Original subtitles

Hello filter room.

I have a new track here

Range of 4-5 miles

Bearing 1-2-0.

No height.

Here's another track.

Hostile 2-4.

Sugar 1-5-2-5.

12-plus aircraft.

12-plus.

Hostile 2-4. Sugar...

12-plus.

Hostile 2-4 Sugar 1-5-2-5.

12-plus aircraft.

Fighter 7-812 at 16

"Q" Queenie 7-7-7-3 south.

Hostile 7-5.

100 at 16.

"S" Sugar 3-5-8-5 east.

Hello Neethley.

Group controller here. Your controller please.

Is that you Moon?

Have a look at Raid 24.

12 aircraft leaving Boulogne.

Looks as if they're after Tango Convoy passing Dover.

What's the form?

Red Section of 22-70 Squadron

are patrolling over Tango sir.

No. They're about due for recall.

They won't have enough petrol left if they have to mix it.

White section are on their way to relieve them.

5-2-1-4...

I quite agree sir.

I'll get 13-20 Squadron off right away.

Neethley serial 5-4...

Get Pimpernel Red and Yellow Sections in the air Bonzo.

Dover 15,000 feet.

Angels 15 ok.

Turn that ruddy thing off!

Scramble Red and Yellow sections Dover

Angels 1-5.

Scramble chaps Red and Yellow Dover

Angels 1-5.

Red and Yellow Dover. 15,000 feet.

Come on Batchy. Customers waiting.

I'm coming with you.

Nice work Skipper!

Identity card and password please sir.

You know who I am.

Yes sir.

Then you don't need to see my identity card.

I'm sorry sir. Sergeant gave me orders to let no one in

without examining his identity card

and obtaining the password.

I give the orders on this station.

I know that sir.

Very well.

I happened to have left my identity card in my office.

I'm sorry sir. I can't let you pass.

Oh so you're more scared of your sergeant

than you are of me huh?

It's not that sir.

I happen to know you well sir.

But there might be a new man on this job.

Quite right.

Well done Thompson.

I'm glad to see you're not shaken.

I'm sorry I bullied you.

That's all right sir.

Thank you sir.

Well what is it now?

You haven't given me the password sir.

Good man. You've got your wits about you.

The word is "crocus."

Thank you sir.

Think I'd fall for that one?

Group Captain Tiger Ruddy Small.

The Tiger.

Hello Sapper Sapper

Beeswax White One calling in position. Hello.

Hello White One

Sapper answering.

Ok. Ok. Out.

Hello Beeswax Red One.

Red One. You may pancake

Vector 2-8-5. Over.

Hello Sapper Sapper.

Beeswax Red One answering.

Thank you Sapper. Out.

Put Hostile 2-4 on the screen please.

Good afternoon Peter.

Afternoon sir.

What's going on?

The usual stuff. They're after a convoy.

So I see.

Serial 5-6.

Red and Yellow Section

13-20 Squadron.

Intercept Raid 24.

If only they'd stick to convoys.

Hello Pimpernel Leader Pimpernel Leader

Sapper calling.

What are your Angels now?

Over.

Got any special information sir?

No. But it can't be paying them much of a dividend can it?

Hello Sapper.

Leader answering.

Angels 1-5. Out.

It's not likely to as long as we have a few Hurricanes airborne.

Hello Sapper. Pimpernel Leader calling.

I'm in position. Out.

The same idea must be dawning in the mind

of Reichsmarshal Goering.

Meaning?

Hello Pimpernel Leader. Sapper calling.

Vector 1-3-5

Bandits ahead of you

ahead of you

Angels 1-5. Over.

Well obviously sooner or later--

sooner is my guess-- he'll employ some of the 3,000 aircraft

he has at his disposal

to prevent our Hurries being airborne.

It's up to 3,000 is it now?

Yes he's got something like that between Brest

and Amsterdam.

I reckon that makes the odds about 5 to 1.

Well more than that if you discount

our squadrons tied down in the north.

Well call it 6 to 1 sir.

We can cope with that.

Hello Sapper Sapper. Pimpernel Leader calling.

Tally ho tally ho!

Nice work Peter.

Thank you sir.

Sometimes I think Bill Ponsford could find

a Jerry in a fog without my assistance.

Been getting any flying lately?

A few circuits and bumps in the station maggie

just to remind myself what it feels like to be airborne.

As air attache in Turkey I didn't get much chance

to fly modern type fighters.

I realize that.

You must get yourself up in a Hurricane Peter.

It's time you caught up with the rest of us.

There's nothing I should like better.

But I don't want to use the hours when we're so short of aircraft.

Oh never mind about that.

Oh by the way there are 3 replacement aircraft

due in this afternoon.

One of the pilots is joining us

a chap named Baird.

A volunteer reservist I believe.

Very good sir.

And don't forget Peter...

get yourself up in a Hurricane.

Don't worry I will

when I can find the time.

You must make the time Peter.

Get Clinton to take on more of your work.

He should be capable by now.

Oh Barry Clinton's all right sir.

All he wants is a little more experience

to gain confidence that's all.

Tell Squadron Leader Clinton for me

that he won't gain experience by digging in his garden.

Barry? Oh Barry darling.

- Hello? - Please come in.

What's the matter dear?

Come here.

It's that flaming policeman darling.

He won't stop bullying me

about the blackout in the top landing window.

But didn't you tell him why we keep the curtains open?

Of course I did.

But he won't take it from me.

Come on.

Ah good afternoon Constable.

Well what seems to be the trouble?

Trouble sir?

It's a matter of your blackout.

Front window blazing at night.

Hardly blazing old man. It's only a 40-watt bulb.

Well I understand it's possible to see a naked light.

You manage to make it sound quite indecent.

Didn't my wife explain that our house faces the end of the runway

and we keep the light on to help the pilots landing after dark.

Well she has sir but that's as may be

it's still contrary to the regulations.

But my dear chap it's done

at the express request of Group Captain Small

the station commander.

You're not trying to incite me

to disobey my superior officer are you?

No sir. I wouldn't want to do that.

But you see how it is sir.

Isn't there something else you could do?

Hang out a red light for instance.

Well it's an interesting idea.

Fighter 1-2 "R" Robert 0-5-9er-1 west.

Who might that be do you suppose?

Some senior officer stooging around I expect.

Thank you sir.

Group sir. It's the first of our replacement aircraft

call sign Elfin One.

A ruddy fine time to arrive

with Pimpernel due back any minute.

Hello Pimpernel Leader. Pimpernel Leader.

How are you getting on? Over.

Hello Sapper Sapper

Pimpernel Leader answering.

Bandits have turned away.

We are returning to base. Over.

Hello Sapper. Hello Sapper.

Elfin One calling.

Are you receiving me? Over to Sapper.

Over.

Hello Elfin One. Sapper answering.

Yes I am receiving you.

Steer 2-4-0. Over.

Hello Sapper. Hello Sapper.

Elfin One calling. Elfin One calling.

I can see base. I can see base.

Have I permission to land?

Is this understood?

Over.

Hello Elfin One. Sapper answering.

Get down as quick as you can. Over.

Hello Sapper. Hello Sapper.

Elfin One answering.

Elfin One answering.

Your message received and understood.

Listening out. Listening out.

Out.

That's what I call a really conscientious type.

Warn the practice flight Bonzo.

Look out!

Hello old man.

Dropped in for tea?

Thought there'd be more room at the end of the runway.

Well our guests do usually park their aircraft

up there I'll admit.

Hurt your neck?

It's nothing much.

