Operation Jericho

Operation Jericho was a low-level attack on Amiens Prison in Nazi-occupied France undertaken by 19 Mosquito Mk. VI aircraft of the Royal Air Force on 18 February 1944.

Related Topics:
Amiens - Nazi - France - Mosquito - Royal Air Force - 18 February - 1944

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Taking part in the mission were 18 aircraft from 487 Squadron (RNZAF), 464 Squadron (RAAF) and 21 Squadron RAF, all from 180 Wing of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, along with one unarmed Mosquito from the Photo Reconnaissance Unit (PRU). The Mosquitos were escorted by Typhoons from three other RAF squadrons, numbers 174, 198 and 245. The PRU Mosquito circled above the prison, taking cine film of the attack and reporting results to the attacking force.

Related Topics:
RNZAF - RAAF - RAF - Typhoons

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The aim of the raid was to free members of the French Resistance, 12 of whom were due to be executed the next day. Bombs breached the walls and damaged the guards' quarters.

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Although 102 of the 717 prisoners were killed and 84 injured during the bombing, 258 escaped, including 79 Resistance and political prisoners. Two Mosquitos and two Typhoons were lost in the raid, and three aircrew were killed and three were captured.

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Today, there is a plaque dedicated to those who died in the attack on the site, and the British aircrew who were shot down are regarded as local heroes.

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