The Legendary Role of the Michelin Guide During the Normandy Landings
In the annals of history, certain objects transcend their original purpose, playing critical roles in momentous events. One such object is the 1939 Michelin Guide, which went from being a travel and gastronomy reference to a valuable military tool during World War II. This guide, which holds a mythical status, was reportedly found in the bags of American soldiers during the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.
As detailed on the Interéchés auction house’s website and echoed by Jeanne Durieux in Le Figaro, this guide is up for auction, estimated to fetch between 5,000 and 7,000 euros. But its historical value far surpasses its financial worth. To commemorate its significance, Michelin Éditions has reissued this ‘special edition printed in 1944’ for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landing.
From Travel Guide to Military Essential
The 1939 Michelin Guide was not just filled with lists of 'good restaurants', 'good wines', and 'isolated hotels'. It contained detailed maps of over 500 towns and villages, offering critical geographical and topographical information. This guide became an invaluable tool for the Allied General Staff, who needed reliable maps after the existing ones were deemed inadequate.
Documents reveal that in the spring of 1944, the Allied forces, preparing for the Normandy invasion, faced navigation challenges due to destroyed or disoriented signage in French towns. The Michelin Guide, with its extensive and precise city maps, filled this gap. At the request of the Allied General Staff and with the cooperation of Michelin and the War Department in Washington, a special edition of the guide was produced bearing the markings 'For Official Use Only' and 'Reproduced by Military Intelligence Division'.
Historical accounts highlight how the suggestion to use the Michelin Guide came from Gustave Moutet, a Free French officer, who realized the Allies' maps were subpar. This fortuitous recommendation led to the reproduction of this 1,100-page guide, which included ample information like city lists in alphabetical order, locations of gas pumps, and the capacities of bridges.
In recognition of the guide's impact, Michelin has reissued 3,000 copies at a price of 35 euros each, available at Aventure Michelin and its online store. Additionally, during an anniversary event, Michelin's North American subsidiary employees accompanied around sixty veterans on a commemorative trip to Normandy, where they distributed replicas of this iconic guide.
- The auction of this sand-colored guide, distinctly different from the usual red Michelin guides, is set to take place at the Vassy/Courtadon auction house in Clermont-Ferrand this Thursday. This unique artifact lacks the name of its original owner, instead, it's marked with 'For official use only' and 'Reproduced by Military Intelligence Division War Department Washington DC', signifying its military utility.
- Post D-Day, the Allied General Staff's use of the Michelin Guide didn’t cease. In August 1944, more than 380,000 maps were ordered from Michelin to aid the troops during the liberation of France, underscoring the strategic importance of this seemingly mundane travel guide.
