Operation Donnerkeil
Operation Donnerkeil, also known as the Bombing of Norwich, was the climatic end of the European Theater of the World War. It was the deadliest single bomb operation in human history.
The Conflict
Prelude
The German Empire had been at war with Great Britain since declaring the Anglo-German War in 1944. However, following the Battle of Jutland, the Kaiserliche Marine was defeated by the Royal Navy, causing significant setback. When the conflict expanded into the World War, the Kingdom of America helped alleviate much of the stress of Germany, especially after crippling the Royal Navy in the Battle of Bermuda. However, while what remained of the Kaiserliche Marine blockaded Great Britain, the focus began to be against Italy in the North African and Balkan Fronts.
Once Italy was out of the war, a full scale invasion of Great Britain was planned, though the death toll of Operation Downfall persuaded the German High Command against it. Thus, Kaiser Wilhelm III ordered the research of an alternative while Germany gathered its strength. the Atomic Bomb was developed, with the first successful test being in the deserts of the German African Colonial Empire. Brooding on the decision for some time, Kaiser Wilhelm ultimately approved the bombing.
Battlefield
The city of Norwich was specifically chosen for being close enough to the sea for easy access for the bomber, while being large enough to break British morale and demonstrating German destruction. The British Royal Family would also be allowed to be spared.
The Engagement
The operation began to be planned in late 1950, being scheduled for early 1951. the Americans offered the developed B-29 bomber plane for the delivery, being capable of flying higher than most fighters and anti-aircraft guns. The bomb was loaded into the plane, flew by a mix of American and German crews, and took off towards Norwich.
Outcome
The bombing was catastrophic on the city of Norwich. Estimated death tolls reached as high as 85,000 initially, with up to 145,000 being ultimately attributed to the bomb. The British government signed a formal unconditional surrender a week later, agreeing to the Treaty of Osnabruck.
Aftermath
Great Britain was ultimately dissolved, with England, Scotland, and Wales being forced into seperate kingdoms. However, the House of WIndsor was allowed to rule all three, with the brothers of Edward VII, Albert, Henry, and George, being made the monarchs respectively.
Poor Norwich. Probably better than a land invasion though.
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