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On the land of Russia, martyred like that of France and by the same foe,

the Regiment "Normandie", my companions, maintains... shows... increases...

the glory of France! Moscow, 9 December 1944, Charles de Gaulle.

Remember those dark times when Germany was winning the war,

when the English navy protecting the convoys

was attacked by an enemy from every direction,

when the Japanese inflicted on the Americans terrible defeats,

when Hitler's tanks were forging across the territory of Russia,

when the Germans paraded every day through the streets of occupied Paris,

when the people of France paid the price

of resistence to the law of the mighty

and when pious hands accompanied with flowers

the announcements of the dead.

Then, all that remained of the French armed forces

were to be found on the coasts of Africa.

On the aerodromes,

the fighter planes remained parked far from combat.

In 1942, the Germans had their best chance

to win the war.

However, stirred by the appeal of General de Gaulle,

there were many who wanted nothing more

than to join up with the Free French forces.

Well then? He's not back? - He said between midday and 1am.

Well, maybe he's had some sort of hitch.

He's doubled the expected price.

We should look for a different boat.

Are there so many customers for Gibraltar?

Shush! That's the word we mustn't say.

Since 1940, hundreds of pilots have escaped.

The lucky ones are in London, and the rest, in prison.

Here. Boissy wants to go with us.

He doesn't want to go to the English?

Well, what about you?

Whether it's England, America or Russia, it's all the same to me.

I want to fight in a French unit.

I'm willing to be killed,

if I'm ordered in French.

It's more polite. - You're not a marquis

for nothing. You hide it well, but it always comes back to the surface.

How much, to get to Gibraltar? - Shush. It's the word we don't say.

It's difficult when it's all one's thinking of.

Come on. Let's get some lunch.

Where's my fish soup?

I'm thinking of you, lieutenant. - Fondly, I hope.

Swimming fosters an appetite.

Excuse me. I'd like to hear this.

Vichy just finished.

I prefer London. - It's forbidden.

What can they do? - They'll close the joint

and you'll have to eat in the canteen.

You're well on the way. - You're not interested in what's going on?

Those who continue the war are taking a pounding.

Maybe. One day that will change.

The first one who saw it correctly was the Old Man.

When we're not the strongest, we must bow the knee.

To the Old Man's health. - This is London.

Will you drink with us? - Here is the news in French.

I'm not thirsty.

He's got some nerve, the instructor.

If those who thought like him would speak up, we'd have a shock.

I'd like to believe you.

Look, here's Le Guen.

Well? Bad news?

Half and half.

No change to the price,

but I doubt you can fit more than seven into that boat.

Indeed.

There are eight of us. - You should see this canoe!

We will be mad enough to try with eight, that's the end of it.

We have to pay tomorrow before noon.

You can handle that. I want nothing to do with it.

Nobody with you this evening?

You haven't finished, Benoit?

Captain, a detailed report on the condition of the failed engines

is also detailed on the amount of fuel reserves.

It seems like it's urgent. - I understand.

But I understand less neglected uniforms.

Captain, may I ask you something?

But not to Captain Flavier, to a pilot who has shot down

6 Messerschmitts. - 6 confirmed and 2 probables.

The main thing is that they were shot down.

What's the question?

For how long are we going to do this paperwork,

while the English are doing the fighting?

Ask me fewer questions

and don't worry about that. Your job is to obey orders.

And if, unfortunately, the one giving the orders is too old?

You're an officer. In civilian life, I'm a mechanic.

The armed forces seem to be having fun while the war's still on.

Our duty is not to accept this.

If you fail, it's 5 years in prison. Succeed, you are a deserter.

Don't be tempted, Benoit. Duty is blind.

And deaf as well, what with the radio.

Don't listen to London or...

or I shall be forced to put you on a charge

and to lock you up.

As you order, captain.

What are you doing there? - The filing, captain.

Quietly and at lunch time?

I wanted to get it finished. - I understand.

But extend your zeal to the occasional shave.

As you command, captain.

I was listening and I think like you. Defeat sticks in my craw,

and the armistice makes me sick to my stomach.

Everyone is wary, and only says anything when it's safe to do so.

Obedience is all they understand.

Choice, it has to be better. No?

Listen, Dupont. Tomorrow, I'm risking a getaway with Lemaitre,

that one who's the civilian instructor. Are you in?

And how! Tell me about it.

We're risking our necks and might end up drowned.

Understood.

A connecting plane will signal by a vibrating engine.

Urgent repairs... You get the picture? - Understood.

I've fixed it. There was water in the filter.

What do I care? - I need to turn the motor.

Can't that mess you up? - It's a necessary precaution.

We're at the point where we're all messed up. I don't care anymore.

Okay? - Yes, thanks.

What's that? - Water in the filter.

You let them start it up? - To check the repair.

There's nothing for it, go. - And the adjutant,

what about him?

- He ducks or it'll be the worse for him.

Hurry!

Block their take-off.

Give it everything.

We're off to a good start! - You know, is there enough fuel?

If all goes well, there's enough. - And if all goes badly?

The war will have to carry on without us.

Something had to happen with Le Guen.

He can't have paid. This is worrying.

Stay cool. Them, there.

We must disappear.

This screws up the boat.

And how much do we risk?

Article 75: 5 years' hard labour, minimum.

What are we going to do? - We'll try again.

Named after the French region Normandy,

represented by a crest of two lions on a jeweled background,

it took the squadron 7 months to gather and win Teheran,

final stepping stone of their journey to Russia.

Mr. de Boissy, tell me about Paris.

