Welcome, fellow Wyrdos, to the Wyrd Wessex blog! This week, we're diving into a story so bizarre and humorous, you have to wonder if it's true. It's the tale of a veteran who was taken by aliens, only to be rejected for a very unexpected reason.

The Night Fishing Abduction

In the quiet town of Aldershot on the night of August 12, 1983, 77-year-old ex-military veteran Alfred Burtoo was enjoying a spot of night fishing with his dog, Tiny. The peaceful evening took a strange turn when he saw a mysterious light, which eventually settled behind some trees about 300 feet away. His dog began to growl nervously, and soon, two four-foot-high humanoids emerged from the light's source. They were wearing pale green, seamless coveralls and helmets with blackout visors.

One of the figures motioned for Alfred to follow them. They led him along the canal path to a metallic, 40-foot-wide craft resting on two ski-type runners. As Alfred entered, he was met with a strange and unsettling aroma, which he described as "decaying meat."

You Are Too Old and Infirm

Inside the seamless, octangular room, an unseen voice instructed Alfred to stand under an amber light. After a moment, the voice spoke again, asking, "What is your age?" Alfred replied that he would be 78 on his next birthday. There was a pause, and then the voice delivered a truly unforgettable line: "You can go. You are too old and infirm for our purpose."

Alfred was then returned to his fishing spot. He looked at his watch and realized an entire hour had passed. He later told his story to UFO investigator and author Timothy Goode, who firmly believed him. Alfred never changed his story and believed in the event right up until his death two years later. It's a story that raises many questions, not least of which is: What was their "purpose," and why was a 77-year-old man unfit for it?

What do you think of Alfred's story? Let us know in the comments below!

Stay Wyrd!