Operation Robinson

Operation Robinson
Part of Second World War

Lancasters prepare to take off in the afternoon
Date17 October 1942
Location
Le Creusot, France
Result Partial British success
Belligerents
United Kingdom United Kingdom Nazi Germany Germany
Commanders and leaders
United Kingdom Leonard C. Slee
Strength
94 Lancaster bombers
Casualties and losses
1 aircraft crashed at the target,
7 aircrew killed
63 French civilians killed
Schneider Works out of action for 3 weeks, under repair for 8 months.

The RAF bombing raid against the Schneider Works at Le Creusot, known as Operation Robinson, was undertaken during the daylight hours of 17 October 1942. The mission was assigned to No. 5 Group, which had converted to the new Avro Lancaster. The Lancaster's large lift capacity and high speed gave reason for optimism that the raid might succeed.