Original subtitles

[Music]

My name is Group Captain Todd. During

the war, I commanded an RAF station on

the east coast of England. This is a

story of some of the men of an airc

rescue unit who served under my command.

They didn't fly, but went to sea in

high-speed launches. Their job to rescue

their comrades from the sea. Their motto

Heat. Heat.

The time is the autumn of 1944. The

Allied armies are sweeping through

France and thrusting towards Belgium and

Holland.

Go on, T. Get some sea service in.

[Music]

I want to do something.

I fly up high up in a turn it in and

prime a port engine. Can't you try?

>> Okay, cool. If I only had wings,

[Music]

go on, rupture yourself, too. Stand up.

>> What's your name?

>> Milikant, sir.

>> Who are you? What are you? Armor,

electrician, sanitary wallet.

>> Medical orderly, sir. Told to report to

2561.

>> Medical orderly. And what was you in

Stevie Street? A chartered accountant.

>> No sir.

>> Hello. Call me sir. Savior serves for

the skipper. He's an officer and knows

nothing and therefore entitled to be

called sir. See these? Well, these

indicate the most important rank of the

Royal Air Force. O. Now then, what am I?

>> A flight sergeant.

>> And don't you forget it. No flight.

>> Flight easy. Just like that. What a war

does for the Air Force. When I joined

the service, it was yes flight sergeant,

no flight sergeant. Three bags for

flight sergeant.

>> My name

is Sergeant Slingsby. I drink blood of

meat rivets.

>> Morning, lad.

>> Morning, sir. All right, son. and fall

out. Crew of water already seat.

>> Good. Tell the engine to start up.

>> I start up below.

>> Okay. Grace, start them up.

[Music]

>> Let go springs.

>> Let go. All gone after they go far.

All gone pirate ship ahead together. Cox

had an old dream.

[Music]

master.

>> Yes.

It's nice and smooth, isn't it?

>> Yeah.

>> Just another pleasure. Cruise

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

[Music]

Come on, bed pan. There's no sleeping.

You're in the way in the back. Go on,

>> Robbie. I'm going to change.

>> Okay, Jy.

Thank you.

Best thing in the world for ser

if you want it. It's going to be cold.

>> Oh, you you married?

>> No. Look at you.

>> What's happened? We stopped.

>> Hey, Gus. Do you reckon we'll be back on

time?

>> Why are you and Harry?

>> Yes, I am.

>> Oh, well, we won't then. You better get

your head down up. We got a long wait

ahead of us. Why?

>> Where are we? We're

>> on what's called Rendezvous. We're going

to stay here till someone tells us to go

home. It's exciting, isn't it?

[Music]

You all right? I'm all right. Give me a

hand through the hamster up above.

Right.

How are the others?

>> The dingy's been ejected.

Make your way along onto the wing, sir.

When you finish [ __ ] about, Kevin,

get in the dinghy. The car is going down

any minute.

[Music]

Come on, let's get this heavy.

Any

more for the skylight? We got a long way

to go.

[Applause]

[Applause]

>> You all right, Skip?

>> Yes, I'm all right. I I got a bit of a

whack in the bread basket when we

ditched. vessel.

>> What happened exactly?

>> We got pooped in the engine by a

measurement. But if it's any

consolation, I returned the compliment.

Right now, Jerry's in the North Sea,

too, sitting on his own little rubber

mat. Boy, is he going to be lonely?

>> Do you think anybody saw us, Ditch,

Canada?

>> I shouldn't think so. I didn't see any

ships or anything.

>> Where are we exactly?

>> Just off the coast of Holland, sir.

About 20 mi from the shell

>> and a long way from home.

>> Yes. We've got to get organized. Canada,

can you get that sport box going? Right.

>> Matt, can you set up the aerial?

>> Yeah.

>> Would you mind helping, sir?

>> No, of course. I'm in your hands. All I

want is to get this briefcase back

safely to England. You just treat me as

one of the crew.

>> Keep going.

Well, that's that.

Makes you think, doesn't it? If any of

us had anything sharp on it, rip, zip,

and we'd be sitting on about 500 fathoms

of ocean and nothing else. Yes, sir.

This little piece of rubber is all there

is between us and the bottom of the deep

blue sea.

[Music]

Come in.

>> Yes, L. The well is getting worse. I've

posted two bridge lookouts.

>> Right. By the way, how's the new boy?

>> His name's Milikin, sir. Herbert Milik.

He's a bit seasick, but he'll do.

>> You get him out to stand anyway. Copy,

please.

>> Thank you very much, sir.

>> Thank you.

>> Is it true about the rumor I sir?

>> Yes, this is my last trip. I'm taking

her to the unit of gospel. It's

promotion anyway.

>> I expect the wife's pleasure. I took her

to hospital an hour before we left. The

baby's due any moment now.

>> Oh, by

my wife made this. She asked me to get

it.

>> It's a great coat. It'll fit a boy or a

girl.

>> It's a nice treasure one. Take your wife

for me, will you?

>> I most certainly will.

>> How's your boy?

>> Please let me down, sir.

>> Why?

>> He joined the Navy yesterday.

Not again, Milican.

>> I don't seem to be able to stop.

>> Well, I knew a fellow once in the early

days of AC rescue. He were a medical

orderly, too. He died from seasickness.

He strained his stomach. Oh, it was

horrible sight.

>> Hello, Doc. Still alive? How you

feeling?

>> Sick. There's some hot soup in the

folks. Come on, I'll get you some.

>> Self-heating soup. I never touch it. I

don't trust them chemicals.

>> Come on, Jack. Get off on deck. You're

on.

>> All right, cop.

>> Fill your boots with this.

>> Where's the return to base coming

through, Rob? I'm sick of this bit of

sea.

>> The other bits are just the same.

>> I never want to see another boat after

the war as long as I live. 10 men in a

medical orderly crammed aboard this tub.

>> What's the matter, Skinner? In danger of

losing a date?

>> Yeah, where? She promised to see me last

night at the station dance tonight. I

thought you were supposed to be

overhauling the oil feed on the Ford

engine last night.

>> Yeah,

>> I did that in 10 minutes.

