustrious Barbara A. Bond, the former cartographic researcher in the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Together, they pour over an important but unassuming silk escape map of Danzig (Gdansk) port from World War II. What information is presented on the map, and what has been intentionally excluded? More importantly, how did this map end up in the hands of a Prisoner of War hoping to escape the enemy in Europe? We gain access all areas to Barbara’s astounding career in mapping: Jerry hears highlights from her first exposure to maps as a child, to her tenure as President of the British Cartographic Society and Director of the Hydrographic Office in the UK. Along the way, we gain insight to her PhD research on MI9's escape and evasion mapping programme in WWII, resulting in her brilliant book Great Escapes . From historians, scientists and writers to creatives and cultural custodians, people have used maps as a source of knowledge, guidance, and inspiration for centuries. Join us in this award winning podcast (Gold in Education at the British Podcast Awards 2025) as Jerry Brotton invites a guest to share a map close to their heart - and unfurl the…

People in this episode

Host: Jerry Brotton

Guest: Barbara A. Bond

Topics covered

• World War II
• cartography
• escape maps
• history
• interview
• cultural insights

Keywords

• silk escape map
• Danzig
• Prisoner of War
• MI9
• cartographic research
• history
• mapping

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: British Cartographic Society, Hydrographic Office

Books & works: Great Escapes

Places: Danzig (Gdansk)

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