Original subtitles

...:::Lord Sadler:::... lordsadler2012@gmail.com

- Morning report, sir. - Good morning, Mac.

Have you heard anything from A-flight, sir?

Not yet.

Hello.

Hello?

Are you there? Yes, Major Brand speaking.

Hello? Yes.

No, no, the flight isn't back yet.

You expect to send men out on a filthy job

and have them back in no time at all?

What's that?

Next time you'll get someone else to do it?

'What do you wanna get someone else for?'

'Haven't we done every nasty job you can think of?'

If my men can't do it, I'd like to do who can?

We're the best squadron in France.

Yes and furthermore, let me tell you something.

Hello? Hello?

The vicious, over-dressed brass hat.

Orders, orders.

Thinks the 59th can't do it, eh?

Well, the 59th can do anything he can think of.

It is a slaughter house, that's what it is.

And I'm the executioner.

You're too fond of calling yourself names, Brand.

- 'Now, if I were you--' - See here, Phipps.

Do you know how many men we've lost in the last fortnight?

Sixteen men, that's what. Think of that. Over a man a day.

And now there's A-flight out on a rotten show.

Seven splendid chaps.

Three of them first time over the lines.

If half get back we're lucky.

I know it's a rotten job, Brand

but you shouldn't take it so seriously.

Hello?

Hello, yes, speaking.

Yes, what?

What?

A-flight? Two enemy patrols?

Who's down?

What? Five men!

What? You can't tell!

Hello? Hello?

You know, Phipps, someone picks up a phone

and says "Bombers after a bridge. Protect them."

You say alright. Cheerio.

And send up a flight equipped with inferior planes.

They don't argue or revolt. They say righto.

Then go out and do it.

They're stout fellas, aren't they?

Bott?

Yes, sir.

Another bottle.

Yes, sir.

Beg pardon, sir.

But you've heard of A-flight, sir?

Yes.

Five.

Five out of seven.

- Alright, sir. - Alright, mac.

Fine. I'm glad you're back, sir.

- How did you make it, Scotto? - Thanks, alright.

- And you? - Alright.

- Hell, wasn't it? - Right.

- Cigarette? - Yes. Got a match?

Hello!

Shrapnel.

Almost blew my plane over.

Just five inches from your behind, sir.

Yes. But what a difference five inches made to me.

Oh!

Who did we lose?

Two of the new men.

Blaine and Machen.

There's Hollister.

I'm sorry for Hollister.

Machen was his best friend.

What a rotten war!

Where's Machen? Have you seen Machen?

Courtney, where's Machen?

Bob hasn't come back. Bob...Bob didn't come back.

Steady, Hollister, steady.

He..

He isn't..

...gone?

No, no. That couldn't have been Bob.

It couldn't have been Bob.

He never what happened. There wasn't any pain.

Oh, come on, now, there's a good lad.

Come, come. Come on.

Steady, boy.

'Must feel quite bad.'

I'm alright, sir.

Quite alright.

You better have a drink, Hollister.

No. No, I-I couldn't.

I'm not drinking.

- Go up with him, fellows. - Right.

Machen gone West, sir?

Yes and Blaine too.

It's too bad.

First time over the lines too, huh?

- Hmm. - 'Anything I can do?'

No. I'll be alright.

He's been a bit sick, sir.

Alright, fellas.

Here, Hollister, take this. You'll find it'll help.

No, thanks. I'm alright.

Go on take it. Shove it down now.

Bottoms up.

- Feel better? - Yes, sir.

It does help.

A little later, pack Machen's things.

He didn't have time to unpack.

- Well, Courtney? - A squad/Escort returning.

We reached the bridge.

The bombers scored direct hits and wiped it out.

- 'Yes?' - We lost two men.

Blaine and Machen.

Yes, I know.

- That's all. - Wait a minute, Courtney.

Did you have to do it that way?

Why couldn't you have been more careful?

'You're responsible for those new men.'

Do you think I got into that hiney fleet on purpose?

We were out numbered and forced down low.

We had to fight our way out.

'Yes. I suppose.'

Do you think I enjoyed losing those two men?

Scattering them all over, France?

Burning them up in worthless planes?

Oh, why don't you say what you're really thinking?

Tell me I am wrong.

Tell me I oughta give you better planes, better fliers.

Blame me for it. Why don't you? Go ahead.

I'm not blaming anyone, Brand.