I think I must have strained my ligamentum nuchae.

Your what?

It's the big tendon at the back of your neck

which keeps your head up.

You must have noticed it in cows.

No I'm afraid I haven't. Should I have done?

We haven't introduced ourselves.

I'm Barry Clinton sector controller

lowest form of life. This is my wife Nadine.

How do you do ma'am? My name is Baird.

I've been posted to this station.

I was bringing in a replacement aircraft.

A replacement?

Something tells me you're not going to be very popular.

It wasn't my fault sir.

Another aircraft cut right across in front of me.

It was a mercy we didn't collide.

It certainly was.

- Hello men. - Hello Barry.

What have we here?

One pilot one Hurricane both slightly bent.

Hi Doc.

Let me introduce you-- Pilot Officer Baird.

Hate to disappoint you

but I don't think you'll need your blood wagon.

All right Casey I shan't be needing you.

No bones broken?

No sir?

You're a lucky chap.

No strains sprains pains or blains?

He's got a ligamentum whatsit.

She means ligamentum nuchae sir.

I think I've strained it.

What makes you think that?

I'm a medical student sir.

Or at least I was till the war started.

It's nothing much.

All the same I think we better have

a second opinion don't you?

Let's have a look at it.

I'll give you a lift back to sick quarters in the ambulance.

I'm sorry to have caused you all this trouble sir.

That's all right old man. See you in the mess I hope.

Good-bye Mrs. Clinton.

Batchy! You old pirate!

- Batchy! - Where have you been?

I thought you bought it.

So did I Skipper. So did I.

I saw you go down after that 1-1-0

but I was too busy myself to see what happened.

Oh that one.

Another Jerry crew will be swimming

back to base this evening.

- Good show. - Whizzo Batchy!

Did you get shot up?

Only a teeny-weenie one in my glycol tank.

And another in my radio.

So I decided to fizz back to base

while I still had some height.

Glad you made it.

And that ends our bedtime story for tonight kiddies.

Hold it chaps!

You haven't heard the half of it.

I'm putting meself down nice and comfortable

on dear old Neethley

when an angry great Hurricane comes roaring at me

down the runway.

"This is it" I said to meself.

Silver handles and hello Saint Peter.

What did you do?

What could I do you twerp?

I just shut my eyes and the whole of my past life

loomed up before me.

What a shocking experience.

And when I opened them again

this other chap had hopped over me back

like a flea on a dog's tail.

# They were only playing leap frog #

# They were only playing leap frog-- #

Shut up!

What a copper-bottomed ape.

Who was it?

Oh some ferry type with a replacement Hurrie

so they tell me.

A replacement? Where is it now?

Standing on its prop in Barry Clinton's garden I believe.

By heaven if he's written it off I'll tear him apart.

- Where is he? - Doc took him down to station sick quarters.

He'll be sorry he didn't write himself up by the time I'm through with him.

Oh now wait a minute Skipper.

He didn't prang me and I was landing cross wind.

What the hell has that got to do with it?

This is an operational station.

Pie-eyed ferry types should know darn well

they've got to keep out of the way.

Might have slaughtered an experienced pilot.

As it is he's written off an invaluable aircraft.

God how we need them.

Hello Bonzo? This is Bill Ponsford.

I want to speak to Peter Moon.

Oh hang it all Skipper.

He put up a pretty good show really.

I mean he must have had his finger out to hop over me like that.

Shut up Batchy! I mean that.

Hello Peter.

Hello Bill. What's eating you?

Steady old man. I know how you feel.

Yes yes I grant you Batchy is more valuable

than a thousand non-operational types but--

Look let me speak will you?

"A" and one Batchy came in at naught feet

and we got no warning.

"B" and 2 this sap is not a ferry pilot

he's an operational type or soon will be.

He's posted to your squadron.

What? I won't have the damn fellow near my outfit.

And you can tell that to the tiger.

I sympathize old man

but you can tell the tiger yourself.

Bring me a pint will you Price?

Very good sir.

Hello Baird.

Settling in all right?

Yes thank you sir.

Good. Made your number with the Old Man yet?

He wasn't there when I reported to the adjutant.

Oh he's in the anteroom now.

Have a drink.

Not just now thank you sir.

Oh well if you're not drinking I'll toddle off home.

You see I have a Ionely wife that needs company.

You'll find Squadron Leader Ponsford in there.

He's the squadron C.O.

I should make myself known to him.

Oh thanks sir I will.

Good. Cheerio.

Good night sir. Cheerio.

I spy strangers.

Are you looking for someone old chap?

I'm looking for the C.O. Of 13-20 Squadron.

Well hold on a minute.

Are you down there Bill?

Yes I'm down here.

What is it Batchy?

An air force officer wishes to hold converse with you.

Well I'm Ponsford. You want me?

I've been posted to your squadron.

I'm Pilot Officer Baird sir. T.B. Baird.

T.B.?

Sounds a bit Septic to me.

So you're the type who nearly wrote off

my best flight commander

and pranged a replacement aircraft.

I'm sorry about that sir.

It wasn't really my fault.

What do you mean it wasn't your fault?

The other chap came in bang across wind

without making a circuit.

The other chap was a squadron aircraft returning from operations.

Well that may be sir but I had permission to land.

Permission? What permission?

There's no such thing.

Operations told me to get down at once.

Well what if they did?

That doesn't give you the right to go barging around

like a blind bull in a china shop.

My name is Small.

I'm the station commander.

Oh that's all right. There's no need to stand on ceremony.

This is where we relax as you may have noticed.

Thank you sir.

You look as though you could do with a drink.

Come along. I'll get you one.

You're a volunteer reserve I see.

Something of a novelty in these parts.

Yes sir. I joined my university squadron

At the time of Munich.

What were you reading?

Medicine sir.

And you chucked up that to join the air force?

Naturally sir.

Why naturally?

I'd learned to fly.

The war's won by pilots not by doctors.

You think so?

Don't you sir?

Oh I suppose I should.

I'm a professional fighter.

Perhaps my views are a bit narrow.

What will you have to drink?

I think there are a few Scotch Ales left.

Thank you sir.

How's the neck?

Oh fine sir.

A wee bit stiff but that will soon wear off sir.

As a medico you should know.

Yes sir.

Do I join the squadron tomorrow sir?

Well we won't talk shop now. This is my play time.

You'd better come and see me in my office in the morning.

- I'll be there sir. - Skol.

Now pay attention all of you!

You've been sent here to guard this aerodrome

and guard it you will

against all unauthorized persons

saboteurs

and assaults from the enemy.

And while you're here...

you will uphold the traditions of the army

before the R.A.F.

Being punctilious and paying respects

to their officers.

Now a word of warning.

Their sergeant majors

what they call warrant officers

and of which they have a great multitude

dresses very like the real officer.

We don't want no accidents.

Understand?

You don't salute me so you won't salute them.

Parade!

Attention!

For your information

that was a pilot officer.

Party!

Attention!

At ease!

Come in.

What can I do for you?

I have an appointment with the station commander sir.

He's busy this hour.

Better take a seat.

He asked me to come and see him.

I daresay he did.

You're not our only customer you know.

Sit down.

The Old Man's ready to hear the charge now.

Accused count off!

Witness escort accused party... attention!

Right turn! Quick march!

Left right left right left right left wheel...

Party right!

Hello Baird.

I gather you're joining me in the hole for a while.

The hole sir?

It's what the irreverent call the operations room.

Operations room?

But I'm a pilot.

So if you observe closely am I.

I realize that sir but it's not quite the same thing is it?

Why not?