Germans are found there.

I Know. Apart from that? - Apart from that, I've come from London.

I spent three months in a Spanish jail.

I avoided Gibraltar.

And you're going to Russia after all that? - They have aeroplanes.

Excuse me. Roland de Villemont.

Benoit de Pantin. Russia? - Yes.

What were you in civilian life? - A marquis.

That's a good job. I was a mechanic.

We can maybe get along. Cheers!

Oh, sorry. Excuse me.

Your bravery is very moving,

but I want to understand.

Why are you going to serve with the Soviets?

When I arrived in London to fight,

the English wanted me to learn English,

but not the Soviets. They've promised me a fighter plane.

But you say it like an ass. - Ah, our doctor.

Play your three tricks. I have these...

For once, death is the doctor.

The squadron met their commander in Teheran.

Doctor? Excuse me.

Lieutenant Castor, our interpreter and guide.

The commander is waiting.

I must leave this party before the finish because my customer cannot wait.

Gentlemen. Where is he? - First room on the right.

Officer cadet Picard, escaped from Tunisia, fought in Lybia.

Second lieutenant Cazal, escaped from Djibouti, fought in Eritrea.

Captain de Liron, fought in Syria, escaped from Madagascar.

Officer cadet Vignelette, escaped from France, fought in London.

Officer cadet Simonet, escaped from Morocco, fought in Abyssinia.

Officer cadet Chardon, escaped from Algeria, fought in Egypt.

Officer cadet Muller, fought in London.

Officer cadet Levy, escaped from Syria, fought in Egypt.

I thought there were 15 of you.

Forgive me. I was at the bottom of the garden.

Officer cadet Perrier, escaped from Dakar.

I escaped from Indochina, in a cuckoo's nest in the jungle.

I had to walk some of the way, which is why I'm late.

We don't know each other. I hope you remember my face.

In leaving for down there,

it's very important to know your commander's face.

To begin with, I have some filthy news to tell you.

If you happen to be captured by the Germans,

they will treat you as partisans:

summary execution.

And that's not all.

Your relatives in France may be exposed to reprisals.

If there are some of you who have second thoughts...

we will allow it.

Departure is fixed for 7am tomorrow. The Russians will return to you

your passports and your visas.

Gentlemen. You are dismissed.

Lieutenant de Boissy?

Wishing you many successes. - Cadet officer Colin.

Cadet officer Perrier.

Cadet officer Perrier? There is one left, commander.

It was his right to think again. - Excuse me.

Were you at the bottom of the garden again?

Farewells, commander.

How old are you? - Nineteen and a half.

And how many hours flying on your record?

300, commander.

The first Normandie pilots,

numbering 16, were flown to Russia.

In Moscow, it was already winter,

the second since the outbreak of the war.

Here, the assault of the German army

had got to within a few miles of Moscow.

But hard battles were fought for Leningrad and Stalingrad.

Invaded in an immense swathe of their territory,

200 million Russians put up a tremendous fight.

And 16 Frenchmen were on the way to join them.

Commander? - Yes.

The weather forecast is for some snow.

"Some snow", this was their Russian baptism.

How do they find each other down there?

I can't see any landmarks.

And how do they land when it's frozen? - We'll see.

Snow squall - we must land.

I've never seen anything like it: 800km of hedge-hopping and nothing to see.

I don't want to worry you, but for me this is going to end badly.

Commander? - Good news?

The pilot can't make the destination. He is going to put down.

Can you see anything? - Absolutely nothing.

How is he going to do it?

A very interesting experience. I'm going to have a look.

Ah. Admire your doctor.

He's asleep. An exemplary image of serene confidence.

Not true. He's pretending, the doctor,

but he's clenching his buttocks.

This pilot's an ace. Visibility was poor.

Get ready for Customs. - Perfume, jewels...

Two frozen feet.

Minus 30 out here. - A nice place for a family holiday!

Commander Marcellin.

There's some tea.

Calm down, boys. A little order.

Here, guys, there's a fire.

Ah, wine. - Don't be afraid to put some in.

Do you want some more, son?

What's she saying? - Ask the interpreter.

Castor?

He's surely in the process of getting his hands on some caviar and vodka.

There are no beds. We'll sleep on the straw.

But the stove will heat us all night.

He apologises for the second front. - What second front?

The Americans

sent their tinned monkey food. It's the second front.

Turkish radio has declared

the fall of Stalingrad? Is it true?

In an hour, the radio will issue a communique.

Good night.

Your Motherland needs you.

Commander? Commander? - Hey? What?

It's Castor. There's news.

The Germans have broken the armistice.

All of France is occupied. The Free Zone is no more.

The fleet in Toulon was scuttled.

Scuttled? The fleet?

Our ships? It can't be!

I heard: "the entire fleet".

Don't say anything. The others will find out soon enough.

Stalingrad hasn't fallen,

but the Germans have reached the Volga.

Well, the way things are going...

we won't be flying to the rescue.

I've met the French.

Landing in ten minutes.

Strictly no acrobatics.

In 10 minutes, comrade General.

I heard.

The Russian officers waited for the French.

General Komarov was in command of the division

which included the Normandy squadron...

Colonel Sinitzine commanded the 18th Guard Regiment

on whose flanks the French would fight.

Captain Tarassenko was liaison to the French.

Captain Sarian was the division's engineer.

Well engineer, can you manage in French?

The Yak is a fighter plane with a take-off speed of 172kph.

It's landing speed is 160kph.

It is armed with 37mm cannon

and two mach... machine guns.

