The Final German Air Raids Against Britain During World War II

During World War II, the strategic bombing conducted by the German Luftwaffe against Britain, known as the Blitz and later as the V-weapons campaign, was a significant element in the overall war effort. While the Battle of Britain marked the first major defeat of Nazi Germany, the relentless air raids continued until the very end of the war.

The recent resurgence of interest in historical documentaries and discussions has often led to an incorrect assumption that the last air raid by manned German aircraft occurred in 1944. To clarify, the Luftwaffe continued its air raids against Britain until the final days of the war in 1945. This article will delve into the last few bombing missions that took place.

The Last Manned Air Raids

Among the last air raids conducted by the German Luftwaffe using manned aircraft was a single raid by a Junkers Ju 88 on the city of Hull, in the northeastern part of England. This occurred on March 17, 1945. The raid was carried out by a lone pilot, Heinz Hommell, who later became a post-war pilot for Lufthansa. The attack resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including a 34-year-old mother named Maud Howard.

The Last V1 and V2 Weapons

Parallel to the manned raid, the last V1 and V2 weapons were launched against Britain. The V1 flying bomb, also known as the "Flying Bomb," saw its last successful launch attributed to Fritz X on March 17, 1945. These had been launched from The North Sea. Similarly, the last V2 rocket fell on the UK on March 27, 1945,. This fell in Whitechapel, London, destroying Hughes Mansions on Vallance Road. These locations were in areas where civilian populations were less densely packed, as the intelligence fed to the Nazis caused them to believe that these were less populated sectors.

The V2 Rocket’s Final Mission

According to historical records, the final V2 rocket to fall on London on March 27, 1945, was responsible for destroying Hughes Mansions on Vallance Road in the East End of London. This street is known to be the location where the Kray twins grew up. The precise target for the final V2 was not aimed at a specific location but was a blind strike. Awardees from intercepted radar communications suggested to the Germans that the target area was less densely populated, which led them to shorten the range and attack less populated areas in Kent.

On the final day of the V2 campaign, a rocket fell in Orpington, killing the last civilian of the war in this type of attack. The V2 rockets, despite suffering from various technical flaws and diminishing returns, caused significant destruction and numerous civilian casualties, albeit fewer than the earlier Blitz bombings.

Conclusion

The final air raids conducted by the Luftwaffe speak volumes about the progression and strategic errors of the German war effort as the war neared its end. It also highlights the resilience and determination of the British people to endure these devastating attacks. As we commemorate the sacrifices of those affected by the Blitz and the later V-weapons, it is crucial to remember these details to accurately understand the historical context of World War II.

Key Dates:

March 17, 1945: Last manned raid on Hull, killing 13 people and Maud Howard. March 17, 1945: Last V1 weapon was launched. March 27, 1945: Last V2 weapon fell in Whitechapel, London, and Orpington.