Well I mean you're a squadron leader sir.

Which might suggest that I'm the more experienced pilot than you mightn't it?

You don't get the point sir.

Perhaps not but I'm not going to argue the toss.

If you're sent to the hole that's where you'll go.

Believe me it has its uses.

Even for pilots.

Has it ever occurred to you Wailes

that using a crib in a trade examination is a very stupid offense?

It doesn't help to win the war it doesn't help the air force

It doesn't even help you in your work does it?

No sir.

Do you know whom you're serving?

Yes sir. You sir.

No you're not any more than I'm serving

the air officer commanding a group.

We're both serving the king.

Pulling on the same rope part of the same team.

- Do you understand? - Yes sir.

Cribs won't help us.

Supposing I'm flying an aircraft it gets into a spin.

Christmas daisies where's my crib?

And before I can find the right piece

There's Saint Peter tap tapping on my fuselage

demanding my soul of me.

Think that one over.

Admonished. March out.

Admonished!

Witnesses escort accused

right turn!

Wake up!

Right wheel.

Quick march!

Left right left right left right left.

Pilot Officer Baird is waiting to see you sir.

Oh yes. Send him in.

Come in Baird.

All right relax.

How's the neck this morning?

Pretty good sir.

The M.O. Seems to think it'll take 2 to 3 weeks to get right.

He's a very cautious man sir.

That's a quality I approve in doctors.

Sir is it because of that

you're sending me to the operations room?

Oh Squadron Leader Moon's told you has he?

Yes that's the reason.

But I can fly perfectly well sir.

If you mean aviate around the sky I've no doubt you can.

But that's not what we're here for Baird.

Operational flying's a very different matter.

I'm sure I'd be all right sir.

Ever heard of the Messerschmidt twitch?

No sir.

It's a nervous complaint contracted by fighter pilots.

It comes from constantly looking over your shoulder

to see if there's a Jerry on your tail.

You'd find that a bit difficult wouldn't you?

I'll risk that sir.

Understand this Baird.

I'm not in the least interested whether you get shot down or not.

All I'm interested in is the efficiency

of the squadrons under my command.

The squadron is a team.

Each member must have complete confidence

in every other in attack or defense.

It takes quite a time to build such a team.

And I'm not going to jeopardize

one of the finest squadrons in fighter command

just so that you can poop off your guns.

Is that clear?

Yes sir.

Good.

Now I suggest that you get along

and report to the operations room.

If you've got any sense and you keep your eyes and ears open

you could learn a lot.

If I had my way all pilots would do a spell in there.

Thank you sir.

Good luck Baird.

Now don't try and rush your fences.

You've got a good report up to now.

Just ease back and...

take things in for a bit hmm?

Yes sir.

Squad Leader Ponsford to see you sir.

Ah come in Bill.

Morning sir.

Morning. Have a cigarette.

Oh thanks very much.

You want to talk to me about Baird I suppose.

Well yes I did as a matter of fact.

Well don't worry yourself.

He's not fit for operational flying yet.

In fact it's just as well anyway.

I'm posting him non-effective to Moon in the operations room.

Thank heaven for that.

Poor old Peter.

Oh don't underestimate that boy.

He's keen and from his record an above-average pilot.

Well he started here with a big enough black.

Yes I know how you feel about it.

I was going to tear him off the strip myself

but it's not the right treatment.

He just doesn't understand what squadron espirit is about and...

anyway he's suffering from a big enough sense of injustice already.

Hello Baird. I was expecting you.

Make yourself at home.

We rather pride ourselves on our hole.

Not quite such a gin palace as some of them

but it has its exclusive features.

That glass wall map for instance

where we stick our own fighters

and any raids we're especially interested in.

Ops "B" with his lines to squadron dispersal.

Ops "A" in touch with her counterpart at group.

Our brown colleagues ack-ack and searchlight liaison.

And of course the beauty chorus.

Every girl hand-picked.

You don't seem to approve of our domestic activities.

It's not that sir.

A bit surprised that's all.

You know it's a peculiarity of the female

that she can only relax by being busy.

I suppose it is.

You don't seem very impressed.

Group controller on the line sir

about Raid 7-5. Wants to talk to you.

There see? That's what comes of nattering to you.

Clear the deck Soss.

Serial 9-6...

Ok I'll take it on this phone.

2 sections 22-70 Squadron.

Neethley Control here sir.

Patrol Ramsgate 12,000 feet.

Yes sir we've got 2 sections on patrol over Ashford sir.

Ok sir.

Scramble Beeswax blue and green Tom.

Ramsgate 12,000 feet.

Hello Beeswax dispersal. Scramble Blue and Green...

Morning Tom. Morning sir.

Wotcher Septic you old assassin.

So this is where you hide.

..."R" Robert 9-7-2-9...

Well don't look so boot-faced old boy.

No offense meant.

But after all you did very nearly land

on my cockpit cover you know.

You were coming in cross wind.

Oh absolutely old boy.

Shocking display.

Quite second 11.

Trouble was some Jerry with evil intent

had perforated my glycol tank.

You mean you were shot up?

Nobody told me that.

I'm very sorry sir.

Think nothing of it Septic my lad.

Happens every day.

Only some of them aren't lucky enough

to find a runway to park down on.

Things are beginning to hum.

I have a feeling our absence might be acceptable.

Come down to dispersal and meet the boys.

I can't leave here I'm afraid.

Good idea. I can't see the table through the back of your head anyway.

Thanks sir.

Come on.

I must say I thought it rather raw myself.

But the Skipper's apt to be a bit touchy about his replacement aircraft.

Pity you didn't open up and go around again.

Well I tried. Of course I tried. She wouldn't pick up.

A habit they have if you do it too quickly.

Well it had to be quick. There wasn't much time you know.

Oh absolutely old boy. A thoroughly shaky do.

I say look here

I wouldn't take the C.O.'s outbursts too much to heart

if I were you.

He's a desperately keen type.

A wizard squadron C.O. And all that sort of thing.

But he's apt to be a bit touchy sometimes.

He's been at it an awful long time.

But he's pure gold when you scrape down.

Absolutely pure gold.

Do mind if I have a look over Jemima while I'm here?

No.

How's it going Wailes?

Sliding a bit easier now sir.

Give me an hour sir and I'll have it running like silk.

Good show. I hear they nearly

clapped you in the cooler this morning.

- It won't do Wailes. - No sir.

How the hell do you expect me to fly if me rigger's in chokey?

Very sorry sir.

You're a clot Wailes.

Yes sir.

Now that's a good tip Septic.

Never get into a kite until you're sure you can get out pronto.

There's many a keen type not here now

because his cockpit wouldn't open up in time.

I'll remember that.

We've come to readiness sir.

Good-o Pete. Thanks very much.

That's Peter Haddon.

Quite a good type.

He's got 4 already.

Gentlemen and others of Pimpernel Squadron

meet our latest recruit.

Pilot Officer T.B. "Septic" Baird

The celebrated leap-frog man.

- Wotcher Septic. - Welcome stranger.

Welcome to Coney Hatch.

Make way for the stunt man chaps.

And may all his bogies be bandits.

Come into our parlor and inspect the gallery.

On my left is squadron homework.

And this bedraggled streak is Pilot Officer Mortimer

our faithful tail-end Charlie.

Tail that wags the dog.

This is Wally.

This is Nobby.

Meet Septic

the celebrated Highland flyer.

Hiya.

And this is Jacko.

Would this be a bomb sight of a Junkers 87?

Bang on! Good for you Septic.

Actually it's our earliest trophy.