You are in big trouble!

You understood it?

Yes, the Yak takes off at 172kph.

He understood!

But will the French understand?

Ah, the pronunciation is something else!

Comrade General, you went to a military academy.

Yes, we were there together...

in Spain.

Comrade General, I think...

that they are unfamiliar with our aeroplanes.

And because of this, it's going to take at least 30...

...with all the snow squalls...

Them, they'll melt into the background and I'll have to take it.

Of course! It's your speciality.

I'm curious to get to know these guys.

Above all, no politics with the French: each to his own ideas.

They've come to fight by our side with the Germans on the Volga.

That's all that matters.

42-50 calling. Requesting landing authorisation.

Grenade calling. Landing authorised. Watch the strip.

Look at that, boys!

Ah! The bastard.

Commander Mercellin.

My respects, general.

This is Colonel Sinitzine,

the engineer Captain Sarian.

Lieutenant Castor and the Normandie squadron.

"In the name of the Soviet Command, I welcome the pilots of France".

"I've been told about your outfit".

"I have your equipment ready".

"Dismissed". Hurry up.

"Lieutenant Zikov: 11 kills, 5 days' detention for acrobatics".

"On this occasion of Franco-Soviet friendship..."

"reduced to 3 but he'll do 2".

"Personal gift."

"With all my heart".

It's the first word I've understood.

Your doctor is changing into a bear, a scholar well understands.

"Do you want to fly the American or Russian equipment?"

We will fight with you.

And we will fly your planes.

How do I seem? - Like a Russian.

The Commander wants to try the plane?

It's what he's here for!

It's ready?

Yes, but...

Get it started.

Today, it's my look-out, tomorrow, it'll be yours.

Around here after 2 or 3 days, everyone's flying!

Nobody up there?

I suspect I might not be the only one to celebrate Franco-Soviet friendship in prison.

Ah, you know, their Yak is "full-on".

Your Commander is "full-on" too, hey?

Full-on, but the flying conditions were unfamiliar

and things progressed at less than "full-on".

Here's how he landed, Muller.

Ask him, how could he do it?

It's Vignelette who landed on his belly...

The aeroplane is done for.

Stricken?

Not a scratch.

Our misfortunes are about to resume.

Where is 8? De Boissy?

He has gone astray...

...or he's had a smash-up.

Never, my Frenchman is an ace!

Except that he may get disorientated in the snow.

They're not used to it. At home, the snow is not so heavy.

Wait for him.

20... Perrier crashed.

Again.

Are we going to grab a bite? - We're waiting for Dupont.

How's Dupont going? Full on?

I think he's complimenting us. - Holy gasoline. Go.

Well, the kid with the parachute, is she good or not?

Why? Have you become blind?

With their ladieswear, I need a closer look.

Here too, when they down a Fritz, they announce it loudly.

100g of vodka for a downed Fritz.

"100 grammes vodka".

When you want to get properly pickled, you must bring down five.

Hey Lemaitre, your Province rabbit in herbs is getting cold.

I'm a Norman. I don't like their herbs.

A little quiet.

Silence! Silence!

And now, you're going to see what you're going to see.

Tatiana! On your knees! Under the table!

Oh, we are friends.

We held it for the Frenchman, go under the table, that's the rule!

Oh heck, he wants to sing!

It's one or the other!

What did he say? - He's proposing a song.

Too bad for us. Go on.

What shall I sing?

You playing, or what?

Doctor! Doctor!

Vignelette has crashed.

Don't worry, guys. It's nothing.

You'll be staying the night.

That makes the third.

And the fifth and the twenty-fifth!

So what? "No problem", as my baron would say.

Every day there is clumsiness and recklessness.

Carry on like this and you'll destroy more Russian planes than Germans.

Until the day the Russians

lose patience and then, lose trust.

You lied to me, both of you.

300 hours of flying on your record isn't true.

Perrier, how many?

Half. - Vignelette?

Less than half.

The Germans will be asking the questions...

with 3 years' practice.

Up there, what do you expect?

At least, one go... A chance to strike.

And afterwards? - We will be vindicated.

Next to them...

You aren't any danger to the Germans. None!

It's to your comrades that you pose the danger.

I'm sending you back.

At least, I should.

You will undertake 15 aerobatics' sessions, and if they don't work out,

you're dismissed.

What's wrong?

Everything's fine, but now that they are going into battle...

Don't worry, your Boissy is more than ready for combat.

Sarian, I have a favour to ask of you.

Explain to Ivan Ivanovitch.

I speak often of him to my mother and I name him as my guardian angel.

"The angel in heaven is you".

My mother would like to have a photo of him and me.

It needs 3m.

3 metres, okay.

One, two, three.

Smile. My mother is going to be worried.

Two smiles will reassure her. Tell him.

Okay.

By the end of the winter, the squadron was ready for combat.

First mission: to escort Russian bombers

and protect them from German fighters.

First mission. - That's a nerve-jangler.

Don't cry over it. There'll be others.

The fighters joined the bombers in mid-air

and took up their battle stations.

And so it was on 23 March 1943,

Russians and French together crossed the German lines

and took the fight to the enemy.

There must be at least 5 squadrons or more.

Is your report urgent?

A strange thing, colonel.

I went to intercept the Russian bombers,

when I was airborne, I could hear French voices.

In French!

I speak French, Colonel,

I heard it distinctly.

"Simonet, hard left".

I couldn't believe my ears.

And the voice went on:

"Simonet, stop screwing around".

That's a real French expression.

