Bombing of Braunschweig
| Bombing of Braunschweig on 15 October 1944 | |
|---|---|
| Part of the strategic bombing during World War II | |
Braunschweig on fire during the attack | |
| Type | Carpet bombing |
| Location | 52°15′51″N 10°31′27″E / 52.2643°N 10.5242°E |
| Date | 15 October 1944 2:33 am – 3:10 am |
| Executed by | No. 5 Group RAF |
| Casualties |
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Location of Braunschweig within Lower Saxony, a German state founded after World War II | |
In the early hours of 15 October 1944, No. 5 Group of the Royal Air Force (RAF) carried out the most destructive of 42 attacks on Braunschweig (Brunswick) during World War II. The attack was a part of Operation Hurricane, which was designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the Allied bombing campaign. It caused a massive conflagration that developed into a firestorm, and resulted in Braunschweig, the city of Henry the Lion, burning continuously for two and a half days from 15 to 17 October. More than 90 percent of the mediaeval city centre was destroyed.