And this is the rudder off a J.U. 87.

And that's a bit of wing off a J.U. 88.

Quite a Junkers shop in fact.

Tactful pilots usually laugh

at this point in my conducted tour.

And this bit--

This is the driving stick off an M.E. 1-1-0.

See? Look here.

"August naturen gesellschaft."

German.

109.

Spinner.

And here--yes now-- now here we have

an exhibit of especial interest

to the young pilot.

The most highly derogatory order of the irremovable digit.

What's it for?

Slinging around the neck of types who land

with their undercarts up.

Taxi into other aircraft overshoot on landing

or otherwise blacken the fair record of the squadron.

No doubt you all think it's I who should be wearing it now.

Squadron scramble chaps!

Hastings Angels 1-5!

Sorry to drag you over from Gravesend Richard at this hour of the night

but it's the only time I can be sure of getting

all my squadron commanders on the ground together.

Oh well that's quite all right sir.

Well gentlemen I was over at group this afternoon

and I thought perhaps you might like to know

what the A.O.C. Had to say about the way things are going

and are likely to go.

Oh thank you sir.

Yes well you keep your thanks

until after you've heard what he said Richard.

Very briefly intelligence believes

that the Jerries have just been probing so far--

Testing our defenses.

At any moment now the real shenanigan may start.

I've often wondered why the much-boosted Luftwaffe

hasn't put up a better show.

For the old reason Bill--

The strong always underestimate the weak.

But we're not as weak as all that sir.

Do you know how many squadrons there are in fighter command John?

About 50.

Yes 50 to defend a whole country.

22 in this group.

On the same basis the Jerries have

120 squadrons of bombers and 80 of fighters

from Brest and Amsterdam alone.

Makes you think doesn't it?

It makes me pray.

Yes well you'll be wasting your prayers

but for 3 things--

We've got better aircraft better pilots

and perhaps most important of all

we have radio location and ground control.

That's where Peter and his boys in the hole come in.

Hear hear.

Any idea what the next move

of the Jerry will be sir?

Yes I'm coming to that.

You can bet your shirts that he's got

all our ops rooms and sector stations

neatly ringed on his maps.

If he can flatten our fighter defenses...

then all the rest of it is a piece of cake to him

invasion and all.

So you'd better get

your emergency ops room on the top line right away Soss.

Yes sir.

Meaning that we can expect

some unwelcome visitors any time now?

Exactly Peter.

Oh yes. And talking of visitors

much as I regret it

I think we shall have to curtail our social activities here.

I don't like risking wives sweethearts

and also-rans on the aerodrome under the circumstances

So I'm afraid next Sunday's cocktail party

will have to be the last.

So let's make it a memorable praznik huh?

Have some sherry.

Thank you.

I don't think you've met Groucho Carfax's sister Betty sir.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

I'm sorry your brother can't be here Miss Carfax.

He's one of the unlucky ones. His squadron is in readiness.

Beeswax Red were taking off just as we came in sir.

Were they? It's too bad the way operations

interfere with our modest pleasures.

Perhaps he'll be back in time to join us.

I hope so.

In the meantime I'm sure that

Pilot Officer Raynes will look after you.

Don't let him bore you with a lot of shop.

- No. - Not likely sir.

Bill where's Baird?

He ought to be here helping us to entertain our guest.

I don't know sir. Batchy do you know?

Yes he was squatting in the ante-room as I came past sir.

Got his head stuck in one of the Sunday heavies.

Then go and dig him out.

And tell him from me his presence would be acceptable.

Shall be done sir.

May I introduce my mother and father sir?

- How do you do? - How do you do?

How do you do sir?

It's very good of you to let us come here.

Oh don't thank me. We enjoy entertaining don't we Falk?

I'm only sorry that we have to restrict it

to relatives and close friends

owing to security reasons

and even that's got to stop now I'm afraid.

We've heard so much about you from Dennis Captain.

Not much to my credit I fear.

Yes indeed. He says--

I mean that is he--

Have you got a family sir?

About 2,000 at a guess

including the 2 satellites.

What a nice way of putting it.

Come out from behind that barrage Septic.

Why your presence is demanded

in the lady's room.

You don't expect me to fall for that gag do you?

What gag old man? I'm not trying to be funny.

Well perhaps you'll be good enough to tell me

who is demanding my presence.

Well actually old man

it's no lesser a person than the...

than Nadine Clinton.

Well that's different then.

Why didn't you say it was she?

Mind you I don't know if I approve of all this social stuff in war time.

I'd talk to the Tiger about it if I were you.

You know I'll do no such thing.

A man's entitled to his own opinions all the same.

Isn't he?

Absolutely old man.

Seems to be quite a flap on.

There's 3 sections of Beeswax up already.

I bet Barry's got his coat off in the ops room.

And thinking rude thoughts about our sherry drinking.

Now stop talking shop you controller types.

I want a word in Mrs. Clinton's charming ear.

Look I...

This is very sudden Group Captain.

Now look I'm serious my dear.

It gets more and more flattering.

Don't make things more difficult.

I'm scared enough already.

You? Scared?

I can't even frighten

my own tame squadron leader.

Look... I want you to leave your bungalow.

What?

You see we believe that at any moment

the Jerries are going to start bombing the fighter stations.

Well now when that happens

they'll throw in everything they've got to try and wipe us out.

I don't know want the responsibility

of having civilian women around.

Well I've been called a great many things in my time

but civilian woman.

You must excuse my crude service jargon

but you do understand?

Perfectly.

And you needn't have apologized.

And you needn't have got so worked up about it all.

Thank you my dear. I knew.

'Cause I'm not going.

I've rounded up our shy pilot sir.

He came like a bomb when I told him

Miss Clinton was pining for him.

Oh. Oh yes.

You see Septic

I didn't want you to miss our last Sunday party

with so many beautiful girls around.

You're wasting your talents in solitude.

I'll introduce you to some. Come on.

Astonishing woman.

Absolutely sir.

Betty I want to introduce you to Pilot Officer Baird

a newcomer to our ranks Miss Carfax.

Hello.

How do you do Miss Carfax?

Being a V.R. Pilot Officer Baird

probably has a wider range of conversation

than us regular types.

Will someone get me a drink?

Tony there's someone I want you to meet.

I suppose you're a Pimpernel or you wouldn't be here.

Yes that's right.

My brother's in Beeswax Squadron.

They're pretty busy this morning.

Yes he's off now.

I expect you wish you were too.

Indeed I do.

That is... I didn't mean that--

You mean you'd rather be flying

than making dull conversation with a strange girl?

I didn't mean that at all Miss Carfax.

Yes you did.

And I quite agree with you.

It must be wonderful.

There's nothing like it.

Power and speed and whole sky to yourself.

But you've got a squadron Bill.

Yes granted I've got a squadron Peter.

Thank you. In the long run

you pukka Cranwell-trained laddies

but you all have short-term commission chaps

when it comes to the plum jobs.

Sitting on my backside

is not my idea of a plum.

Attention everybody. Attention everybody.

Pimpernels to readiness.

- Hell! - That is all.

Batchy what a ghastly way to drink good sherry.

I shall savor mine later with proper respect.

And heaven help you Peter

if it's not there when I get back.

What about you? You're a Pimpernel aren't you?

Yes but you see my neck.

I'm not flying at present.

Oh come on we can see them off anyway.

Come on!

Come on come on!

Oh how I wish I was a man at this moment.

Some people have all the luck.

Let's go back and finish our drinks.

The party's not over yet.

Yes let's.

You've never flown on operations yet have you?