Captain, you are overworked...

hence these hullucinations.

France is vanquished and collaborates with us.

You would be well advised to go see the doctor.

Perrier was on patrol above the enemy lines.

Perrier, this is Benoit. Get closer to me.

I'm always afraid of colliding with you.

Perferably you can avoid that.

Perrier, get closer to me.

Otherwise you're going to lose me in this filth.

For Perrier, his instructions were simple: don't leave Benoit.

But it wasn't so simple, with his 150 hours of flying.

Perrier, this is Benoit. Come in? Do you receive me?

I receive you loud and clear. Loud and clear.

But, Good Lord, where are you?

Benoit! Benoit! What are you doing?

Don't holler like that.

A Fritz could detect our wavelength.

A Yak below!

Twenty, are you blind? Messerschmitts!

He doesn't understand you.

I'm attacking, cover me!

He had escaped Dakar

in the hope that a miracle would occur at least once.

Lieutenant Perrier. Born in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is in France!

Colonel, I was right, I heard him speak French.

Is he dead?

Very badly burned.

He has been transported to our infirmary.

A wounded pilot has been transported to the infirmary.

He's a Frenchman.

The orders are explicit:

all Frenchmen taken prisoner are to be summarily executed.

He was captured in regular combat.

He's a partisan! No mercy.

He wears a French uniform.

A disguised partisan!

France is no longer at war!

To the firing squad!

Communicate this to the infirmary immediately!

Yes, I'll pass it on.

The major sends message that the French pilot has died.

Pity!

He would have made a good example.

This was all he had? - Nothing else.

Well, a famous legacy.

Take it, Castor,

money, papers and photos for you.

You can be the notary. The rest we'll divvy up.

It's not regular.

It will become so.

We cannot weep every time a friend is brought down.

It will be our tradition to divide his things among his friends.

It'll be the clearance sale. Savvy, Castor?

It's disgusting, that.

I'm not going to soften up. Attention!

A tobacco pouch.

Nobody? To set the example: I'll decide:

going once, going twice, sold.

Eau de Cologne 90 Degrees, three-quarters full. Anyone?

The marquis gets the Eau de Cologne.

A tin of peas for Cazal who is always hungry,

Take this, Vignelette.

Perrier has no more need for a belt for his frock.

In God's name! All he had to do

was stick to my tail. He lost me and was shot down.

The least bullshit brings the highest price.

You'll pay one hell of a lot!

Because our job is not what you think it is.

Our job is to complete the mission and come back alive.

But all you think of is attack!

I want my Fritz. - And I want two.

I want five for starters.

You hear them, Villemont?

"I want two Fritzes". "I want five Fritzes". How many do you want?

Go on, play at being knights of old. Me, I want to stay alive.

I'm scared, and so is the marquis.

And we don't plan to be got rid of.

I can see already who will be gifting us their shoes.

Me?

He doesn't know.

Then shut your big gob!

I'll be shot?

If you know, say so.

Listen to what I'm going to tell you and remember it well.

When we're unlucky, there's no shame in being shot. Eh?

Up there, there are no gifts. Never any gifts.

Colin shot down a German. But his craft was hit.

He had to land where he could, and take his chances.

I'm French.

Pilot.

Normandy.

Comrade.

Land... airfield.

Comrade.

Telephone.

We don't have a telephone.

You see?

Missing for three days, Colin was reported lost,

during which time Dupont achieved the squadron's first kill.

Bravo, Dupont.

Meteorology predict good weather...

A last glass to the health of Dupont.

To Colin's memory.

What did he ask? - His age.

Colin? Well, 23. So?

23 years old.

It's Colin!

A ghost. - "A ghost"?

You'd already buried me!

They told us you were dead.

And this is what you do? - Yesterday evening, we were disconsolate.

That's more like it!

We will fete Dupont.

Great to see you. - Me too.

The Russians have supplied the vodka. - There's none left.

Greetings, Chardon.

Here, old chum. - Oh, the swine!

This thing isn't yours?

Here. Pity, it's a good brand. I prefer to give it to you.

Thieves! Group of thieves! Bunch of bastards!

Your health!

And yours!

Colin?

Commander.

Go to the board and correct the small error.

Ah, this "small error".

Thieves and liars, bravo. But it's wrong. Very wrong.

Winter 1943. Victorious at Stalingrad,

the Russians halted the German advance.

Now, it was the Soviet Army that advanced on every front.

The fighting was absolutely immense, absolutely relentless,

the filmed images of those days do not give

anything but the faintest idea of it.

The Russians had decided to take Orel at any price.

The Germans had decided to defend Orel at any price.

With the 18th Guards' Regiment,

the Normandie squadron was at the heart of the battle.

In their fighter planes, ready to take-off,

the pilots watched for the signal rockets.

Airborne, the pilots received

their battle instructions or their mission.

Benoit, here. Castor, can you hear me? - Yes, old bean.

Reconnaissance planes above the sector.

Send the air cover. Out.

I get you.

Hello. Chardon, this is Castor. Enemy planes sighted.

Take-off immediately.

Number One listening.

Three squadrons!

Call Sinitzine.

Yes, the losses are very heavy.

Sinitzine, send three groups of nine on Orel.

Zikov, Tarassenko and the French.

Groups of nine! Zikov has lost three craft...

...and Tarassenko half of his.

These are not accounts, Vassili Petrovitch, but regrets.

Understood... Launch everything that we have.

Is that all for today? - No.

They want a patrol of six. - For where?

The aerodrome.

The men are exhausted. - So are the Russians.

Simonet.

