The Flight of Rudolf Hess

On 10th May 1941, Rudolf Hess - deputy Fuehrer of the Third Reich - embarked on his flight from Augsburg to Scotland. At dusk the same day, he parachuted on to a Scottish moor and was taken into custody. His arrival provoked widespread curiosity and speculation, which has continued to this day. Why did Hess fly to Scotland? Had Hitler authorized him to attempt to negotiate peace? Was British Intelligence involved? What was his state of mind at the time? Since World War II, Rudolf Hess has inspired much public interest and the real story behind his flight has spawned endless myths. Drawing on a variety of archive and eyewitness sources in Britain, Germany and the USA, the authors present an assessment of the Hess story. The authors focus on particular aspects of Hess's life that relate to his ability as a pilot. His preparation for the flight and the technical details of the specially-modified aircraft are also examined, in order to demonstrate the inaccuracy of some of the conspiracy theories. They also paint a picture of the flight, including the RAF's efforts to shoot Hess down and the difficulties he had in bailing out.
The book aims to resolve many of the riddles which still bedevil this bizarre episode of World War II.