>> I thought it was a big job. JPY said it

would take all night.

>> The engines got us here and they'll get

us back.

>> Come and check this message, will you

not?

>> Hey, Skinner. The one thing you can do

well, return to base.

>> Hey, Chibi. Chibi, what's up, bottle?

There's a cut in the drink northeast of

here. Knox are just decoding the

bearing. They're not quite sure of it.

Get out. Return to base flight.

>> Kite and the drink. Start. Kite the

drink, sir. Go on, boys. There's a kite

in the drink.

>> This is it, Milican. We're going to war.

>> Head off.

>> Head off, sir.

[Music]

4 0 5 0 2 0 5

Good morning.

[Music]

Come on.

Come in.

Hello. Morning, sir. Sit down.

Poor Sure. This

>> Yes. Nothing further. Elizabeth,

>> we've had a signal.

The Hudson took off at 1120. Air

Commodore Wbeby was definitely on board.

>> Looks like it.

There's no other aircraft reported

overdue

so far. Anyway, If they are on the

drink, there's a pretty fair chance of

them being picked up. Of course,

>> they've got to be picked up. I've had

London on the phone. Walby was carrying

a briefcase. It's vital that neither he

nor the briefcase shall be lost.

>> I know Walp's number one buff and

unguided missiles, but I wonder what was

in the briefcase.

>> It seems our people over there got hold

of some papers, formula, blueprint, and

so on. Walby was sent over to identify

them. London had word from him

yesterday. He's got the follow on to the

B1 and the B2.

>> Mr. Jerry's knew about B

>> and deliberately shot them down. I doubt

it. I'm going to see what's happening.

>> Thank you posted.

>> Thanks.

>> Oh, hey Monica. which is the Hudson.

>> Yes, sir. It's only an approximate

position, of course, sir. I can't

understand why we didn't get a better

one. Flight Sergeant Mac is a good

wireless operator.

>> If in fact the signal came from

Harding's aircraft.

>> Oh, quite sir. We're only guessing.

There's still time to hear the force

landed somewhere in this country.

>> Yeah. Who picked the signal up?

>> They heard it at Farewell in Harbury. A

weak Mayday signal without a call sign

lasted just long enough for them to get

a rough bearing.

>> Probably Harding was last cheap before

he ditched. Yes, sir.

>> You're the air commodor bought me with

them, of course.

>> Yes, sir. You know him, sir?

>> He's my brother-in-law.

>> The plane's the best part of an hour

overdue. Any shipping in the vicinity?

>> There are sea rescue launches north and

south in the area.

>> What about coastal command?

>> They've got a couple of sea otterters in

the job and the navy have sent out at

least one.

>> There's always a chance of an aircraft

in the area picking up a signal. I

suppose

>> from the squawk box in the day.

>> Oh, yes.

>> What's the picture on the weather?

>> Bit dicey, sir. I get the most people to

send someone out.

>> Tell them to come to my office, will

you? Very good, sir.

Mvis.

>> Good morning, sir.

>> Morning, Scott.

>> You want me? I'm rather busy.

>> Shy belongs.

>> All right.

I've got something rather interesting

this morning, sir.

Now, sir, what about this? H rather, I

think. I suggest we find one up in the

nest somewhere.

>> Shall we?

>> You're the admin officer, Scotty. I

leave it to you,

>> Rogers. I'm just on my way to the

canteen to give the boys a lecture on

postwar planning. I might find one up

there, too.

>> Oh, you fix it, Scotty. I'm rather

occupied at the moment.

>> By the way, about this Enser company who

was supposed to be giving a show here on

Sunday. I come here.

>> Ah,

well, what's the picture?

>> I'm afraid we're in for a nasty blow,

sir.

>> Well, I really want to talk about, sir,

is the new bus service in the town.

>> Deal with it yourself, Scotty.

>> Roger, sir. Storway reports cloud at 500

ft. Heavy rain and a gale force wind. No

flying.

>> It's about 400 miles north here, isn't

it?

>> Yes, sir.

>> How long before it reaches us?

>> It'll be here by this time tomorrow, if

not before.

>> Just a bright day for flying. That's all

we want.

>> The barometer is falling a little

already, sir.

>> I guarantee that every time anyone

ditches, the weather immediately starts

to make things as difficult as possible.

>> Yes.

>> When I ditched in 1940, it took them two

days to find me. I've never felt so cold

and lonely in all my life.

As a matter of academic interest, has

one of these things ever been known to

turn over?

>> Judging by the way this one's behaving

at the moment, I reckon it could turn

itself inside out if it tried real hard.

[Music]

>> An awful lot of water getting in here.

Is there something I can bail with?

>> That briefcase will make a good bailor.

How about it, sir?

>> I think not. But

>> all shove the papers in your pocket.

>> I think not.

>> I don't see why.

>> Do you think anybody's getting the

signal from that thing, Canada?

>> Sure. If it's working.

>> It's working. All right.

>> Just as you say, bud. It's a pity we

didn't get a signal out before we

ditched.

>> I haven't got a chance and I bang out a

couple of maydays and the transmitter

went to pieces in front of me eyes.

>> Sure. So, nobody got a bearing on us. At

least not a good one.

>> I did what I was supposed to do. Keep

your hair on, Matt. Nobody's fault.

I mean, who who'd expect to find Jetty

here at this time of the war? Anyway, it

helps to know he's got a wet behind,

too. Don't help mine, Annie.

How long is it since we came down?

>> About 4 hours. Oh, it'll be dark in

another hour or so.

>> Think of that. and me. I had a date

tonight.

>> Well, not another new popsicle.

>> Not a new one. Same as last week and the

week before.

>> Oh, don't tell me it's the real thing

this time.

>> Sure is. I didn't plug up the courage to

kiss her for two nights running.

>> Well, that proves it then, doesn't it?

>> All right, I'll take it.

Come on, time. We had some food.

Let's get the pack.

Better start a sick ration right away.

You know how long we got to make this

lot last?

This is getting cold.

Nice warm blanket. It'll be just the job

now. Looks if you have my jacket, I

don't need it. I've got a jacket. You

can keep yourselves.

