A TOP secret World War Two military operation in Antarctica is set to be brought to life with the help of a University of Worcester lecturer next year.

Andy Stevenson, senior lecturer in graphic design and multimedia at the university, has researched, planned and developed a series of bespoke historical maps to illustrate a new book by polar historian, Stephen Haddelsey.

The book documents the little-known Operation Tab-arin, which ran from 1944 to 1946, which was designed to deny Antarctic harbours to German U-boats and surface raiders, as well as reinforcing British claims to unexplored areas of Antarctica.

Mr Haddelsey’s book – which has already been described as “truly remarkable” by explorer Sir Ran-ulph Fiennes – will be the first full account of the operation and will complement the author’s three previous works on the history and exploration of the Antarctic. Mr Stevenson said he was delighted to have played a part in revealing a forgotten piece of history: “It is a very exciting project to be inv-olved in.

“This operation has never been mapped in this fashion or in this degree of detail. “We’ve used modern satellite technology and unique projections too so the maps will set new precedents in helping readers to visualise the course of the operation.”

Mr Haddelsey said the accuracy of the maps was crucial in showing exactly how the operation unfolded.

“Accuracy in the mapping of historical events is crucial. But in addition to accuracy, Andy brings a remarkable degree of creativity to the maps, making them fresh and dynamic even for those who are very familiar with the history of the Antarctic continent,” he said.

Operation Tabarin: Brit-ain’s Secret Wartime Exped-ition to Antarctica, 1944-46, will be published in April 2014 with a foreword by Princess Anne, patron of the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust.