What did Operation "Jericho" achieve?

Short answer

Breaching Amiens Prison: of the 832 inmates, 255 men escaped, though 182 were recaptured shortly afterwards, and the bombing caused 102 deaths. The 18 February 1944 attack cost two Mosquitos shot down and two escorting Typhoons lost.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Martin B-26B-25 MA Marauder "Flak Bait

A bombing run at wall height

On 18 February 1944, during the Second World War, Amiens Prison, in German-occupied France, was bombed at very low altitude with the aim of breaching the walls, killing the German guards and using the shock waves to blow open the cell doors. Eighteen de Havilland Mosquito FB Mk VI aircraft took part in the operation, six of which belonged to No. 487 Squadron RNZAF and another six to No. 464 Squadron RAAF.

The toll inside the prison

Of the 832 prisoners held in the jail, 255 men managed to escape. Of these, 182 were recaptured shortly afterwards. The bombing killed 102 people.

The price in the air

Two Mosquitos and one escorting Typhoon fighter were shot down, and another Typhoon was lost at sea. Among the crews there were four dead and two taken prisoner of war.