August 14, 1942

Providing fuel from Britain to the Allied forces in France

On the Pipeline – 68 years ago: Production began on the Pipe-Lines Under the Ocean Project, otherwise known as “Operation Pluto,” with the aim of constructing a network of pipelines under the English Channel to provide fuel from Britain to Allied forces in France. This alternative to tanker ships was seen as imperative due to ships’ exposure to weather delays as well as enemy attacks. By May 8, 1945, more than 206 million gallons of fuel had been transported through the pipeline.