You think it's easier to sit and wait for men to come back?

Wait and wait?

You think that's easy?

'Easy to be the executioner? I know what you're thinking.'

'Don't look at me like that accusing me, I'm not to blame.'

The whole army's on my neck.

This squadron has desperate work and I depend on you to help.

I wish they would chuck that fighting for a bit.

It all started over a girl while they were on leave in Paris.

Just a well you know..

- I know. - Courtney won.

They've been at each others' throat ever since.

Yes, I know the things are different now.

It's responsibilities that's driving Brand putty.

He's gotten to the end of his tether's scouts.

His nerves are all frayed out.

Every time a kid's shot down he feels he's the executioner.

No, no. No, he doesn't hate Courtney.

He depends on Courtney. Needs him.

That's why...well..

I better go in before they come to blows.

'I'm your superior officer and..'

I suppose that's all.

Hello? Hello?

Yes, speaking.

Yes. Flight's back and the job is finished.

Blew the whole thing up.

Did you expect us to do any more than that?

Yes.

We lost two men.

Yes. Only two.

Only two?

...and we weren't exactly standing still either.

'I saw you.'

No, I wasn't..

I'll have a whiskey.

Drink all you can, son. This maybe the last.

What's the devil with a full belly, say I.

I know.

I say, Courtney, do you remember Griggs at the 37th?

He was killed the other day over at Ellenville.

Wings came off an SC.

Too bad.

I'll never forget him at ground school on his solo flight.

He cracked up plenty of planes after that.

You remember when he pancaked on that house, one morning

and found himself hanging upside down staring

into the girl's bedroom?

She opened the window and bashed him in the eye.

'Heard of the new motors the French are using?'

- No, I haven't. - I think I have a final..

'They have a wonderful climb.'

And very costly. I've got one thing against them.

They're bad in the power dive. I hear they rip the wings..

I was sittin' there and one of them almost fell on me.

'I don't suppose you would.'

Don't you ever get fed up with that tune?

Oh, why should I? It's a jolly good tune.

I say, sing us a song, will you?

Yeah, do it, old chap.

Alright, Tommy.

Right-o.

♪ We stand beneath resounding rafters ♪

♪ The walls around us are bare ♪

♪ They echo peals of laughter ♪

♪ It seems as though the dead are still there ♪

♪ So stand by your glasses steady ♪

♪ This world is a world of lies ♪

♪ Here's a toast to the dead already ♪

♪ Hurrah for the next man who dies ♪

♪ Cut off from the land that bore us ♪

♪ Betrayed by the land that we bind ♪

♪ The good have gone before us ♪

♪ And only the dull left behind ♪

♪ So stand by your glasses steady ♪

♪ This world is a world of lies ♪

♪ Here's a toast to the dead already ♪

♪ Hurrah for the next man who dies ♪

♪ Cut off from the land that bore us.. ♪

Listen to them out there.

Bluffing themselves.

Pretending that death doesn't mean a thing to them.

Trying to live by just the minute.

The hour.

Pretending they don't care if they go up tomorrow

and never come back.

There's one poor fellow who doesn't pretend.

'Who's that?'

Hollister.

He can't forget that his best friend went down in flames.

I saw him out there, a few minutes ago, staring.

Wondering what it's all about.

I'm afraid he's got the wind up. He'll never fit.

He'll have to learn.

Oh, why talk about him.

I don't want to know his troubles.

Is there an E in "courageously," Brand?

Courageously? Yes, of course.

I'm just sending a letter of sympathy to Mrs. Machen.

I'm puzzled over that word, "courageously".

- It has an unfamiliar look. - Unfamiliar.

Well, you've written it often enough.

'It'll break her heart no matter how it's spelt.'

Hello. Hello, yes, yes, Major Brand speaking.

'Yes.'

Oh, where am I going to get the men to do it?

What? They're on their way up now?

Yes, of course we'll do it.

If any men get back from filthy work

like this, they'll be lucky.

Yes, I understand.

Goodbye.

That's rotten, isn't it?

Yes.

Six more men coming up to this hell.

That Courtney's got to take them up.

Courtney.

It's a funny world, Phipps when you can be annoyed

into your grave almost by a man.

Yet tear yourself to pieces worrying about his safety.

Oh, I wouldn't say it was so strange, Brand.

It's just responsibility.

Have you seen a mother risk her life to save her child?

then spank its bottoms soundly for getting itself into danger?

