Operation PLUTO - Pipeline under the ocean - was an ambitious and top secret operation to lay a series of pipelines across the English Channel from the south coast of England to France following the D Day landings in order to supply fuel to the advancing Allied forces.
Eisenhower described PLUTO as "second in daring only to the artificial (Mulberry) Harbours''. Winston Churchill said ''Operation Pluto was a remarkable feat of British engineering, distinguished in its originality, pursued with tenacity and crowned by complete success. This creative energy helped to win the war''.
Our speaker Ivor Ellis worked for Pirelli Cables for thirty six years and was aware that Pirelli had had an involvement with Pluto. He conducted extensive research during lockdowns and can now tell the story of PLUTO from its initial conception, through its development, design, testing, trials, manufacture and eventually the installation of hundreds of miles of pipelines installed across the English Channel following the D Day landings in Normandy. Several locations close to Poole were linked to the project in some way, and were visited by Ivor in the course of his research.
Date and Time: Tuesday 17 February 2026, bar opens 1900, talk begins 1930
Venue: Lilliput Sailing Club, 200a Sandbanks Road, Poole, Dorset BH14 8HA.
Open to: All CA Members, prospective CA members
Booking: No need to book
Cost: £3 for CA members, non-members £6 on the door.