Leslie Howard was one of the most popular and acclaimed actors of his time. He starred in classic films such as Gone with the Wind, Pygmalion, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. He was also a patriotic British citizen who used his fame and talent to support the war effort during World War II. But his life was cut short on June 1, 1943, when the plane he was traveling on was shot down by the German Luftwaffe over the Bay of Biscay. His body and those of the other passengers were never found. What was the cause of Leslie Howard’s death? Was it a tragic accident or a deliberate assassination?
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Leslie Howard’s War Activities
Leslie Howard was not a soldier, but he did his part to help Britain and its allies fight against Nazi Germany. He gave up his lucrative Hollywood contract and returned home to see what he could do for the British government. He made radio broadcasts to the United States, which was still neutral at the time, to persuade them to join the war. He also made propaganda films and documentaries to boost morale and raise funds for the war effort. He directed, co-produced, and starred in several war films, such as 49th Parallel, The First of the Few, and Pimpernel Smith. He portrayed British values of freedom, tolerance, and decency that were threatened by Nazi tyranny.
Leslie Howard’s Final Flight
Leslie Howard’s last film was The Gentle Sex, a tribute to the women of Britain who contributed to the war in various ways. He co-directed and narrated the film, which was released in April 1943. In May 1943, he embarked on a lecture tour in Portugal and Spain, two neutral countries that were under German influence. He gave speeches about British culture and democracy, hoping to sway public opinion in favor of the allies. He also met with local officials and celebrities, such as the British ambassador in Lisbon and the Spanish actress Conchita Montenegro.
On June 1, 1943, Leslie Howard boarded Flight 777, a civilian plane operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, from Lisbon to London. The plane was a Douglas DC-3 named Ibis, which had been leased by British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). There were 13 passengers and four crew members on board, including Howard’s friend and business partner Alfred Chenhalls, who acted as his manager. The plane took off at 9:35 a.m. and flew over the Atlantic Ocean towards England.
Leslie Howard’s Plane Shot Down
At 12:02 p.m., Flight 777 was intercepted by eight German Junkers Ju 88 fighter-bombers over the Bay of Biscay. The German pilots had orders to attack any enemy or suspicious aircraft in the area, as part of Operation Donnerkeil (Thunderbolt), a defensive measure against allied air raids. The German pilots did not know who was on board Flight 777, nor did they care. They opened fire on the unarmed and unescorted plane, which had no chance of evading or defending itself. The plane burst into flames and plunged into the sea. There were no survivors.
The news of Leslie Howard’s death shocked and saddened the world. He was mourned by his family, friends, fans, and colleagues. He was hailed as a hero and a martyr by the British press and government. He was posthumously awarded the Order of St John of Jerusalem for his humanitarian work during the war.
Theories Regarding Leslie Howard’s Death
The official cause of Leslie Howard’s death was an aviation accident caused by enemy action. However, there have been many speculations and conspiracy theories about why his plane was targeted by the Germans. Some of these theories are:
- The Germans deliberately targeted Howard’s plane to assassinate him and demoralize Britain. They considered him a dangerous propagandist who influenced public opinion in favor of the allies. They may have received intelligence from their spies or collaborators in Portugal or Spain about his presence on Flight 777.
- The Germans mistook Howard’s plane for another plane that carried important passengers or cargo. They may have confused it with a similar plane that flew earlier that day from Lisbon to Gibraltar with Winston Churchill’s personal envoy Sir Kenneth Clark on board. They may have also thought that it carried secret documents or gold bullion for Britain.
- The Germans attacked Howard’s plane by mistake or coincidence. They did not know or care who was on board Flight 777. They simply followed their orders to shoot down any enemy or suspicious aircraft in their area of operation.
None of these theories have been conclusively proven or disproven. The truth may never be known for sure. What is certain is that Leslie Howard’s death was a great loss for Britain and for cinema. He left behind a legacy of brilliant performances and inspiring deeds that will not be forgotten. He was a star who gave his life for his country.