- Who told you that? - You did.

I did?

It's true isn't it?

Yes.

I was shooting a terrible line I'm afraid.

No you weren't.

I guessed as much when I saw that look in your eyes just now.

I remember my brother when he first joined the squadron.

You must be a very sympathetic kind of sister.

Oh I don't know.

Being a useless female makes it easier to understand how you feel.

Hardly describe you as useless Miss Carfax.

Well useful enough to drive an old ambulance about I suppose.

Somebody swiped our drinks.

Oh that's easily remedied.

You two seem to be getting along fine.

Miss Carfax is a very understanding young woman

Miss Clinton.

Yes so I can see. Now that she's cut me out

I shall have to seek solace with my aging husband.

Let's see if I can tune in on him.

Should be about here.

Pimpernel Leader Sapper calling.

Patrol "C" for Charlie

Angels 1-81-8 over.

So Pimpernel are off already.

Hello Sapper Sapper.

Pimpernel Leader answering.

Understand point "C" for Charlie.

Angel 20 out.

Oh hello Peter.

Sorry to drag you away from your Sabbath pleasures.

That's all right sir.

Rotten luck Bill Ponsford buying it like that.

Yes.

Difficult man to replace.

Impossible I should say.

Well that's up to you Peter.

You're going to take over Pimpernel.

Me sir?

But I've no operational experience.

You have lots of other experience just as valuable.

What about the other pilots?

They respect you as a person

and that's what matters most Peter.

But surely Batchy--

You can let Batchy lead until you find your feet.

I want to keep my team together and group agrees with me.

I don't know what to say.

Then don't say it.

I take it you're happy about handing over the ops room

to Barry Clinton?

Oh yes sir he's absolutely first class now.

Good. He'll need to be

if our guess is right about the next few weeks.

Struth had any luck sir?

No not even one.

There were thousands of blighters.

Nearly got bounced myself.

Thank heavens you weren't sir.

Don't thank heaven Wailes.

Thank Squadron Leader Moon.

Struth.

Moths.

I'm losing my grip Skipper.

Baloney.

Every time I think of you flying as my Red Two

I go into a stall.

Forget it. You're teaching me a lot.

Now get inside and get some sleep

before you lose your beauty.

What you reckon they're doing up there?

Haven't you heard?

We're getting so perishin' short of aircraft

they're building that platform

so's Old Man Tiger hisself can stand up there

and punch the Jerry pilots

in the nose as they fly past.

Go on.

Not perishin' likely.

One of us poor ruddy erks gotta sit up there like a broody crow

and count the Jerry bombs as they drop on the airfield.

Cor! Chase me 'round the hangar.

I must say being senior controller

hasn't improved your manners darling.

If you gobble your food like that

you'll get hiccups in the middle of a raid

- and we shall lose the war. - Sorry darling.

Group seems to think I live on the end of that phone.

I must get the emergency ops room tested.

Are the boys still flying?

One section of Beeswax.

I must turn on the light.

Blast.

Another bulb's gone.

This war's getting expensive!

Now don't you worry darling. The government pays.

Bless you.

Name your poison Septic.

Pipe down Batchy I'm in the chair.

Good evening Mr. Moon. Good evening Mr. Salter.

Good evening sir.

Good evening Aunt Tabitha.

I trust we find you well.

I can't complain not for one of my age.

You'll be taking your usual I suppose?

Yes I will.

- Bitter? - Yes rather please.

What about this gentleman?

This is Pilot Officer Baird Aunt Tabitha.

"Septic" to his intimates.

What are you drinking Septic?

Oh thank you sir.

Do you think I could have a drambuie?

I'm sure you could.

Oh dear. I've only the one bottle.

The one I keep for Mr. Mortimer.

I don't think Mr. Mortimer

will be wanting drambuie anymore

Aunt Tabitha.

You can never be sure though can you sir?

I'll keep it on one side all the same sir

just in case Mr. Mortimer calls in.

You were lucky to get it back Peter.

Oh she'll be all right sir.

Take more than that to knock out Daisy.

I'm not so worried about the aircraft.

At a pinch we can go after them in Tiger Moth armed with hand grenades.

It's the pilots we need so desperately.

Well the O.T.U. S are turning out good stuff sir.

The last 3 V.R. S I had are shaping well.

I'm glad to hear it

but it's not enough Peter it's not enough.

The output isn't making up for the wastage.

You're six short Beeswax are four

and the Spitfire boys are almost as bad.

Then what's the answer?

Make better use of what we've got.

The M.O. Says that Baird will be fit for operations

in a couple of days.

That'll give you one more.

Nice work.

Well he had an excellent report from his O.T.U.

When he first joined me in the hole

I wanted to kick him in the backside.

Most of us did. Too much of the walking textbook about him.

You ever owned an aberdeen terrier sir?

No I can't say that I have. I don't like small dogs.

I had one once.

Obstinate independent little hound.

Always ready to answer back

But full of guts.

Baird reminds me of him.

They even look alike.

I've got an odd soft spot for that awkward cuss.

I thought the occasion demanded our last bottle of port.

You shouldn't be wasting it on me Barry.

Speak for yourself Septic.

Hear hear. I've been trying to prize

that bottle of port out of Barry for the past 6 months.

I raises my glass and looks toward you Septic.

May your deeds with Pimpernel Squadron

resound through the halls of fame.

To Septic and the Pimpernels.

Come on Septic speech.

I'm no hand at that sort of thing at all.

No funking Septic.

I just think you should all have your heads tested.

Shame!

I mean that.

Makes no sort of sense.

First of all I plough up your front garden.

Then I make an ass of myself all over the station.

Barry has to put up with my stupidity in his ops room

and now...

now you're filling me up with beer

and crack open your best bottle of port.

I don't know what you're trying to do to me

but I must say it feels pretty good.

You're being launched Septic.

I'm only sorry the housekeeping money didn't run to champagne.

Ha ha.

Before you celebrate too much

don't forget you haven't got rid of me yet.

There's still a couple days to go.

It's 9:00.

Time for the news.

Feeling happy now Septic?

Never knew the world could feel so good.

It's heaven occasionally to stop worrying;

just sit back and accept it all as it comes.

I think sometimes a little laziness is quite a good thing.

That sounds like very immoral advice to me.

Does it?

It's true all the same.

I'm feeling rather pleased with myself Barry.

I'll give you credit for most things darling

but this time mother nature does deserve a small share

don't you think?

You were going to be a doctor weren't you?

Well I still hope I will be.

Yes of course.

What do you want to be a G.P. Or a surgeon?

Neither as a matter of fact.

My idea was to specialize.

Ear throat and nose probably.

I see.

Yes I think you'd make a good specialist.

Thanks.

But what makes you say that?

Well to begin with you're the painstaking type I should think

who comes to very clear and precise conclusions about things.

All good doctors need to do that.

Yes I know but you wouldn't be so good as a G.P.

Indeed. Why not?

There you go.

Quite relentless aren't you?

I don't know why.

I just have a feeling you'd be a bit too determined

If you know what I mean.

No bedside manner?

Yes if you like.

Anyway it's much more comfortable to be a specialist.

Who wants to be dragged out of bed at all hours of the night?

Is that some more of your immoral advice?

Very wicked aren't I?

I don't think so.

Oh...

Betty?

Yes?

Would you come out with me one evening?

Of course I would.

I'd love to.

Alone I mean.

Darling old Septic

I don't go around chained to a chaperone you know.

We could go over to Maidstone and have dinner

just the two of us.

Oh I'd adore that. When?

