The Most Bizarre and Devastating WWII Plane Strike That Destroyed Germany

The Threat to the Danish Resistance

By March 1945, the Danish resistance faced collapse. The German secret police, operating from a building known as the Shell House in central Copenhagen, had gathered detailed records on resistance members. These files, along with prisoners held on the upper floors, were at risk. If the records remained intact, the entire movement could be dismantled.

The Royal Air Force received an urgent request for a precision strike. A conventional bombing run would have caused widespread destruction, but the mission required an approach that could destroy records without harming prisoners. The task was given to No. 140 Wing of the RAF’s 2nd Tactical Air Force, known for their expertise in low-altitude precision bombing.

The Challenge of Low-Level Bombing

During World War II, most air forces relied on high-altitude bombing, which often lacked accuracy. Striking a single building in a crowded city was nearly impossible under normal circumstances. However, the Mosquito crews of No. 140 Wing had developed methods to make precise, low-level attacks. Their aircraft, the de Havilland Mosquito, was one of the fastest planes of the war, built from lightweight wood, allowing it to maneuver at high speeds.

Leading the operation was Squadron Leader Ted Sismore, an expert navigator known for successful raids on high-profile targets. The pilots studied aerial photos and relief models of Copenhagen to prepare for the mission. Their goal was to drop bombs at a low altitude, targeting only the lower floors of the Shell House while sparing the upper levels where prisoners were held.

Final Preparations and Delays

The mission was originally scheduled for December 1944 but was postponed due to shifting priorities in the war effort. The Battle of the Ardennes required air support elsewhere, delaying the attack. Then, in January 1945, poor weather conditions made flying unsafe.

By March, the situation had become desperate. Reports from the Danish resistance warned that any further delay could mean the end of their movement. The RAF approved the operation despite the risks. On the morning of March 21, 1945, twenty Mosquitos took off from RAF Fersfield in Norfolk, accompanied by thirty Mustang fighters from the 11th Fighter Group to provide escort and suppress anti-aircraft defenses.

The Attack Begins

The formation split into three attack waves. The first wave, led by Sismore, flew at rooftop level, avoiding detection. However, as they approached the city, disaster struck. One Mosquito, piloted by Wing Commander Peter A. Kleboe, hit a lamppost. The impact caused the plane to crash into a garage near a school, killing both crew members and several civilians.

Despite the setback, the remaining bombers pressed on. At exactly 11:15 a.m., the first bombs hit the Shell House, tearing through the lower floors. A series of explosions followed as the second and third waves arrived, completing the destruction of the building’s western wing. The intense fire and destruction incinerated many of the Gestapo’s critical documents.

Tragic Mistakes and Successes

While the attack on the Shell House succeeded, the earlier crash of Kleboe’s aircraft had unintended consequences. The fallen Mosquito had mistakenly been identified by some of the following bombers as the target, leading to bombs being dropped on a nearby school. Tragically, this mistake resulted in the deaths of 86 children and 16 adults.

Despite this, the mission accomplished its primary goal. The destruction of the Shell House severely disrupted the German police operations in Denmark. Additionally, the collapse of the building’s upper floors allowed 18 prisoners to escape. Many resistance members were able to continue their activities in the final weeks of the war, aiding the liberation of Denmark in May 1945.

Aftermath and Legacy

The raid on the Shell House remains one of the most debated missions of the war. While it was a tactical success, the unintended civilian casualties overshadowed the achievement. The Danish resistance credited the attack with preventing further arrests and executions, but the loss of innocent lives was a painful reminder of the risks involved in urban warfare.

The pilots who took part in Operation Carthage were recognized for their bravery, with many receiving commendations for their role.