>> Yeah, but I can get a bang in the guts.

I don't feel the cold on it. Don't be a

clot, man. You don't feel the cold, you

must be dead or something. You keep a

jacket on.

>> Well, well, well. Water purifying

tablet. That's going to be real handy

with all this sea around it. Oh,

>> what are those?

Oh, biscuits. Well, they're useful.

>> And energy tablets. Hey, they think of

everything. Cigarettes, chewing gum,

compass.

All right.

One food tablet and one biscuit each for

this meal.

>> What? No coffee and lures?

>> Oh, that reminds me.

>> Randy.

>> Randy.

>> Mhm.

>> No wonder you didn't want to let that

case go, sir.

>> We better keep that till we need it.

Wouldn't be too weak to taste it? Not in

your life. Let's have it now while we

can enjoy it. Let's die happy.

>> What do you think, sir? Oh, I think a

little nipple around would do us good.

Here, you first.

>> No, I'll carry on.

Got it.

[Music]

[Music]

Come on.

[Music]

Okay, see I'm ready for you now.

[Music]

[Music]

This would happen to me. We'll never get

back tonight. Now,

>> I don't know what you're fussing about,

Ty. She can't get a train to London till

midday tomorrow. So long as we're back

by

>> now I know the wife Gus blime me I ought

to look she says here if you are not

back home tonight I am going to London

there is someone there who loves me and

who will not leave me alone

>> all the time like you do

>> is this m you got the idea

>> well how should I know with her living

in town and me stuck in camp maybe she

only wrote that to put the window's

always wanted to get back to London V1's

V2 she don't mind.

>> She misses the pubs and dance halls and

things like that.

>> Maybe we'll make it by tonight even yet.

>> I bet we don't. Even if we do pick up

them fellas in the dingy, we'll probably

hit a ruddy mine or something.

>> Hey, are you take over?

[Music]

Comfy Tippy? That's right. Well, it's

not all right. There's an aircraft over

there and it's coming this way past.

>> Yes, I I I had seen it.

>> Well, reported Burke. Aircraft

approaching from Starford. It's a

Sunderland.

>> Thank you very much.

[Music]

>> What's up, Robbie?

>> Give us a couple.

>> Any of you?

>> What's up, Fly?

>> That ticket.

a war.

>> He's all right. He's a good boy when it

comes to the pickup.

>> Ah, sure. They're all good boys and on

the job. The binders keep them going in

between times.

>> You don't mind that, do you?

>> Do you think I like chasing Tit? It's my

job, that's all. Look at young Milikin.

Think I like chasing him? He hasn't

complained, does he?

>> No, he's got guts. All right. Have to

learn the hard way. Same as you did.

>> You're a civilian for the duration,

aren't you? Well, you made it. And so

were he. And the same way with punishing

flight sergeants chasing from bungle to

breakfast time.

>> I was a bit older.

>> Maybe you were. But he'll grow old. I

see to that.

>> You're the sergeant and the sergeant's

got to be tough, eh?

Ever chest?

[Music]

How are the engines, baby?

>> Our complaints.

>> Bet you're beginning to wish now you

hadn't scooped those repairs last night.

>> I get stuffed. Listen, son.

>> A damaged oil feed can stop the engine

stone dead and you know it. All you can

do now is hope and be ready. Yeah.

[Music]

Heat.

[Music]

Heat.

Heat.

[Music]

How long is it since we ditched?

Uh 10 hours, I imagine.

Why are they on their phones in the

daylight?

They must be somewhere about. They can't

be far away.

>> You're not the only one who wants to get

out of here. But my girlfriend's waiting

for me back there.

I reckon just about now I'd be kissing

her good night.

>> That's all you ever think about, isn't

it? Beer and girls are going to the

pictures. Well, I've got other things to

think about. I don't spend the rest of

my life in this blasted dingy.

>> If the sea gets much rougher, you won't

have to worry about that much.

[Music]

>> Wait a minute.

You all right, Skip?

>> Yeah, I'm all right.

Big ste.

>> Yeah.

Listen,

Mai

hand you, Kirby.

If anything's to happen to me,

this briefcase has got to go overboard.

Do you understand? And if we're picked

up by an enemy vessel,

take the strap with this squawk box and

pull it through and tie it tight and

drop it overboard so it sinks fast.

Did you get that?

>> Okay, sir.

>> Is that understood? Mai,

>> why don't you have it on board now and

have done with it?

>> His board is nothing for bad luck.

>> Listen, Mai, up to now I haven't

reminded you that I have got a certain

rank. When I ask you to do something,

it's an order.

>> Did you get that?

>> Yes.

>> Right. We won't talk anymore about the

briefcase

by time we did some more exercises. Come

on.

It's this border we're sitting in.

I've had pins and needles in my behind

for the last hour or more. Can't get rid

of them.

Still, it is just a job for working up

an appetite. Boy, am I looking forward

to my next energy tablet.

Come on, Mai. Oh, what's the use? It's a

waste of time anyway.

>> Come on, for goodness sake. Do something

and stop arguing.

We'll have a song, too.

[Music]

[Applause]

Oh, man. Huh?

[Music]

from paradise.

[Applause]

Dear God,

we're four men here in a

pretty tough spot.

I know you've got a lot to think about,

but please try and not forget us.

Our trust is in you.

And if you could possibly see your way

clear, getting us somewhere dry,

we'd be very grateful.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

[Music]

[Music]

I say, "What's the trouble?"

>> It's nothing, sir. Oh,

>> come along now. You're not crying for

nothing.

Nothing sir.

>> I say

you're one of the myth clarks, aren't

you?

>> Yes, sir.

>> Well, can't I help her? That's what I'm

here for.

>> Yes, sir. I suppose you haven't heard

any news of Mr. Harding's crew, have

you, sir?

>> Oh, I see. Well, um, well, okay. I'm

just getting in to see the group

captain. I'll find out what's happening.

Who is it you're interested in?

>> Sergeant Kirby, sir.

>> Your boyfriend? What?

>> Went in. He engaged.

>> Enjoy. Good show. Will you hang on here

and I'll let you know.

>> Thank you, sir.

>> Think nothing of it.