Vignelette.

Muller, Levy. - It's a good job, flying!

Come on, back to it.

I'm sick of this shit.

I'm really sick!

As long as the artillery don't wipe out the Boche, we're committing suicide.

Orel is the crucial point of the whole line. The Germans won't give it up.

This is why the Russians want it. - Oh!

You always give their reason.

It's the fatigue.

For fuck's sake!

Four comrades were shot down today, this is more than fatigue. Isn't it?

At this rate, there won't be any Normandie left.

The doctor will be left.

He'll have to take Orel on his own, breakthrough the front and return

Fritz to Berlin with big boots up the backside.

If nobody laughs, it's worrying.

They ask for another

patrol of six. - To go where?

The aerodrome.

Vignelette and Levy are still there. - Too bad for them.

The Russians have lost nine bombers and they're going back.

Not the same ones. And it's their cause!

I know it's tough.

But I have received the order.

Captain de Liron will take care of it.

It must be.

Commander, we would like Benoit to lead us.

It is not a question of experience. With him, we'd be more confident.

Gladly. I will

be more comfortable - Captain, it's because of the view.

I've a chance of seeing further

and more quickly than anyone else.

As much as it serves the community.

Good.

I must ask you again to gather.

Villemont, as a special favour, we'll be back.

Where's that? - I'm keeping it as a surprise for you.

Thank you, Ivan Ivanovitch.

Commander Marcellin. Yes, I understand.

At once.

Meeting with General Komarov. Urgent.

Chardon performed a victory roll on his return.

Mission accomplished: a Messerschmitt destroyed.

And 100g of vodka.

Hi. - Say, 1+1 equals what?

Two. - And two.

Congratulations.

I was climbing quietly when, all of a sudden, I noticed a client.

I carried on climbing.

Well placed, I gave it everything I had. I fired and I missed him.

I passed in front and he was on my tail.

And that mug never fired.

He let me disengage, I got back into poistion, and this time I didn't miss.

You don't care?

All your combat stories sound the same.

Commander Marcellin.

My respects, general.

He asks me to translate everything.

"A French pilot has shot down

Captain Tarassenko". - Tatiana!

"Tarassenko transmitted it over the radio".

"He didn't fire back."

"He tipped his wings."

"He turned

to show his stars".

"The Frenchman came at him like a blindman

returned and shot him".

Tell the general... tell him...

What?

The general insists that I translate word for word what he's about to say.

"It was an accident."

"There will be no sanctions."

"Tarassenko already had 8 kills".

And he was my friend.

You understand me, Marcellin?

My luck was to fall upon the biggest fool of a Fritz.

They have more good pilots.

My Fritz was nobody's fool.

Mine could turn, attack, he put up no defense. He was waiting for me.

Chardon, I want to speak to you alone.

Are you wounded, Picard? - It's nothing.

Just a scratch. - The Commander gets it.

Yes, Picard. - Happy with Chardon, Commander?

Have you heard the good news, Commander?

Your Fritz, the great fool of the Germans...

Yes?

It was Tatiana.

Tarassenko communicated that he was being attacked.

He showed his stars.

You understand why there was no return fire?

He also indicated that you came back at him.

But the rest, he couldn't describe.

I've just returned from the general.

He was clenching his teeth.

His decision is that it was an accident.

There is no Chardon anymore.

That would make two pilots lost instead of one.

Send me on a sacrificial mission.

They are all sacrificial.

What am I going to do?

Keep your mouth shut and remain calm for a start.

The anxieties, the insanity.

Always on the offensive without thinking.

One more for the board. There!

Yes? - Commander, we're back.

But Dupont didn't make it.

The runway is blocked.

And the Russians?

Three bombers lost. They are reduced, like us.

Commander?

It's essential to take Orel, but there are some orders we can't execute.

If we must go back to the airfield, I'll go back.

But don't count on me anymore to lead the others.

Take-off at dawn.

That's a tough ask...

...a daytime attack on an airfield with fighters,

it's too much!

There's no other way!

We will attack in two groups, us and the French.

We're going?

I don't want to go with them.

I'm not flying with them.

Yes, you'll fly and with them.

An order is an order. You don't have any choice.

Enough chat!

When I think of the one who...

Not a word to the French about Tarassenko.

It's tough, though.

And you think it isn't for them?

I said "spade", Benoit. Where's your mind?

I pass. - I've two hearts

Two spades.

Attention!

"The colonel has decided on a fresh attack on that accursed place".

"Tomorrow at dawn in two groups. Zikov will lead the Russians".

"Who will lead the French?"

Chardon will lead our group. Any objections?

You make the decisions here.

"He and you will cover the others."

A nice plan. - We must finish it off.

All right? - As you order.

The defense was focused on the airfield.

The Germans barred the approach.

Zikov led the Russians, Chardon led the French,

to force the passage. They didn't have

an order that for them was impossible to execute.

Marcellin, cover me...

"Full on".

Yesterday, Orel was liberated. The Russians have advanced 100km. We will have a change of location.

Hurry up. We're closing.

You taking me? - No.

Cazal, help me. - Coming, coming.

Careful.

You have to make everything small, old pal.

Full on?

There's enough for 10 minutes.

Full on, lieutenant.

Hey, Boissy, mind out and take the other side.

The Russians have left

some Fritzes who still shoot.

I'll reserve you a room. - One with a sea view.

Okay, Ivanovitch?

Right, we're going.

We'll send the equipment.

What's the new location like? - Ugly.

But with an appreciable advantage: it's nearer Berlin.