Well not just for a bit maybe.

Oh. Why not?

Well you see I'll need to settle down with the squadron first.

- They'll expect me to-- - Oh of course.

Stupid of me not to realize.

You're a grand girl Betty.

Hostile 7-6

100 aircraft 16,000.

Fighter 161

"Q" Queenie 8740--

Looks as though things are boiling up.

Never a dull moment. A gay life.

And by the look of things short one.

- Serial 7-6-- - Yes here we go boys.

2 squadrons patrol point "B" for Beer

at 15,000 feet.

Get Beeswax and Nutmeg into the air Septic.

Beeswax dispersal?

Good stand by.

Nutmeg dispersal? Good.

Order for both squadrons--

Serial 7-6. Both squadrons patrol point "B" for Beer

at Angels 1-5.

Understood Nutmeg?

Understood Beeswax?

Now bring Pimpernel to readiness.

Attention everybody. Operations room calling.

Pimpernels to come to readiness.

I repeat Pimpernels to come to readiness.

That is all.

"S" Sugar 2-6-2-0 west.

12 Spitfires taking off.

Initial letter "P" for Peter.

Ops room please.

Controller? Hello Barry. It's small speaking.

Anything special?

Look I don't want to bother you.

But tip me off if it looks like developing our way.

Ok sir.

Tiger's getting restless.

This promises to be quite a party.

Well we've time for a cigarette before the fun begins anyway.

It's all right.

It'll take Nutmeg and Beeswax 101/2 minutes

to reach their objective.

2 squadrons of Hurricanes against 200 Jerries.

Doesn't make much sense does it?

Woman: 1-5-0 "Q" Queenie

- 9-3-1-0-- - Hello Bob.

Haven't wasted much time.

I gathered from Septic the flap was pretty fierce.

Serial 9-3

13-20 Squadron.

Patrol Ashford at 18,000 feet.

Get Pimpernel into the air Septic.

Pimpernel dispersal? Squadron scramble.

Ashford Angels 1-8.

You heard the form.

Group will place Raid 1-2-4 on our plate.

I'll look after them with Nutmeg and Beeswax

- if you'll take on Pimpernel. - Ok.

That means we've got all our squadrons airborne at once.

I know old man. Presumably group know what they're doing.

Put Raid 1-2-4 on the screen will you?

Hello Beeswax and Nutmeg Leaders.

Beeswax and Nutmeg Leaders Sapper calling.

Vector 1-5-01-5-0.

100 bandits are approaching you from the east.

From the east. Angels 1-8.

Up to angels 1-8 over.

12 Hurricanes taking off.

Initial letter "U" for Uncle.

3 minutes dead.

Pimpernels airborne.

It's pretty hot even for Pimpernel.

Practice flight want to do an air test sir.

Definitely no.

In fact we'll have the red light on.

We gotta concentrate.

Sorry old boy no joy.

Try again in a week's time.

Good Lord your turn already?

You better skip while the going's good.

Serial 9-6.

13-20 Squadron.

Intercept Raid 1-2-7.

I think I'll hang around.

This looks like the biggest show yet.

Stick Raid 1-2-7 on the screen please.

Hello Sapper Sapper.

Beeswax Leader calling. Tally-ho tally-ho out.

Well that's Beeswax and Nutmeg engaged anyway.

Hello Pimpernel Leader.

Vector 2-1-0

100 bandits to the south

Over.

Hello Sapper Sapper.

Pimpernel Leader answering.

Understood out.

Hello Sapper Sapper.

Pimpernel Leader calling. Tally-ho tally-ho over.

Hello Pimpernel Leader. Sapper answering.

Watch out for hawks. Out.

Well done Pimpernel.

Carve 'em up carve 'em up.

That's all 3 squadrons engaged.

Where do we go from here?

Take a look at Raid 1-3-2.

8-0-8-2 west.

If they held that course much longer

they'll be dropping in here for a drink.

Looks rather sinister to me.

Let's see what group thinks.

Hello Neethley. Yes I'm watching it.

Hornchurch is trying to intercept Raid 1-3-2 now

but I'm not too hopeful.

I'm trying to send reinforcements to you.

Meantime do whatever you can.

Good luck. Nice to have known you.

Thank you very much sir.

Seems we're on our own now.

Get the Tiger on the blower Bonzer.

Gun now's your chance to show what you can do.

You better take the Spiders out of your battles.

Station commander please.

Hello Sapper Sapper.

Nutmeg Blue Two calling.

Can I come back and rearm? Over.

Hello Nutmeg Blue Two Sapper answering.

No you may not come home yet out.

Tiger on the phone sir.

I see.

Well that's what I expected.

Yes certainly.

Anything that flies and you better be quick.

Attention everybody. Attention everybody.

Operations calling.

Every available pilot report to practice flight immediately.

Take off independently and patrol base

at Angels 1-21-2.

Officer in charge of practice flight

to put every possible aircraft into the air.

This message to be treated as urgent.

That is all.

It's pretty futile. They'll never make height in time

but it's all we can do.

At least they won't find much on the ground to bomb.

Hostile 3-8 "M" Mother

1-5-0-2 east.

Attention everybody attention everybody.

Operations calling.

Action stations action stations.

Hello there partner. Come up where I can see you will you?

5 assorted aircraft all taking off

all shapes and sizes.

Hostile 1-3-2 "Q" Queenie 9-08-0

Battle bowlers everybody.

Close the blast-proof doors.

Attention everybody. Operations calling.

All personnel not engaged on operational duties take cover.

Take cover.

Hello Sapper Sapper. Pimpernel Leader calling.

Shall not be home yet.

Have dealt with bandits but am engaging hawks. Over.

Hello Pimpernel Leader. Sapper answering.

Message understood. Out.

Just our luck to be caught

with both pairs of trousers at the cleaners.

Guns see that your boys don't poop off

at any of our lads coming home.

All right. Leave it to us.

Hello Sapper. Hello Sapper.

Septic calling. Septic calling.

I am airborne.

- Well I'll be! - Have you any instructions for me?

Over to Sapper. Over.

Hello Septic! Sapper answering.

Make Angels as fast as you can over.

Hello Sapper. Septic answering.

Receiving loud and clear.

Strength 9. Listening out.

Hello Sapper. Septic calling.

Tally ho tally ho. Bandits ahead and above me.

Here I come!

25 enemy bombers approaching from the southeast.

Height about 10,000 feet.

They look like JU-88s to me.

This is where we learn to take it.

Order the squadrons not to land back at base.

Here give it to me.

Oh some blithering idiot's left his transmitter on.

Enemy aircraft are now bombing the aerodrome.

You're telling us!

Atta boy!

Let 'em have it chum!

Enemy aircraft being attacked by fighters!

Here leave me alone. I've got a job of work to do!

Don't be a perishing fool!

Who do you think you are Joan of Arc?

Perishing hangar's on fire!

Test all the lines Bonzo.

- Sergeant? - Yes sir?

What casualties?

No one killed sir.

One of the R/T operators copped a nasty one

and one of the girls doesn't seem to good.

We're doing the best we can for them.

They'll have a rescue squad here soon.

Yes sir.

I'm sure there was one that didn't go off.

Well let's hope it's a dud.

All the lines are dead.

Right. That settles it. I'm going to evacuate.

Sergeant muster the crew and get them out of here.

Yes sir.

The emergency option should be functioning by now.

Can't be done sir.

The doors are all jammed or blocked with rubble.

Hell. We shall just have to stay here and wait for the bomb to go off.

I hope to God Nadine got into the dug-out.