>> Come in.

>> Good evening, sir.

>> Evening, Scotty.

>> Sorry to bother you so late, sir.

>> Is it important?

>> Trade sale, sir. Any news of Harding?

>> No.

>> Oh, well, this is about fight Sergeant

Mai. He's with Harding, isn't he?

>> Mia? What about Mai? Well, sir, the

station police have found a jerry can of

petrol in his car. You know that old

Morris hey runs about in. Seems it fell

off the back of the motor transport and

the police corpal spotted the guy

picking it up after dark. Poor shows.

Her pinching petrol is caught marshal

offense.

>> Has the corporal reported it?

>> Yes.

>> That means a charge will be made out so

Mai is a good wireless operator. He's

put in for commission, isn't he?

>> That's right, sir. Shake it all

together. What do you feel should be the

drill?

There was a sergeant at Fel who took a

jerry can of petrol. I remember similar

circumstances. Stealing by finding I

suppose you call it.

>> That's right. So court marshall and

reduced the rank

>> and then shortly afterwards he was given

his rank back and was eventually killed

over Essen.

>> Oh was he? I didn't remember that.

>> No.

>> Anyway, nothing much can be done about

it till Mai gets back. If he gets back.

>> By the way, sir, about this ends the

show on Sunday. I was wondering if we

couldn't pass it through.

Roger, sir.

>> Did you find out, sir?

>> Oh, well, yes, my dear. There's no need

to worry. They're going to be all right.

>> You mean they found them, sir?

>> Well, they know where they are. It's

just a matter of time.

>> He is all right, isn't he, sir?

>> Of course he is. He'll be on the

telephone to the Waffrey before you know

where you are. Now, you're on long and

don't worry.

>> Thank you, sir.

>> I've been in touch with the Navy at

Dover, sir. If it gets no worse, they

think the dinghy will ride out the

night. And if it does get worse,

>> I'm not so sure.

>> I wish we knew where they were.

>> If they can hold out till daylight,

there's still a chance. We'll get

everything that can fly off the ground

at first light. Unless there's thick fog

or heavy rain,

>> what's the temperature, hard?

>> Low, sir. Cold and raw. Probably some

frost on the way. It'll be pretty grim.

>> Could you get a new piece of chalk,

Corporal?

>> Sorry, sir.

Your flight 2559 is around. I just

picked up a signal. They'll call her

into the search now.

>> They would. Where is she? due north of

here.

>> Well, here we go again. It'll be the

usual race. Three times to the point of

a pickup and each time five ners

pitless. Next time I'll pull out our

bangs and scuttler.

Heat.

[Music]

Heat.

[Music]

Watch this.

>> I've tied this all all together in the

night in case one of us

went overboard.

>> Oh, yeah.

>> How's the skip? I'm all right, Cander.

How's yourself?

>> Lousy.

>> Hey, Madon.

>> Skip,

would you like some food?

>> Well,

[Music]

then when

take us closer to the Dutch coast all

the time.

>> Where are they?

>> They can't take them all this time.

They're just not trying.

>> Him and his

nasty little bag.

Why has got secrets in it?

The war's nearly over now.

>> Minding's

not going to get us anywhere.

>> Bloody chair boom wonder.

He he calmed himself.

So he has to take us in a drink, too.

>> He's a nice enough guy.

>> What's he doing in in the Air Force

anyway? Earning his living? Not likely.

I I know he's tired. Casting all over

his cap. Pink gin's in the mess.

>> Nah,

I don't think he's had many pink gins in

the last 6 weeks.

>> Huh? Why?

M run out of you. No, Sammy.

>> Did you ever make a parachute jump mag?

>> No.

What he did to get all the stuff that's

in that bag,

made his way through occupied territory

for having know how many miles to get it

back.

>> Not so many miles, Hardy.

Only about 6 km, actually.

Pretty sticky ones, though.

What's happened to your boots? H your

boots? Oh, Skipper's got them on.

He only has shoes on.

How are you feeling?

I'm all right. I don't feel the cold.

[Music]

Oh, he threw through the air with the

greatest of ease. The bouldering man on

the flying trappies.

He flew through the air with

>> one more leg, Ted, and then we head for

home. Set out the course, will you, Ted?

>> Yeah.

Compass course 270 turning in 5 minutes

exact. Roger Dodger.

[Music]

Listen. Listen.

It's one of those.

>> Steady, Matt. You'll capsize us. Where's

the flare? I've got it.

>> Wait a minute, Matt. Let's see the

aircraft first.

>> There it is. Where? I can't see it.

Where?

>> I can't, sir. Over there.

>> Have you got the flare ready?

>> I can't. I'm too cold.

Hey, we're here. Here we are. Hey, hey,

hey. Hurry up, man.

>> It's a sea otter. They're searching for

us. Hurry up without flare.

>> Hurry up, man. For God's sake, Miss

>> Let me try

>> here. Come on.

[Music]

Turning away. He's heading south.

>> Too late, I'm afraid.

>> We're here. Here we are. Hey. Hey.

Hey,

good fellas. He can't hear us.

[Music]

>> No wonder they didn't spot us.

Why weren't you telling everything?

>> I was training it.

>> Why did they hear us then?

>> Could I clap when we ditched? Maybe it's

busted.

>> You're the wireless operator. You ought

to know.

>> Yeah, I did. I hope too. Quarreling

won't help.

>> Nobody's fault.

They're all a shame.

>> They don't care.

They're warm.

Skipper's passed out.

[Music]

Wish we could have found him.

>> Me, too. The weather's closing in. We

don't head for home, we'll be in the

drink ourselves.

Come on, you old string bag. 20 m an

hour flat out. The wind and tide behind

her.

Ruddy taxi driver. That's what I am.

Hey, can you see something down there?

Huh? Look.

Yeah, it looks like a dingy. I'm going

down.

[Music]

This isn't what we're looking for. It

must be a fighter boy. I'm going down to

pick him up.

[Music]

Made it.

It's rougher than I thought.

>> Stand by. Ted,

[Music]

it's a Jerry.

It's a

helper.

[Music]

Grab the rope.

>> Hang on tight.