Hello, Castor. Colin here. Come in..

Hello, Colin. Castor here. Come in.

Forget my things on the edge of the runway. - Okay.

Thanks.

Kids and me, always behind.

If you look at the map,

you'll note that we're on the exact route of Napoleon's army.

But this time, the Russians are on our side.

A reconciliation between Napoleon and Koutousov is something they should have done.

That's one of ours returning.

Boissy here.

Hello, Boissy. Castor here. Come in.

I'm in difficulty. You hear me? Answer me.

Over. - Understood. Are you receiving me?

The oil tank is fractured and leaking hot oil. I'm blinded.

Guide my landing. Is my way clear?

Your path is not clear. Do you receive me?

I hear you, but I can't see anything. The altometer's fucked.

I'll have to belly land.

Guide me in. - I'm going to try.

The runway is to your right.

Turn right... again.

Straighten up... straighten up.

Straighten... reduce altitude.

I can't see anything. Give me altitude and direction.

Too slow. You're much too slow. Give it some throttle. The throttle.

Castor, I'm going around again. Guide me. Over.

Widen your turn. Pull up.

Pull up and start again.

Sarian, take it.

Hello, Boissy. This is Sarian.

Altitude: 30 metres.

Right, right.

It's starting to smoke.

Higher... ascend.

De Boissy is blinded. He's trying to land.

Higher.

Ascend.

He'll have to jump if he can't pull this off.

Ivanov is with him. Ivanov doesn't have a parachute.

What the hell!

They can't jump together, we jump alone.

Higher... higher.

He can't land. Take this...

Hello, Boissy.

They've tried twice, it's hopeless. - Try again.

Order him to jump. - But Ivanov...

Order: jump.

Hello, Boissy. Continue right.

This is Marcellin. Are you receiving me?

Boissy, you must jump.

Answer.

Commander, guide me. Give me the direction and the altitude.

Continue full throttle.

You can't land. The fire's spreading.

I order you to climb and bail out.

Direction?

Direction and altitude?

Henri, listen to me... bail out.

Give direction and altitude. Give direction and altitude.

Lieutenant, jump!... Lieutenant jump!

Direction and altitude.

Hello, guide me. I'll go around again. Over.

You're good, you're good. Gently... straighten...

Straighten. Gently.

He won't jump. - He's wrong.

You would, you? - Yes.

No gifts, never. But bail out, in God's name jump!

No! No, speed up! Speed up!

"Lieutenant de Boissy and adjutant Ivanov

were fighting for the same cause".

"France and Russia will never forget

their sacrifice for freedom".

"Eternal glory for heroes".

Why isn't Chardon here?

He thinks that the Russians haven't forgiven him.

"He led the group on Orel and shot down two bombers".

He almost died.

He's trying. Understand?

September 1943, new location.

First column of prisoners captured by the partisans.

Well, they look good, this master race.

A real flock of sheep.

Yes.

It was one of these sheep that hit de Boissy's plane.

I was an instructor and a pacifist.

Peace before everything.

Then one day, Goebbels said:

"When I hear the word 'culture', I reach for my revolver".

I've never taken much notice of politics.

That day, I understood what we'd come to.

I signed up.

Do you have a light?

Partisan?

What about you? We were just saying those uniforms aren't like ours.

We're French, we fight Fritz with our Russian comrades.

He's shot down 4 Fritz.

And him, six, he's an ace.

I give it to him?

Take it!

Thank you, comrade.

For you five.

For you five too.

If he likes tinned American food, he's going to get fat.

Treat him well!

A month later, losses stood at seven.

Well, here are the reinforcements.

Pull the other one. - No, no kidding.

Every time morale is flat, they send for reinforcements.

Hello! Two new engines for Sarian

and ten boxes of tinned food for us. You want to bet?

Might they have some mail? - Ah, that'd be something.

Any mail for me? - A postcard.

It's cheerful. - Nothing for me?

Nothing for the marquis. - Come, we'll share my postcard.

"My great nutcase. It seems you are with the Russians.

Think of me and send me a card.

A thousand kisses, Monique".

Contribute for half the card and I'll let you have 500 kisses.

That's expensive kissing. - I don't know anymore who Monique is.

All that is for the dead?

They're for Perier. 37 of them. All in the same writing.

It's no fun, war.

Remember that, my good young man.

Winter suspended aerial activity.

One day in the year 1944,

the announced reinforcements finally arrived.

Let's see who they are.

I reckon there'll be three.

I reckon five. - Don't be greedy.

Guys, am I dreaming? - In summer outfits, this must be true.

They couldn't have known where Russia is.

Hey, you guys!

Ah, it's you!

Mr. Lambert! And Lafargue!

The two inseparables.

I knew they'd come.

I don't believe it, captain!

Commander.

Happy to see you again, Benoit.

14 kills, my congratulations.

Thank you. Thanks for showing me the ropes.

Le Guen.

Villemont.

Where have you been?

I escaped from being imprisoned by the French and the Spanish.

I wasted time. - You were paying for us.

And Normandy, has she paid for the others?

And Chardon? - 9 kills.

Gentlemen, our doctor refuses to treat bronchitis and pneumonia.

So go get yourselves changed.

Afterwards, general offensive on the second front.

Come on, my good men.

What's the second front? - We'll explain it to you, along with everything else.

Come on, guys. What do you think?

This is more like it!

First column: the missions. Second column: the kills.

How many kills? - More important are the missions.

We want Fritzes. - Each to his own.

It's all going to start again. - Lemaitre ?

