MI5 suspected Nazi plot against royal family in war's final days

Recently declassified files have disclosed that the UK's security agency sent a secret warning in December 1944 about a potential Nazi scheme to target the Royal Family or Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The intelligence assessment, created by MI5 along with the Air Ministry, suggested a fear that Germany might land elite airborne troops in England with assassination as their mission.

This alert was issued merely days after Adolf Hitler initiated his surprise military campaign through Belgium's Ardennes forest, an attack that later became known as the Battle of the Bulge, stirring significant concern among Allied forces.

The report stated that the Germans had the capability to organise an assault team of up to 500 paratroopers, transported via twelve large Junkers Ju 290 planes.

The report also mentioned another assault possibility using captured American B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bombers operated by the Luftwaffe's KG200 squadron.

"It is possible," the document stated, "that these could be used, bearing Allied markings, for a special operation during day or night."

The KG200 squadron was described as an elite flying unit typically charged with inserting agents behind Allied lines, known for utilising captured foreign aircraft of diverse models.

The analysis observed that using fewer planes could raise their odds of bypassing British defenses.

The alert led to an immediate reinforcement of security around both the Royal Family and Winston Churchill.

Sir Samuel Findlater Stewart, a high-ranking civil servant with MI5 ties, forwarded the intelligence report to Gen Colin Callander, deputy head of Home Defence Forces, on 20 December 1944.

"Thanks to MI5's courtesy, with whom, as you might be aware, I have certain connections, I got the chance today to review an analysis, compiled I believe by the Air Ministry, on the enemy’s potential to execute parachute raids here," Sir Samuel wrote.

The alert led to an immediate reinforcement of security around both the Royal Family and Churchill.

Gen Sir Harold Franklyn, Commander-in-Chief of Home Defence Forces, was consulted the subsequent day about the necessary measures.

Gen Franklyn's stance was firm on safeguarding Britain's leading figures.

Gen Callander communicated his superior's perspective that "letting guard down over the Royal family and the Prime Minister would be reckless, and London District and other relevant parties have been instructed to ensure there is no easing of these precautions."

Other than keeping alert, military leaders acknowledged they had limited options.

"Aside from this, I don’t think we can do much at the moment, except remain alert to the possibility of a raid, ensuring we are not caught off guard if it indeed occurs," Gen Callander concluded.

Despite worries, the anticipated German paratrooper attack never materialised.