You sausage eating bath bomb. Don't

panic. We're getting you.

That was

>> I wonder what you seen anything of the

other dingy. Did you see another dingy?

No.

>> A dingy?

>> No English.

No speak English.

>> Doesn't speak English.

>> Where? What happened? Who shot you down?

>> Bomba. Hudson.

>> Hudson. Must be the one we're looking

for. Where was it? Where was it? B. Bo

was the Hudson.

[Music]

>> He must be the character that shot the

Hudson down. They probably got a pop at

him and shot him down, too.

>> Better get him back and let them talk.

So,

>> now let's get going. We haven't got any

time to waste.

[Music]

[Music]

Now we're in trouble.

>> Someday I'm going to meet the guy that

invented these trike machines. You

better get busy on the buzzer and

contact base to tell them where we are.

Then climb out in the wing and see what

the score is, will you?

>> What about him? He's in pretty bad

shape.

>> Yeah. Well, I hope you can hold on till

they question him.

>> I hope so.

>> Thank you.

Thanks.

[Music]

59's pretty close now.

>> Wonder which was a pick up the dangi.

>> A bit 59. We couldn't pick up a code in

the head.

>> Hold it. Yes, that's all. All right.

Language.

Proceed

immediately

to assistance

of damaged sea otter tow back to base.

Let's do sulfur here away from the

search area.

>> 61 always gets the dirty jobs. This

boat's got a jinx on it.

>> Visibility is not so good. Flight

>> still good enough to spot trouble, sir.

See what I see?

2559

skipper.

>> Sea otter in the drink by the sound of

it, sir.

>> Signal out.

[Music]

[Music]

Aoy there 61. I see they're taking you

out of the search. Well, well, well.

Never mind. You're better off doing an

honest job of towing.

>> They're only using us because we can tow

the sea and search. Anyway, good luck

with the pickup.

>> Keep your poger dry.

>> Ahead. All three flights. Hit all three.

[Music]

We'll never get back before that train

leaves. Now that's my last chance up the

spout.

>> That's right, Cham. You've had it.

>> I bet you it'll be wearing her new coat.

10 quid that cost me, you know, with the

gloves and the act. She's dapped about

money. Dead damned. She said she wanted

her to go with your green suitcase I

bought her for Christmas.

Then she takes that with her, too.

>> Yeah. and the knives and a forks and a

family jewel.

>> That's all right for you to talk. You

are not married.

>> No. And after serving in this lot with

you, Chum, I'm staying that way.

>> Towing. After 20 years of this game, I'm

posted to a tag.

>> 59's passes. That's all.

>> Own to be sister ship built the same

time. You're a better fitter than we

have.

>> Yeah, that's true.

>> Poor Skinner. He should have been a

tailor. All he's interested in is

trousers and skirts.

[Applause]

Weather report sir here blowing up.

[Music]

Do you think they want me, Corporal?

>> Dad, get out of the way, can't you?

>> Ah, there you are. What's up?

>> The water pumps are packed up, flight.

>> Water pumps?

>> Yes, sir. Both of them. The engines are

overheating. There's no water coming

through.

>> How is it that both the water pumps are

packed up together, Skinny?

>> Well, sir, the keys have shared. They

have a habit of sharing at awkward

moments.

>> What are you going to do about it, then?

>> We'll dismantle the pumps and fit new

keys.

>> How long will it take?

>> Take about 2 hours, sir. I'll have to

make new keys.

>> Don't you want any spare keys?

>> No time. That must be for a boat I was

on, sir. But the fiddle, they made spare

keys. They were in his kit.

>> Why haven't you?

>> Why not?

>> Well, you see, it's a

>> Come on, Skinner. Have with him.

>> Well, sir, it's pretty busy down there

with only two of us.

>> None of the boats have more than two

fittings.

>> Yes, sir. But Skinner,

>> how long did it take you to fix that oil

feed last night?

>> Well, it took me about 3 hours, sir.

>> I don't believe you. It took you 10

minutes at the most. How long did it

take you?

>> Well, it took me about

>> Oh, go on. Get back to the engine and

make those new keys. I'll sort you out

when we get back.

Hang around.

Knock. Yes, sir.

>> Send a signal to base. Tell them we've

broken down and we can't pick up the

sea. Sir,

[Music]

>> pick it up, Skinner. Go on.

Pick it up and get on with it.

>> The flight is bleeding. Lovely. I'd like

to see you bleed slowly to death, Master

Flaming Corporal Skinner. Go on, get on

with it.

>> I'll just strip off a bit flood. It's

pretty ugly.

>> There's no time for stripping off,

Master Flaming Corporal Skinner. Maybe

you'll sweat to death. If you do, I'll

read the burial service as they push you

over the side. I'll be the first to

shout per at you and Astra as you go

down. If you come again, I'll run you

and push you down with a boat hook. File

away.

I'll be watching you.

>> How's it going, son?

>> All right, flight. It's coming off.

>> How long's it going to take?

>> All day at this rate.

>> All day?

Well, the first sea lord here is about a

couple of hours.

>> You'll be lucky.

See next time.

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

Launch on silicon.

[Music]

61

broken down again. Never mind, we're on

the job. We'll find the sea otter and

tow her in.

>> Much obliged to you.

>> You're welcome. And we'll come back for

you in the morning if you like.

>> Very funny. Aha.

>> I'll make a note of where you are in

case you're not sure. Shall I give you

your position?

>> I know where I am. Thank you. You better

let the Navy know we're here. If this

weather gets worse, we might need help.

>> We'll probably come back for you

ourselves.

Have a good day. You You'll get a medal

for this.

>> I don't think he's lost his medal.

>> Hold on, 61. I'll pass on your message.

Good luck.

All right, you little on the bridge.

>> I hope

you all end up with double pneumonia at

this rate. I'm telling you,

>> man, give me some cocoa.

>> Well, I've been 20 years in the marine

craft section, but I've never met anyone

like Skinner.

>> There's a gale warning out flight.

Everybody's been recalled. And we got to

stop here. All because of Master

Skinner. Ain't it marvelous?

