Operation Pluto - Pipe Lines Under The Ocean - was a highly ambitious engineering project to design, develop and construct undersea pipelines and huge pumping stations. These would pump petroleum fuel under the English Channel to support Operation OVERLORD, the Allied invasion of Normandy commencing on 6th June 1944.

The route that PLUTO took across the Isle of Wight started at the Thorness beach terminal and a pumping station at Whippance Farm. Then over 14 miles it stretched across the Island, looping around Parkhurst Forest and Newport to eventually arrive at a huge storage tank hidden in Hungerberry Wood above Shanklin. From there pipes fed two pumping stations, one housed around a derelict hotel in Shanklin, the other in a part demolished Victorian fort and a golf clubhouse at Sandown. From there, 72 miles away in Europe, the Allied forces desperately needed fuel.

Today, 75 years on, the route of the pipeline and the buildings associated with PLUTO have all but disappeared. But if you look closely, there still are tantalising clues spread across the Island. I thoroughly enjoy walking for its own sake, but it is sometimes nice to have a purpose, if not an excuse. So this book offers the reader 25 guided walks and detailed maps to find what still survives of the great pipeline and the pumping stations; and in doing so to plot its course. Wherever PLUTO crossed the path there was usually a unique marker. They are still out there, waiting to be discovered.

The whole PLUTO project was massive undertaking. It was rapid, rushed and at times improvised. It was also at the very cutting edge of what was possible. It was always Top Secret.

In the end, PLUTO was not the success that saved the Allied invasion, and in truth, it was probably a 'pipeline too far'. Immediately after the war a propaganda campaign actively sought to justify the huge expenditure of man hours and resources just before the invasion and D-Day.

But none of this should detract from our admiration for the magnificent operation and the men and women who gave their all to make it happen. It came tantalizingly close to fully supporting the Allies victory, but was ultimately beaten by the vagaries of war.

This then is the real story of PLUTO. A Ramble with a Purpose.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We first started out as ?The Paperback Exchange,? a chain of physical bookstores where we would part exchange your beloved books for new stories to transport you to faraway places. However, as shopping started to evolve to online shops and marketplaces, we bid our stores goodbye to become ?PBShop.? This transition has only allowed us to blossom as we now ship thousands of titles to book lovers across the globe. We pride ourselves in being a community of local book lovers which allows our passion and devotion to shine in everything we do. In 2020 we not only celebrated our 20th birthday but our 1st birthday as being completely employee owned after becoming an E.O.T in September 2019. We are proud to be different and embrace standing apart on a book mountain by working from a virtual inventory which allows us to provide thousands of books that may be difficult to get for your bookshelf or your studies. Working with a number of different suppliers allows us to explore other avenues such as puzzles, sheet music and even stationery so we really do have something for everyone. Life is about being versatile in all realms of existence. If this is your first visit or you are a returning customer, we would like to welcome you to the PBShop family, for there is no friend as loyal as a book. We are a company who put our customers at the centre of everything we do as we understand the importance of reading because once you learn to read, you will forever be free. There are a whole lot of things in this world of ours that we are yet to explore, which is why we will forever inspire curious minds.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Pbshop.co.uk Ltd
Unit 22 Horcott Industrial Estate, Horcott Road, Fairford, GL7 4BX, United Kingdom

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Returns Policy
We ask all customers to contact us for authorisation should they wish to return their order. Orders returned without authorisation may not be credited.
If you wish to return, please contact us within 14 days of receiving your order to obtain authorisation.

Returns requested beyond this time will not be authorised.

Our team will provide full instructions on how to return your order and once received our returns department will process your refund.
Please note the cost to return any...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Books are shipped from UK warehouse. Delivery thereafter is between 4 and 14 business days dependant upon your location - please do contact us with any queries you may have.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	7 to 14 business days	7 to 14 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 0.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.