Tea sir?

It's a bit gritty I'm afraid sir.

Foster that's an inspiration.

Remind me to have you promoted.

Yes sir.

Did you ever see anything like it?

Oh never mind duck.

Wasn't really so much of a little house was it?

The whole place is certainly pockmarked.

Yes! Just like old Jerry to sneak in

and plaster everything while our backs are turned.

Speaking for myself I'm glad I wasn't here.

They didn't have it all their own way you know.

We managed to put up an odds and sods section.

Good show! Any joy?

One Messerschmitt 110 certain

fell just outside the perimeter

and a couple of probables.

What about you chaps? That's what I'm here to find out.

Well there were about 50 Dorniers.

We came in above and behind them.

- 7 went down. - All confirmed?

Absolutely old boy. I followed each one down personally.

Oh have a heart. I've got to fill in a claim.

You make it 7 old boy.

And after that a swarm of M.E. 109s came out of the sun at us

and things got a bit hectic.

- Any casualties? - Yes.

3 unaccounted for so far.

Matthews might have got down at Hawkinge.

What happened here?

We're pretty lucky on the whole.

One shelter hit unfortunately

and the ops room bought it.

Barry Clinton?

They all got out alive all right.

Where's this M.E. 110?

In a field behind the Red Lion.

Come on chaps. Into the truck!

Hey! Damn it! I've got to get a report!

Hello Baird.

Hello.

Ever seen one of these before?

Oh quite a few.

It was me who shot down this bird.

You was it?

I didn't know you were flying ops.

Well I got caught up in a scramble.

I see. Nice work anyway.

Do you think I might have a wee bit just for a souvenir?

You'll get me shot! It's against regulations.

Well just something for the squadron's gallery.

Oh well as it's your first.

I'll look the other way.

How about a nice little altimeter?

What a prang!

Wotcher Septic. Pinching enemy property?

I'm surprised at you Plumber encouraging the lad.

Well why not? He shot it down.

What! You never!

What a horrible lie!

I went up from the practice flight.

I was lucky that's all.

Well I'll be transmogrified.

Our own Septic's got himself a Jerry.

Let's do something about this chaps.

Here we are! Chair the victor! Come on types!

Come on you types.

Hey! Put that tail fin down!

# Oh a brave aviator lay dying #

# And as on his deathbed he lay #

# Now this is the end of our flying #

# And this now is all I could say #

# Take the connecting rod out of my backbone #

# Take the crankshaft from out of my brain #

# Take the sparking plugs out of my kidneys #

# And assemble the engine again #

# So raise up your glasses steady #

# Here's a toast to the men of the sky #

# 3 cheers for the dead already #

# Hoorah for the next man to die #

# Oh Septic's got a Jerry in mobile in mobile #

# Oh Septic's got a Jerry in mobile in mobile #

# Oh Septic's got a Jerry #

# And the Pimpernels are merry #

# For Septic's got a Jerry in mobile #

Choose your site Septic.

Come on. He must have the place of honor.

Let's shift the derogatory finger.

Here give us a hand one of you louts.

Baird.

Come in here a moment will you?

Shut the door.

I've just been over inspecting my kill sir.

I didn't call you in here to congratulate you Baird.

I know that sir.

You're still a member of this squadron

even if you are non-effective.

Of course sir. That's why I was hanging

my piece of 110 on the wall sir.

Stop nattering about that 110.

It's been done before you know.

You come bursting in here grinning all over your face.

Did you report to intelligence?

I'm sorry sir.

In the excitement I must have forgotten.

This is an operational squadron

not a flying circus.

We've no time for personal jamborees.

- We've got a job to do. - I realize that sir.

Perhaps you also realize that you left your radio on transmit

the whole time you were in the air.

- I did sir? - Yes you

the textbook pilot who knows all the answers.

You jammed the channel so that operations couldn't speak

to any pilot on your frequency...

Pilots returning from a grueling action

shot up short of juice

not even knowing that their base had been bombed.

How did you know it was me sir?

'Cause your aircraft was the only one

in practice flight with a serviceable radio.

Thank God those that got back landed safely.

Otherwise I'd run you off the station with my own hands.

Let's face it Baird.

You may know the training manuals backwards by heart.

But until you've had operational experience

you aren't worth your rations to this squadron.

It shan't happen again sir.

Once is too often.

I will not have this squadron made a laughingstock.

For that reason as far as I'm concerned

your black won't be published outside these walls.

That is all.

Well go on go and hang your trophy on the wall.

What ails you Septic?

You look a trifle parboiled.

Nothing.

I'd rather not discuss it if you don't mind.

Ok old man if that's the way you feel.

Where's your trophy Septic?

Come on old boy you must stick it up.

It's squadron property.

We can't have private looting Septic.

Listen chaps. I made a mistake.

I haven't had much experience yet you see and

well I've been a mutt.

Shame!

That 110-- I'm not so sure now.

Perhaps it wasn't mine after all.

- What's that? - Come off it Septic.

What's the big idea?

This modesty is most unbecoming.

Attention please.

Will Pilot Officer Baird report

to the station commander immediately.

That is all.

What've you been up to Septic?

You'd better put some blotting paper

in your trousers old man.

I shall decide whether you're going to be any use to us

after I've had a talk with your squadron commander.

Meanwhile I hope you've learned a lesson Baird.

Discipline and procedure are just as important

as courage and skill.

Every man and woman on this station has a part to play

and a strict set of rules to play it by.

I've warned you before that we don't take kindly

to people who break the team's rules.

The others are only trying to help you do your job

and it's up to you to help them do theirs.

Yes sir.

All right. You can go.

Baird come here.

Have a cigarette?

No go on.

Thank you sir.

Sit down.

I called you back because

well because you weren't the only one

who let his personal feelings

get the better of his service training today.

I'm just as guilty myself.

You sir?

Yes. In the middle of the bombing I lost my temper

and grabbed hold of a Lewis Gun

and started pooping off at the Jerry planes.

Well a very natural thing to do sir.

Natural perhaps Baird but wrong all the same.

I'm a station commander not an ack-ack gunner.

But then you see there's nobody here to tear me off a strip.

That's not fair is it?

But you're the station commander sir.

Exactly. That's what makes it

all the more inexcusable.

Yes and another thing--

You didn't see me when you were running

to the practice flight did you?

No sir.

Well I was racing for that last Hurricane

but I stopped and let you win.

You let me win sir?

Well you don't imagine I couldn't have beaten you to it?

I was a pretty good sprinter at school sir.

Well we can soon settle that argument.

We'll have a race-- 220 yards flat along the perimeter track

in full flying kit.

That will show you who'd have got to that Hurricane first.

All right sir. Now sir?

No not now. I need a drink.

I daresay you're feeling a bit dry too.

But we'll fix a date for that race.

Don't forget to remind me.

I won't sir.

Excuse me.

Anything to oblige old boy.

Oh it's you Septic. Peter Moon was asking for you just now.

Squadron Leader Moon? Well where is he?

He's over there by the bar nattering to the Tiger.

Thanks.

Of course it's for you to decide sir

but that's what I strongly recommend.

Very well Peter.

I didn't intend to take any action

but if that's the way you want it I will.

Oh there you are Baird.

I've been looking for you high and low.

You're flying as my Yellow Two tomorrow.

Readiness first light.

# I don't want to join the air force #

# I don't want to go to war #

# I'd rather hang around Piccadilly underground #

# Living on earnings of a high-born lady #

# I don't want to lose my tail plane #

# I don't want my rudder shot away #

# I'd rather stay in England #

# In merry merry England... #

I reckon she must have dived in there to take cover.