>> I'll keep telling you, kid, no Sergeant

Kirby here. We're keeping beds ready and

not water bottles, but they haven't even

found them yet. And from what I hear

from the ops room, they don't even know

where they are.

>> That can't be true. The squad leader

Scott definitely said last night that

they've been found.

>> He was only saying that to cheer you up.

>> He wasn't. He said that they knew where

the dingy was.

>> If they had found Kirby or any of them,

I'd know, wouldn't I? Sorry, kid. Keep

your chin up.

>> Excuse me.

I couldn't help overhearing. I'm afraid

squadron Scott misled. He meant well. Of

course.

>> They haven't found them then.

>> No, we've had no luck at all so far.

We're assuming that they got into their

dingy safely and that they're still

afloat. But we can only guess at where

they are.

But in this weather, sir,

>> I know

if it's any help to you, I still

honestly believe there's a chance of

they're being picked up.

>> Yes. Thank you, sir.

Here,

let me help you.

Is he going to die, sir?

Do you think you'll be all right?

I hope so.

[Music]

Must must be

nearly midday.

He's a nice fellow, Hardy.

You like him, don't you?

do the same for me.

It's

just the way he is,

the way he talks to a bloke.

We've we've been together nearly 2

years, sir.

Others have have come and gone, but we

seem to stuck. I don't know.

>> Yeah, I know how it is. His dad's got

big estates,

big as our town.

My father's got a fruit and groceries

in Luton.

It It's mine now.

That's why I want this water finished so

I can

get back to the shop. I I've got an old

bloke looking after it, but

Oh, he doesn't care. No, it's not the

same when it's not your own. Did you say

Luton?

>> Hey,

>> Luton.

>> Yes. Do you know it?

>> That's funny. You know, you must know my

dad.

>> Why does he live there, sir? Why is he

the mayor or something?

>> No, not exactly. But he must have

punched your ticket at the railway

station often enough. He's he's a porter

there. Or he was till 2 years ago when

he retired.

Oh. Huh.

I used to be mad about trains when I

when I was a kid, hanging about the

railway line all the time, watching the

numbers of the trains and so on. But dad

always said, "No, fly. Flying is the

thing of the future." Well, I got into

the RAF, but they wouldn't let me fly.

Eyesight test, you know.

Well, well, I was lucky. I got a

scholarship. I I'm an engineer, you

know. Yeah. I got back into the RAF

again in the end. They wanted me some

use to them, I suppose. So, here I am.

I uh I'll put in for my commission.

Do you think I'll get it?

>> I don't see why not.

>> Well, you would if you knew.

Why?

It's a bit soft turning this to an air

come, but

I pitched a jerry can of petrol the

night before we started out on this

night. Had it lying in a ditch. I I've

got a little car I I bought off a bloke,

you know, to get down and see the shop

now again. I I just slang it in the

back. If anybody's found it, I've had

it.

If that shop goes first,

I'm finished.

>> Yeah,

it's the devil when less trouble at home

and can't get back.

By the way, you you better consider

yourself under close arrest.

Oh,

you know,

he always swore

that he'd come and get his groceries

from me.

Even if he had to cycle from Basta,

that's where he lives.

>> He will, Max.

So help me, bud. He will.

Where do you think we are now, Kirby?

Somewhere off the coast of Belgium, I

reckon, sir. There's a chance we may be

washed up on enemy territory, then

at least he'd be safe and born me

hospital.

>> How's your hand, Mac?

Can't even feel it, sir.

>> That reminds me time we had another

ration. See if you can reach that thing

and chuck chuck it over, will you?

>> If I can.

>> Wait a minute.

Thanks.

You think that

sea urchal

ever come back again?

>> Not exactly flying weather, is it?

>> Not ideal.

>> What about the AC rescue?

>> As my old grandma used to say,

patience. Have a patience and joy shall

be thy share.

Thank you, sir.

>> Oh, I hate the bloody sea.

Is that the dingy?

>> According to the Navy, yes, sir. The

question that German pilot they brought

in pretty closely and allowing for wind

and tide. That's about it, sir.

>> As close in as that.

>> As close in as that. If she's still

afloat, the Navy says she'll be right in

the beach by this evening in occupied

territory.

>> Are both our launches still out of it?

>> Yes, sir. 2559 is due in any time now

with the sea otter. 2561 reckoned to be

able to operate in a couple of hours.

[Music]

[Music]

>> Look, look what's happened. My best

jacket. Look at it. Look what's happened

to my best jacket. Look what's happened.

Good. Nothing like a spot of oil for a

tunic caner. You'll have to get it off.

You have to wash it like I do. Maybe

it'll keep you in at night. Go on. Keep

piling. What are you doing, boss? I

>> big swan wants his head examined.

>> How long is this likely to last?

>> Body seems to think we won't get the

full force of the gale. We're somewhere

on the edge of it. What do you think,

Timmy?

>> Maybe I should have walked to give her

what for showed her who was boss.

>> A that wouldn't have done no good. She'd

have just gone off even sooner then,

wouldn't she? Eh, what do you think,

Bill? Sir,

>> I'll tell you what I think, Chum.

Somewhere out there, there's four BS in

a dinghy. They've been out there all

night. And if they're not dead already,

they're sitting out there depending upon

you and me to go and find them. So, if

you don't stop binding about that silly,

stupid wife of yours, I'm going to pick

you up and chuck you right over the

side, personally.

>> All right. All right. Thought I was only

asking.

>> Come on. It's time you and I went on

watch. Milligan, put the kettle on.

Robinson will be down in a minute. You

want a cup of tea?

>> Okay, Corby's in the wheelhouse with

flight.

>> Okay.

You think we'll be back before dark

flight?

>> What's the matter? Can't you sleep

without a nightlight?

>> Yeah. What about the skipper? Granny

Gosport.

>> Yeah. Never been to Gospel.

>> Oh.

>> Oh, yeah. I have a station down the old

days.

Yeah, we come a long way since then.

What have we got? We got radar, wireless

TF loops, launches with fast engines,

and fatal logs. Without an efficient

crew, you're up the well-known creek.

>> Excuse me. I think I've set the boat on

fire.

[Music]

>> Quick look.

[Applause]

Okay, ready

[Music]

It's all out here.

