The droning grew louder. McLean, leaning on his pitchfork, scanned the sky looking for the source.
An RAF flyer, he thought. Not unusual in the evening, although this aeroplane sounded much lower than normal.
The noise exploded over the ridge, knocking McLean off his feet. As he fell backwards he saw the low-flying ‘plane, with the Balkenkreuz insignia painted under the wings.
Lying on his back, McLean watched a parachute mushroom from the cockpit. The plane carried on for another half mile, before it careered into the freshly-ploughed field.
McLean picked himself up. He could see the pilot struggling to free himself from the parachute.
Brandishing the pitchfork in front of him, McLean approached. ‘I think you’re a wee bit lost, laddy,’ he called.
The pilot, dazed from his ordeal, raised his hands to the sky and stared at the menacing man coming towards him.
‘Hauptmann Alfred Horn, I have an important message for the Duke of Hamilton.’
‘David McLean, ploughman. I think you better come with me.’
In May 1941, Rudolf Hess, Deputy Fuhrer to Hitler, flew from Bavaria to Scotland, crash landing at Floors Farm, south of Glasgow. Ploughman David McLean, brandishing a pitchfork, captured Hess (who initially identified himself as Alfred Horn), before handing him over to the Home Guard. The real reason for Hess’s bizarre flight remains a mystery, although it is believed he wanted to negotiate peace, possibly without Hitler’s knowledge. Read more about Hess and his flight on WIKIPEDIA.
Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story in around 150 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
Thanks for a wonderful glimpse into History. Beautifully written, as always.
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Thank you Moon, this happened not far from where I live – a little piece of local legend 🙂
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Wow! never knew this story. Well done in recreating the scene Iain. Loved this piece of historic fiction. Cheers, Varad
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It’s a curious one, glad you liked it.
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Very interesting story Iain! I enjoyed learning the history.
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Great story and piece of history. 🙂
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Thank you 🙂
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You had me at the title!
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Ha, it is a bizarre image, and more so that it actually happened!
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Thanks for the slice of history. wasn’t aware of this incident. History was my fav subject in school.
http://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2017/07/the-worn-out-steps.html
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Glad you liked it. Thanks.
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A great mix of fiction and fact! Nice one Iain. Perhaps I should base a story on 1066 as it all started on my beach!
Click to read my FFfAW
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I’d like to read that – thanks Keith
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Interesting bit of history! Although you make it into a fine story by itself, even without the background information.
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Thanks Joy, the fact that it’s true makes it all the more enjoyable!
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Strangely it took me a while to click that this was about Hess, which is odd as one of oldest friends is obsessed with all things WWII, including this true tale. Nevertheless it’s a really well written story that would stand on its own even if it wasn’t based on fact.
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Thanks, it is a fascinating true story.
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You really made this historical scene come alive. Wonderfully done.
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Thank you
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Love the historic basis and backdrop for this. It adds so much.
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Thanks Stephanie
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I enjoyed this and learning some bit of history.
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Thanks
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Love it, the idea as well as the execution!
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Thank you
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Wow. Very interesting piece of history.
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Thanks Jennie
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You are welcome.
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