Operation Foxley: Allies' Plan to Assassinate Hitler during World War II

During World War II, the British and their allies considered several strategies to end the conflict. One such plan, known as Operation Foxley, aimed to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1944 to expedite the end of the war. This article delves into the details of this clandestine operation and its eventual cancellation.

Operation Foxley and the British View

One of the most infamous plans was Operation Foxley, an official assassination attempt against Hitler. The allies were initially hesitant to implement this plan due to strategic and political reasons. Weighing the potential benefits of removing Hitler from power, the allies believed that leaving him in command could still lead to a faster victory by reducing the effectiveness of the German army through his constant interference.

The allies' primary goal was to bring about an unconditional surrender, and they were not interested in negotiated settlements. According to historical intelligence, Operation Foxley reached a fairly advanced stage before it was ultimately canceled. Supporters of the plan included Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templer and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The Sniper Attack Plan

The plan called for a sniper attack. A prisoner of war, who was part of Hitler's personal guard at the Berghof, provided crucial information about Hitler's routine. It was discovered that Hitler took a 20-minute morning walk at around 10:00 every day. During these walks, Hitler was often left alone and unprotected, making him vulnerable to a sniper. The plan was to parachute a sniper team, consisting of a German-speaking Polish man and a British sniper, into Austria.

They would be disguised as German mountain troops and would approach the area where Hitler walked. The German flag was used as a signal to trigger the attack, indicating Hitler's presence. Special equipment, including a silenced Luger pistol, was provided to the sniper for silent engagement if required. This detail about the Luger is now on display at the Combined Military Services Museum in England in Maldon.

Resistance and Controversy

The plan faced resistance from some within the Special Operations Executive (SOE), particularly Lt Col Ronald Thornley. He raised concerns about the morality and practicality of the operation, arguing that Hitler was no longer an effective leader. Additionally, there was fear that Hitler's death might make him a martyr among some Germans and inspire a false narrative of victory.

Hitler's last walk at his residence in Berchtesgaden occurred on July 14, 1944, and he committed suicide on April 30, 1945. Therefore, the plan was never executed. The contingency plan also involved a sleeper agent in Berlin, but the agent was instructed not to take the shot.

The Germans' Attempts to Assassinate Hitler

The Germans themselves also made several attempts to kill Hitler. It is believed that at least 40 attempts were made, and the most notorious was the July 20, 1944, plot led by Claus von Stauffenberg. Himmler was involved with the Gestapo, and his actions delayed any early warning about the plot, thereby protecting Hitler.

Heinrich Himmler, Hitler's second-in-command, was deeply involved in the Holocaust and held significant power. Discoveries of his diaries have shed light on his dual personality, where he balanced his role as a family man with his role as a mass murderer. These diaries, found in Russian military archives, provide insight into his actions and state of mind during the war.

Himmler used cyanide capsules to commit suicide, and his body has never been located. This event highlights the desperate measures taken by key figures to escape responsibility and secure their legacy.