>> Only thing I can do is take me off my

neck for damage. This is

>> a fine writing man. Who's responsible

for this?

>> I am, sir.

>> Right, Sergeant. I want the full facts

before we get back.

>> Roger that.

Milican,

>> they'll probably shoot you for this.

>> But I was only trying to put the kettle

on for a cup of tea.

>> If they don't shoot you, you'll be

paying for this boat for the rest of

your life. Keep out of my way till we

get back. Now get up top. You're doing

bridge watch.

>> Bridgew watch. What's that?

>> Keeping your silly eyes open. That's

all. You've been sitting down old muck

all day. Go. Get up there.

>> Robbie, you follow him. You eyes off

him.

>> Okay, fine. Well done, T. Thanks very

much. You can clear this m up.

>> That's going to take hours.

>> Well, we got all day.

>> I shouldn't have cared if we had blowed

up. What have I got to live for?

>> Hey, come on, guy.

>> How you feeling now?

>> Like death.

>> Well, why don't you sit in the

wheelhouse? I'll stand your watch for

you. Oh, thanks, Court. But I think I

better stay here. I'm not very popular

with a flight sergeant at the moment.

>> All I did was put a match to it and it

blew up in my face.

>> Forget it. They'll know it was an

accident.

>> The flight sergeant doesn't think so.

>> He's a bit of a terror, isn't he?

>> Well, he's got to be. After all, the

flight sergeant's got to be tough.

He's all right. You watch him if you run

into any trouble. You'll see.

Hey, Skipper. Craft firing ahead.

>> Launches.

>> Yeah, I'm more than one with the sound

of it.

>> I heard them and the firing, too.

>> You'll get a bloody medal, you will.

>> They're due east of us, sir.

>> And they're not HSL's.

>> You bet your life they're not. They're

right in the middle of EOD. Yeah, I

suppose they couldn't be navy boats,

could they?

>> Yeah, they could. They're not our navy.

>> The enemy.

>> I hope they don't run into us before

Skinner gets his engines going again.

We've got to make this pickup.

>> All right, you bunch of heroes. Get back

to your olds. We're not dead yet.

[Music]

Do you hear about

Canada?

Canada. They've come. They've come.

Oh.

Hold the flare, Mac. Let's see them

first. They might be Jerry's.

Why should they be?

>> They must be ours. They must

hear that.

They They They must be ours, Chaps. They

must testing their guns around here.

Now, their jury's all right.

That means we must have drifted south

faster than we expected.

>> Yes, sir. My guess is we're we're

somewhere off the mouth of the shelf.

>> How far off do you think?

>> Well,

unless the wind changes

or the tide will be

in shore before nightfall.

>> Right under the nose of their shore

batteries. And that washes out any

chance of a rescue.

>> There they are. Where?

>> There. Two of them. See?

I I knew it

at Jerry's.

What are we doing now, sir? Wait, why?

We don't give ourselves up now. We'll be

on the beach by nightfall. You said so.

Then the skipper.

It'll it'll be too late.

>> They may not have seen us yet. There's

still a chance of a rescue. What's so

good of good at being rescued if he's

dead?

He's had as much as he can take. We all

have.

Haven't you got any pity? Look at him.

He's dying. I tell you, he's dying.

>> I've got to get this case back to

England. Even if we all die,

there's just a chance they may be

looking for us.

Brussels

[Music]

by.

[Music]

>> No.

>> What are you up to, man?

For God's sake, man. What are you doing?

Mai. Mai, let go. You better ask.

I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it.

>> It's dark.

>> Mai, listen to me.

>> Whether he dies or not. Listen, there

are millions of lives that we can save

if I can only get this case of mine back

home.

Try, man. For God's sake. Believe me,

man.

He's right, you know, Matt.

[Music]

Excuse me, sir.

>> You'll excuse me speaking to you. Your

group, Captain Todd, aren't you? Yeah.

>> I've seen you at the dancers.

>> I'm

>> I'm Mrs. Teet.

>> Oh, Mrs. Teet.

>> Yes. My husband was due back from patrol

last night and he hasn't turned up.

>> What launch is he in?

>> 2561.

>> Are you planning to catch this train?

>> Yes. Yes, I am. I'm I'm going to London

time.

>> Mrs. Debit, there are four men down in a

dinky. They're somewhere in the North

Sea. About their only chance now is for

launch 2561 to find them.

>> Excuse me. I've got to break the news to

someone.

>> Hello, Chris.

>> Hello, Eve.

>> How nice of you to come and meet me.

Where's Clive?

>> He's not here. Eve,

>> don't tell me I've come all this way.

What is it, Chris?

>> Something happened.

>> I'm a Clyde's missing, Eve. The aircraft

he was traveling back in yesterday

morning failed to arrive. There's a crew

of three with him. We believe they're in

a dinky.

>> Dingy?

message headquarters, sir. Must be

Alley's secret. I can't decode it.

[Music]

Life.

[Music]

All right.

Congratulations, sir. Thanks, mate. I

told you that coat would fit a boy. Can

you reply, sir? Yes. Send the signal.

When do the new child allowances start?

>> When do the new child allowances start?

>> I hope we get back soon. Plither.

It's gone 2:00. That's me lot. She's

left me here. Here I've had it. You

know, I've had it. She's on her way to

London me now and I shall never see her

again. And a good job, too, cuz I'm

jolly well sick of her.

>> Where's the captain?

>> On the bridge. We're chiefy.

>> Well, they're all right. We can start.

>> Okay.

>> I said we can start.

>> Right.

>> Hes already, sir.

>> Good. And about time, too.

>> All right. Start him up.

>> Patrol, send a signal to base. We're

ready to continue the search.

>> Light. Go ahead. All three. 1,000 reps.

100.

Come in.

>> Well, Scotty, what is it this time?

>> I thought you'd want to see this, sir.

>> What is it? It's a charge sheet made out

against flight Sergeant Mai.

>> You haven't wasted much time.

>> No, sir. Any news of the dingy?

>> No, there isn't.

>> Take it do, sir.

>> I suppose this will have to go through,

but if he comes ashore alive, he'll be

dealt with lightly or I'll know the

reason why.

