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One of the
most crucial logistical problems posed by sending an ultra-mechanized,
fuel-guzzling army across the Channel was the supply of petrol.
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A
“Conundrum”
(IWM) |
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Back in 1942,
an original solution had been put forward by Lord Mountbatten, then
Chief of Combined Operations, who suggested laying an undersea pipeline.
After much tentative research, a system of semi-rigid pipes was
eventually developed. These would carry fuel from the Isle of Wight to
Cherbourg. To lay them along the seabed, huge drums were mounted in the
holds of suitable ships. Another system was also dreamed up, involving
so-called “Conundrums”. Designed to be towed by tugs, they resembled
giant floating cotton reels measuring fifteen metres in diameter, around
which were wound several dozen kilometres of pipes.
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Fuel
is sent ashore at Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes from tankers anchored out
at sea |
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The operation
was codenamed PLUTO – nothing to do with the Disney cartoon character,
but simply the initials of Pipe Line Under The Ocean. |
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The
PLUTO system comes into operation at Cherbourg |
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The undersea pipeline went into service in Cherbourg at the start of
August 1944. However, as early as June, another system had been used to
supply the Allied armies. In front of Port-en-Bessin and
Sainte-Honorine-des-Pertes, a system of oil terminals had been set up,
supplied by tankers anchored out to sea. From there, a network of pipes
was laid, keeping pace with the Allied armies’ advance inland. |
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The
pipelines followed the advancing Allied armies |
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