u3a learns why Hitler’s deputy Rudolph Hess came to Scotland

The real reason Hitler’s deputy Rudolph Hess flew to Scotland in 1941 will soon be revealed.  Paisley & District u3a’s next speaker, Ian Valentine shares what he believes motivated this powerful German figure to broker a peace deal during World War 2.  The public are welcome to come along to this session on Thursday 6 October.  Doors open 1.30pm for refreshments in the Salvation Army Hall, Mill Street, Paisley.  u3a members may also view the talk from 2.10pm via a Zoom link.  

u3a chair, Kathy O’Donnell said: “This fascinating talk by Ian Valentine will shed light on why Rudolph Hess piloted a solo flight to Strathaven to ‘meet’ the Duke of Hamilton.  The fact is that his plane crashed just 10 miles short of the Duke’s home at Dungavel House.  Hess was the oldest convicted POW (prisoner of war) when he died at the age of 93.  We’re curious about this wartime incident which many people found bizarre even then.  New and regular members can join us at our first meeting of the 2022-23 session.”

Speaker and retired head teacher, Ian Valentine remarked: “I grew up a few miles from where Hess landed and now live a short distance from where he was actually heading.  So at one level, this is a very local story.  There are many people still alive with memories of the night Hess arrived.  Just about every time I’ve told this story, someone in the audience has been able to tell me something else I didn’t know.”

Details of local u3a activities and groups at: https://u3asites.org.uk/paisley/welcome