>> Yes, sir. Still, it's Johnny

unpatriotic, you know. I mean, pinching

petrol.

>> Don't behave like a clut man.

>> No, sir. Very good.

>> Oh, one thing more,

>> sir.

>> This little W is Sergeant Kirby's. I

gather you told her last night he was

safe and on his way back. Well, I was

trying to cheer her up. She's only a

child, you know.

>> She didn't behave like a child when I

told her the facts. Well,

>> I'm sorry, sir. I seem to have made

rather a muck of things all around.

>> Come in.

>> Signal from 2561, sir. They're ready to

resume the search.

>> Right. I'll come.

>> May I talk to you at the station on

Sunday, sir?

>> Oh. Uh, no news yet, I'm afraid.

>> Thank you.

Where do you reckon the dinking should

be now?

>> Just about here, sir. Right in close to

the enemy shore.

>> The forecast to that area is missed

lifting rapidly, which means that

Jerry's bound to spot him.

>> How long would it take 2561 to get to

that position?

>> About an hour, sir. 45 minutes, maybe.

>> Right. Signal them to make an inshore

search in that area.

>> Yes, sir. It's a devil of a place for a

launch to go right onto the shore

batteries.

>> That is not all of it, sir. What else?

>> This is an enemy minefield.

[Music]

I think it's about time we did some

exercises again, huh?

[Music]

Where?

>> I saw land.

>> Huh?

I saw land over there.

>> Oh, there it is.

>> Where?

>> See it?

>> Yes. Yes, I can see it now that the

mist's lifting.

Houses.

Real houses.

Hell. We're close in frozen coast,

south of Alcar.

That'll be nice. Right in Jerry's lap.

Listening

waves.

Louder than that.

It's a sandbank.

We're inside it.

If it dries out at low tide,

he'll be able to walk out and pick us

up.

>> Be still. Be all right.

All I've got to look forward to. See,

Marshall,

if we can get this briefcase back to

England safely,

you'll find it'll weigh more than a

jerry can of petrol.

My

[Music]

Well, if anybody wants to pick us up

now, they'll have plenty of fun.

You making me some tea?

>> Tea? What? Water bottles in case a

shock.

>> Oh, I to do that.

>> We did enough damage last time. You get

up on deck and keep your eyes open. The

shore's only over there through the

mist.

[Music]

We've got about just enough petrol to

get us out.

[Music]

>> Keep searching.

[Music]

Thank goodness for this mist. At least

they can't see us from the shore.

Watch.

They found us.

>> Where then? Where?

>> Over there.

>> I saw it for a second then, then it

disappeared.

It's nothing.

>> I tell you, I saw a launch.

The SC rescuer gone crazy.

>> Get the fire out, will you? Make sure

that it works this time. Come on. Where

is it?

There.

There she is.

Shot.

>> Hey,

>> for God's sake, shot.

>> Hey. Hey.

Hey.

>> It's no good. I think when she's at that

distance, get the flare out. Go on.

I can't.

You You do

a whistle.

Blow. Blow your whistle back.

[Music]

Ah, missed his lifting.

>> It's a bit disappointing though, isn't

it? Coming all this way without making

the pickup.

>> Blime me trivet. You're human after all.

Oh,

>> thanks very much. flo

[Music]

over there.

>> There's no way.

>> There she is, sir. It's a dingy, sir.

It's a dingy.

Stand by to pick up.

Keep your eyes skinned, everybody. The

short

come

to do.

>> She's coming.

She's coming towards us. Shout, boys.

Hey,

hey,

hey,

>> hey.

We go up tide in the south side of the

sandbank and come out the other end.

>> SC on deck

one on deck. We may need you.

Full speed ahead on all three.

[Music]

Thanks. SL. There he comes.

Big rock shots, aren't they?

Getting all starter.

[Music]

Heat.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

[Music]

>> Come on.

Give

me

one more like that. That's all we want.

Just one more like that. Come on.

[Music]

Come on. Hurry up. Get over the left.

Right.

[Music]

Stay as you go.

>> You all rock. Don't worry about me.

Watch the dinghy. Go do this quick and

take the wheel.

You'll be all right. We'll see you on

board in a minute. All right.

[Music]

Do it. I answer

[Music]

your hand.

>> Okay, keep on the head.

[Music]

Hold your breath, boys.

[Music]

We did it. We bloody well did it.

[Music]

>> You all right? Chuck my gun in a minute.

I'll get you a load of sick bag.

All clear.

>> Yeah. Hear that noise? The sweetest

music in the world. The engines making

for

[Music]

How are you trying? Hello, Chris.

>> It's good to see you.

>> Good luck, sir.

>> Thanks. Come and see me later.

>> I will, sir.

Okay now.

>> Yeah.

>> You

fine.

See you later.

>> Thank you. You did a great job. The

doctor said you'll be on your feet in a

matter of weeks.

>> That'll suit me fine, sir.

>> Then a nice touch of confidence indeed.

Give you a time to get to know your son.

>> I'd like that, sir.

>> Congratulations. Thank you all very

much.

>> Thank you, sir.

Well, how do you feel?

>> Oh, I'll be fine in a couple of days.

I'm glad Eve took it so well. Oh, by the

way, I wanted to talk to you sometime

about that flight Sergeant Mai.

>> I think you should mention that. I

wanted to talk to you about him.

[Music]

>> How's Flying Officer Harding?

>> Oh, he'll be okay, Sergeant. We got him

just in time.

>> How was it? Oh,

>> bit dodgy,

but we held him off, you know.

Here

again.

>> Oh, thanks Flight.

>> I have Julie fit to us all. You made a

pickup. You're one of God's chosen few.

Enjoy the trip.

>> I never thought we'd get back.

>> Get back. Get back. After a pickup like

that, I'd have some out of a basket and

carried her home.

>> I'll bet you would, Flight. Now come on,

son. Don't give the ambulance waiting.

You're wounded, aren't you?

>> Oh, it's nothing. I thought a bit

hungry. I thought I'd get down the cook

house.

>> All them WS. Come on, Robbie.

Heat. Heat.

Heat.

Heat.