The Commander wants you.

He has seven.

We have the numbers to form three squadrons.

The first, under Benoit, will be the veterans. - That's natural.

Captain de Liron refuses to take the second.

Lemaitre deserves the honour more.

That's very kind. But why do you never put yourself forward?

In the midst of so many younger men, I'd rather follow along.

This campaign

will get harder. It's for you to form the newbies

into the spirit of Normandie.

Please.

This way I can't say no.

Commander Flavier will lead the third,

of course.

The veterans and the newbies are quickly getting to know each other.

You doubted it?

I welcome it.

When I think of our arrival here, the first stopover,

the cold, the day the fleet was scuttled.

When all seemed lost.

And when those that left for Russia were madmen.

Do you remember?

I hope you appreciate how much the situation has changed.

Like for the first group,

the training of the newbies was marked by a number of accidents.

I'm sorry.

Your pilots have to get used to it.

Three planes damaged in one day.

It's unacceptable!

It's the snow. The mud.

The newbies always have excuses.

They haven't been flying for a long time.

When there's one squadron, having all these accidents,

the commander is responsible. I'm to blame.

So put yourself under 10 days' detention.

Benoit?

Le Guen who left with Commander Marcellin is returning alone.

Where is Marcellin?

The commander was going to the general. We took off,

two Fritzes jumped us and we let go a burst.

The Commander got enraged and he attacked.

One Fritz went down.

The other fled and the Commander went after him.

What time did the Commander leave?

At midday. - And he hasn't arrived.

General.

"The general wants to inform you...

that a Yak was shot down by the Germans 200km away...

Our soldiers have retrieved Commander Marcellin,

very seriously wounded.

"Russia gave him the arms to fight".

"But it's France that gave him the heart of the hero".

While waiting for the appointment of a new commander,

his role will be taken by the highest ranking among you.

The Commander's personal papers. I entrust them to you.

I've found his notes on recent missions not yet written.

He didn't like writing.

He asked for a secretary,

preferably a blonde.

She never arrived.

Where are the archives?

The Commander held them.

Really!

The records, the real ones for him, were on the board,

the flying record of the pilots, and the history of the squadron.

Yes, I've been through it. Strangley put together, this history.

Benoit has downed his 16th plane. As for girls, we count them more.

A little witticism.

"The Russians feted Villemont for his tenth kill".

The marquis finished up

as drunk as a skunk.

A drunken skunk!

You didn't see the marquis.

The log is illustrated

with cartoons. - As memorials.

This is unheard of.

Neither was the rest of this.

From now on, you will shave

every morning.

We are overseas. We must make a good impression.

Until now, the impression we've made has been good.

Normandie is not a squadron like any other.

In the armed forces, there are no special cases.

When we left, we were the bad Frenchmen, the deserters.

And it's from these newbies

that they find a Commander.

Among the newbies, there are some who wanted to come with us.

They were detained in place. But Flavier refused.

And now, he is commander. This is not all right!

Am I right or not?

He's perhaps got here late, but he is here.

The more numbers we have, the stronger we are.

That's what really matters.

Yes. I suppose...

Villemont?

That the highest rank is the best, that's always made me laugh.

But then it's like that in the military, I laugh or I'd scream.

Those that are dead would refuse, and I do too.

What about you, de Liron?

I'd like to know how Flavier,

who was a captain like me, became commander.

Commander?

We have a running sore

that must be healed.

I don't appreciate the metaphor. Speak.

A simple question to ask you...

In Algeria, you were captain.

Your rank and your ribbons, where did you win them?

I don't have to account to you.

However...

to make an exception,

I will answer your question.

I fought against the English.

Against the English?

We have many misunderstandings.

My third palm, it was for bringing down one of their planes.

He fired first and I was ordered to engage him.

They're as difficult to fight as the Germans.

Any other questions to heal this sore?

You're here because the wind changed?

Absurd. I'm here because I was ordered.

I fight the enemies that the government tells me to.

Without thought? - My job is to fight.

You aren't ashamed to lead men different to yourself,

who chose a cause

when it appeared desperate?

If Normandie has won many victories,

it is because we fight better

when it is our choice.

Among the virtues of the military, is that there is no choice,

there is obedience.

And heroism can create confusion.

Go on, criticise us for leaving against the orders of the Old Man.

I respect that you have done fantastic things here.

But I reproach your escape.

And we reproach your ribbons and we cannot accept it.

You must, lieutenant.

For a long time, the leave that we have sought

have been refused.

Today, we are demanding it. - I'll examine your claims.

As you order, commander.

A real officer,

you don't know what that is.

May your amateurism

not bring suffering to our nation.

And our deaths were those of amateurs!

I salute them. The dead...

Is there trouble between Benoit and you, commander?

In a well-run unit,

there are no conflicts between lieutenant and commander.

Yes.

10 roubles.

20 of mine.

I pass. - I'm in.

Call.

Don't play the fool: you asked for 3 cards!

Call. - You've lost your pay

for May and June. - Call on my pay for July.

We get your idea

and what you're trying to do.

Who wants your pay for July?

I pass.

What have you got, Liron? - Three jacks.

Three queens.

Full house of 10s and 8s. For once, I win.

"The applications are accepted".

"I wanted to bring them to you myself".

Three cheers for Colonel Sinitzine...

"Tomorrow, a bus will collect you at 10am".

"Enjoy the break".

In the name of all my comrades, thank you!

It's good to be alive.

Zikov has given me a good address in Moscow.

Which? - Hers.

I want to find a girl

who speaks French.