What's the use anyway?

We heaves her out and tidies her up

and back come the ruddy Jerries.

Have to start all over again.

Don't worry chum. Another couple of days of this

and there won't be any perishing station left to tidy.

Got a fag?

No.

I wrote to your wife this morning

so I expect she'll be coming to see you in hospital.

All you've got to do is to get fit as quickly as you can.

If there's anything you want you let me know will you?

- Good luck. - Is that the lot now?

Yes.

Been seeing anything of Septic lately?

He's giving me dinner at Maidstone tonight.

Oh quite an occasion!

Isn't it? I'm very thrilled about it.

It's certainly an achievement. So long my dear.

Bye.

Good afternoon.

And how's our lady of the lamp?

If you're referring to the Clinton bungalow beacon

that's still under control.

I was referring to your activities amongst our sick and wounded.

You look tired.

Aren't we all.

It's a marvel to me how those boys go up time after time.

No proper rest few comforts left.

Well how do you manage?

Me? Oh that's quite different.

It isn't you know.

We keep going because well we've got to keep going.

Isn't that it?

Yes I suppose so.

I'm a bit worried about Barry.

He's feeling the strain badly.

Well I was just on my way down to emergency ops.

He worries so dreadfully.

He seems to take responsibility for every single casualty.

I'll try and talk some sense into him.

- Thank you. - So long my dear.

Bored with her Dusty?

It's not that old man. I want to get some sleep.

Tell us about your love life Septic.

That will put us all to sleep.

He's a dark horse. Aren't you Septic?

I don't have to titivate my senses with paper substitutes

- if that's what you mean. - Who is she Septic?

Is she a braw Scots lassie?

Tell us a real bedtime story Septic.

Come on Septic. Don't be bashful.

Well since you all take such a kindly interest in my affairs

I may as well tell you that...

well I've got a date with a very beautiful girl

in Maidstone this evening.

- Well blow me down. - Who'd have thought it!

Good old Septic a very parfait gentle knight.

Are you ready for a game of chess sir?

I don't mind if I do

Provided you let me win for once.

Fan me! 5 sorties and then chess?

Your mother might not have known it Septic

but what she gave birth to was a wonder child.

What's the form Barry?

Nothing much on the table at the moment sir.

I don't like it.

Why not?

We could all do with a bit of a rest couldn't we?

It's unlike Jerry to lay off sir

just when he's got us rocking.

Sufficient unto the day.

You worry too much Barry.

You're losing weight.

It's the smell of a boot sir.

Interferes with digestion.

Here they come.

"H" for Hostile 7-5-"S" for Sugar 3-9-1-9.

12 aircraft no height.

"H" for Hostile 7-6

3-0-0-6.

Get Pimpernel off Bonzo.

6 aircraft's about all they can muster sir.

They've done 49 sorties today already.

Well it's getting late. It may fizzle out.

I'll wait and see how it develops.

Hello. Pimpernel dispersal?

Patrol Dover Angels 1-8.

Dover Angels 1-8.

Don't forget Septic you're flying as my Black Two.

Here we go again. Poor perishers.

Haven't you got that ruddy blower working yet?

Hello Pimpernel Leader Sapper calling.

Make Angels as quickly as you can.

Bandits approaching from the southeast. Over.

Ok Sapper.

What Angels are bandits? Over.

Don't know. Can't see them from here over.

You funny little man. That will cost you a drink. Out.

Close up Black Two.

I'm going to climb. Keep your eyes skinned.

"H" Hostile 7-6. "R" Robert--

Hello Pimpernel Leader. Sapper calling.

Watch out for bandits above and behind you.

Above and behind over.

Hello Sapper. Pimpernel Leader answering.

Ok. Out.

Hello Leader Black Two calling.

109s above at 4 o'clock over.

Ok Black Two. I can see them. Prepare to break.

No hold it. They're Spitties. Over.

Hello Pimpernel Leader. Sapper calling.

Bandits ahead of you. Ahead of you.

Will cross from starboard to port.

Starboard to port. Over.

Hello Sapper. Pimpernel Leader answering. I see them.

Tally ho! Tally ho!

Hello chaps. Leader calling.

Prepare to break. Line astern. Line astern.

Go!

Nice work Septic.

Your bird sir.

Sounds as if Septic had winged one sir.

Yes good boy.

"H" for Hostile 7-6 "R" Robert 7-2-6-2.

Now how the hell did that get there?

It puts them up sun now sir to our boys.

Hello Pimpernel Leader. Sapper calling.

Hawks in the sun. Hawks in the sun

closing in on you rapidly from the southwest. Over.

Watch your tail Leader. Watch your tail.

Hello Septic Are you all right? Over.

Hello Leader. Septic answering.

Yes I'm all right.

Trouble is can't open hood.

Chin up Septic. You don't sound too good.

Better park down on Manston. I'll lead you down.

Try and keep height. Over.

Hello Leader.

Septic answering.

Your message received and understood.

Over.

See if you can get their position. Maybe we can help them.

Hello Pimpernel Leader. Sapper calling.

Over to button "B" button "B"

and transmit for fix. Over.

Hello Sapper. Pimpernel Leader answering.

I will transmit for fix.

Please keep channel free

for me to assist Black Two down on to Manston. Over.

Ok. Ok. Over.

Tell the D.F. Stations to concentrate on Pimpernel Leader.

Get through to Manston. Tell them to have the crash tender

and the ambulance on the top line.

All stations concentrate on Pimpernel Leader button "B."

Has Squadron Leader Clinton left yet?

- Not yet ma'am. - Is the squadron still up?

I believe so ma'am.

That means some of the stragglers

will be landing in the dark.

I must hurry.

- Good night. - Good night.

Hello Sapper Sapper. Pimpernel Red One calling.

We've disengaged and are returning to base over.

Hello Pimpernel Red one. Red one.

Ok. Ok.

Have you seen Leader or Black Two? Over.

Hello Sapper. Red One answering.

Not for some time. Anything I can do? Over.

Hello Red One Red One. Sapper answering.

We are trying to help them home.

Please keep R/T silence unless urgent. Over.

Hello Sapper. Ok absolutely. Out.

0-7-0.

0-6-0.

0-9-5.

Pimpernel Leader.

"R" Robert 8-0-7-4.

Get all the pilots you can on Fighter 6-2.

Well they ought to make Manston if he's height enough.

Who was it said that waiting was the worst part of war?

I don't know.

Hello Septic Peter Moon here.

Try and make some height old man.

Try and make some height over.

Hello leader. Septic answering.

Doing my best.

No power.

Can't seem to get her nose.

He sounds in a bad way sir.

Hope he remembers to switch over to receive.

He will. He's learned that lesson.

Hello. Where are you off to?

Just off to the bungalow.

Some of the boys are still airborne.

- Is Septic with them? - I don't know.

Very probably I should think.

I'm just dashing home to change.

I got held up at the hospital.

I hope he's not down yet.

I don't want to be late for our first assignment.

You'd better hurry then.

Yes bye. Be seeing you.

Bye.

Hello Sapper. Hello Sapper.

Elfin One calling.

Elfin One calling.

Are you receiving me?

Are you receiving me?

Elfin One over to Sapper over.

That was his call sign when he first came in to Neethley.

Hello Sapper

Septic calling.

Septic calling.

Please...

tell the Tiger...

our race...

will have to be postponed...

indefinitely.

Out.

Hello Septic. Hello Septic.

This is the Tiger answering.

Your message received

and understood.

Out.