Scotland for Ever! is a short story which was first published in The Modern Boy issue 296, 7th October 1933. The story was subsequently collected as the 13th and last short story of the third Biggles book Biggles of the Camel Squadron, published in March 1934. In the book, this story is preceded by Biggles' Day Off.
Synopsis[]
Returning from a routine patrol with his flight, Biggles is shocked to discover that his airfield has been overrun by a German offensive. Biggles is taken prisoner by German troops but Algy and Henry manage to get away and he is counting on them to come back to the rescue.
Plot[]
(may contain spoilers - click on expand to read)
Characters[]
- Biggles
- Algy Lacey
- Henry Watkins
Aircraft[]
Places[]
Visited[]
- 266 Squadron, Maranique
Mentioned[]
Editorial Changes[]
Other Research Notes[]
References to the past[]
Incongruities[]
- Although it is necessary for dramatic tension, the way in which Biggles is taken by surprise and his airfield is overrun is actually quite implausible:
- The German Offensive started with a massive artillery bombardment in the early hours of the morning of 21st March 1918. There is no way Biggles could have not known that an offensive had begun when he took off for his patrol.
- Although the German offensive penetrated very deep behind the British sector over the course of a few days, the actual penetration on the first day was only a few miles. For the German troops to have reached Maranique on the first day would imply that it is very near the front line. But if this is the case, it is unrealistic to expect that it would have been retaken by the end of the end (as implied in the story) and for it to remain in British hands for the rest of the war (because numerous other stories took place in Maranique after March 1918).
Chronology[]
(see also table at Timeline of the Biggles Stories)
- As stated in the text, this story is set on the first day of "Operation Michael", the German Spring Offensive, which, historically, began on 21st March 1918.
Publication History[]
- The Modern Boy, Issue 296, 7th Oct 1933
- Biggles of the Camel Squadron, John Hamilton, 1934 and reprints
- Biggles Goes to War, Boys' Friend Library, 1938
- Biggles of the Camel Squadron, Thames, 1954 and reprints
- Biggles of the Camel Squadron, Dean and Son, 1960s and reprints
- Biggles of the Fighter Squadron, Red Fox, 1992 and reprints
- Biggles of the Camel Squadron, Norman Wright, 2011