I want to take a bath.

You have high hopes. - The war is over for us.

The war is over.

When the Allies have landed.

You're dreaming. - We'll surround Fritz.

Yes. - The Allies have promised it.

Come on. - One , two...

When the chickens grow teeth.

I have the honour of announcing the bus.

It is bright red.

We'll be easily visible to planes that haven't forgotten to look for buses.

Bombardment.

To the runway.

It could be the Russians. I'll go see.

Repeat.

Repeat.

Understood.

A major offensive? - The Russians will cross

the Niémen. - And you said nothing.

I knew nothing.

And we were idiot enough to pack our suitcases!

Nobody's stopping you from going. - Bravo.

We're going to scarper on a day like this.

I would take it badly, but nobody's forbidding you.

The orders?

The colonel wants a squadron for fighter escort.

Where do I send them?

It's the first great offensive. I'll lead the squadron.

You?

Because I'm commander of the Normandie.

I ask nothing of you

but I prefer the best:

Lemaitre, Villemont,

Cazal...

and you, Benoit.

It's more certain with us.

He's going to show us what he's capable of.

Since his arrival, he's shot down four Fritzes.

He's top notch.

He's looking for some glorious feat, one that will spike our guns.

You'll have some work to do, doctor.

He's going to have made the case, uselessly.

Agreed. But there's no getting away from it.

I know you.

He said to Flavier that the first squadron is at his disposal.

Without me.

I am going to use my leave.

You're going to go alone?

Alone.

I'm scared. I clench my buttocks every time I take off.

I've done my share and I'm going.

Forgive me, I'm exhausted, empty.

Come on, dog. Fetch.

Here.

You're a good dog. Go on.

What are you doing there?

You must never get up there, old pal.

It's far too dangerous for little dogs.

Come on, out.

The Soviet Army had received the order to cross the Niémen.

The French squadron was providing cover

for the bombers that were going to pound the defensive positions

on the River Niémen held by the Germans.

Having accompanied the bombers back to their base,

it remained for the squadron to return to their airfield.

It was the moment the veterans feared

that Flavier would take further risks.

I see about twenty Messerschmitts

15,000m below us, at 2 o'clock.

I see them.

4 to 1. A great chance for glory.

Quiet, group. Spare me your comments and suggestions.

Maintain radio silence.

Two other Messerschmitts at 10 o'clock.

I see them.

We are in a good position to attack.

I know.

Maintain formation and return to

base without seeking a dogfight.

Out.

Well done, the boys. They've all come back!

Full on.

Commander?

Why didn't you attack the two Fritzes? They were there for the taking.

They would have alerted the others, who would have come for us.

I didn't have the right to risk that.

Bravo. In your place, I would have made the same choice.

I don't need your approval.

I sincerely congratulate him and he tells me to take a hike.

You speak of that guy there! I' telling you.

May I have a word? - If you must.

Why did you refuse when Benoit offered you his hand?

He is very good.

I have made no fault that requires his pardon.

You weren't at fault, you were late.

Not compared to the veterans, but to yourself.

Aren't I right to say this to you?

Thank you, Lemaitre.

Commander?

Colonel Sinitzine's plane has been hit.

He's wounded? - In the back.

He's landed?

How is he?

He'll never regain feeling.

Carry him.

If he is doomed, why the transport to Moscow?

It's his only hope.

I'll be back... I promise you...

We'll fight again together.

Colonel Sinitzine promised to return,

but not everyone would be there to welcome him.

Damaged, the pilot tried to land his plane.

But the plane caught fire.

His comrades put out the flames

that horribly burnt, disfigured, Lieutenant Lemaitre.

There's nothing I can do.

He no longer responds. - Can he still hear?

Does he still hear?

There's something important that he ought to know.

The point he's reached, he deserves to be left in peace.

He'll want to know this before going.

Lemaitre? If you can hear me, find the strength to make some indication.

You can hear me?

Can't you see that we should leave him in peace?

Lemaitre, the radio has just announced that the Allies have landed.

In Normandy.

In your homeland.

You hear me, Lemaitre?

They have landed with a vast fleet.

Plenty of planes.

They have set foot on Normandy.

You hear me, Lemaitre?

They've landed.

They've landed!

From victory to victory,

the Soviet Army repelled the enemy from the conquered territories.

They crossed the frontier and brought the war to the heart of Germany.

Led by Flavier, the squadron fought in the skies of Poland,

in the sky of Germany...

Normadie fought up until the final victory.

And they reported 188 kills,

completed 1200 missions, lost 41 pilots,

until they saw an unforgettable moment.

Chardon returned to perform a new roll of honour.

But there were no pilots, no mechanics to be found on the strip.

Only Castor noticed his return.

Paris has been liberated. Paris...

Paris has been liberated. - What?

Paris has been liberated.

The congratulations of the artillerymen.

The Russians have invited us all.

Not me. - You like the others. Come on.

Paris is free. Long live France!

"By order of the Presidium of the USSR...

you are declared heroes of the Soviet Union and awarded the Order of Lenin".

Lieutenant Marcel Benoit,

Lieutenant Roland de Villemont.

Approach.

I wish you many more victories.

A marquis a hero of the Soviet Union. We've seen it all now!

"I am to award one of you the order

of the Red Banner". - Lieutenant Charon.

Well, that's you... Go on.

"In recognition of exceptional courage".

"And for your 11 kills".

"By a decision of the Soviet government

in memory of your glorious action on the Niémen

your regiment will be known henceforth by the name Normandie-Niémen".

Attention!