I've got to tell him to take up new replacements again.

He'll resent it.

He'll just stand there looking holes

clear through me while I tell him.

Then he'll say, "Right".

Well, come along, Phipps. Let's get at it.

Would you mind turning that off, Scott?

Right.

Okay. Quiet, lads.

Attention over there, please.

Orders for tomorrow morning.

Gentlemen, orders for tomorrow.

A flight on the early show over Ballay Sector.

We're making an advance.

'We're to patrol four kilometers behind to the enemy lines.'

'Strafe any reinforcements and munitions convoys.'

'That they bring up for counter attack.'

When the barrage starts, B Flight will cover

our observation ships and artillery.

You'll take up the details among yourselves later on.

That's all.

Did you say A flight?

Yes.

4:30 in the morning.

A flight is only five men.

Well, more replacements are on their way up.

They'll be here sometime tonight.

Are you saying we must go on a job with two inexperienced men?

Yes.

Those are the orders.

Right.

Well, what amuses you?

You win again, Brand.

He said "Right" just as you said he would.

You'll be over the same battery we were this morning.

Someday they'll get our range.

They keep at it long enough.

Undoubtedly.

'Farley, you and the others fly above us.'

He's flying fifth position, you take sixth.

'We'll be watching those observation ships'

'Yes, we better keep--'

'Well, what happened last time on a job like this.'

'That's why you look out on the bow??.'

'Check your ammunition.'

'We've been having trouble with those bugs lately.'

Yes, I remember off hand I could get a..

We'll rendezvous at here.

- Five thousand feet. - Five thousand at that.

I just see my own death riding in a chariot of fire.

One more, Bott.

Hey, fellows, look at Scotto.

A few drinks and he falls sound asleep.

Come on, ol' friend. Wake up. Time to go to bed.

I want to sleep.

'Pick him up. You'll save time, Courtney.'

Come on, you blighter. Wake up.

Oh, come on. Get on your feet here now.

Say goodnight to the gentlemen.

Goodnight to the gentlemen.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

'Tuck him in, Courtney.'

'Tell him a nice bedtime story.'

Splendid, old zealot.

Yeah, now wake up and go to bed.

You're getting heavier all the time.

I always did hate walking up those steps.

I don't know what you want to drink for.

You get as fuzzy as an owl.

Only you can't keep your eyes open.

I know. I always want to sleep.

What's the matter, old son?

Was thinking about Hollister.

I recommend a change of thought.

Pretty rough losing your best friend.

You know, Machen wasn't much older than your brother.

Yes.

Yes, Donnie is 17 now.

If this mess is over by the time he gets out of school.

You remember the time we went up to visit him?

Donnie thought he was quite a man when he had beer with us.

Yes and I remember when he was a baby.

Your mother let me fool him.

I dropped him on his head because he spoiled my new suit.

All that seems awfully far away now.

As if it had never happened.

'That out there is the only thing that's real.'

Wouldn't it be fun if we're back there again?

Imagine waking up in the morning

not having a thing to do all day but to enjoy peace and quiet.

And to know absolutely that you..

...you're going to get back in your bed again that night.

Silly, isn't it?

Try a little more coffee, sir?

No, thanks.

Good morning.

Why didn't you wake me up?

After last night I thought you'll enjoy a few extra winks.

Thanks. I did. Oh!

Whoo! What a head.

Thanks, Bott.

New men come up yet?

No, Sergeant's bringing them in directly.

'Alright, gentlemen. This way, please.'

Here they are now.

Just put your things down and be comfortable.

Look at them, Scotty.

Four youngsters.

Wonder if they brought their nursing bottles along?

New replacements, sir.

Very good, mac.

Well, here goes.

Good morning, gentlemen.

Good morning, sir.

I'm Courtney, skipper of A flight.

Russell, second lieutenant, sir.

Reporting from the pool for duty.

Oh, hello, Russell.

Oh, break off. No formality here.

Thanks.

How many hours have you fellows had on combat?

- Mr. Burt. - Nine.

- 'Cleaver.' - 14.

- 'Smythe.' - 16.

- 'Holloway.' - 13.

- 'Russell.' - 21.

- 'Blythe.' - Seven and a half, sir.

Seven and a half.

'Yes, sir.'

I'll take Russell and Smythe.

Get in to your flying tongs right away. Change here.

We're going over the to strafe trenches in the Bullay Sector.

Bott..

Have a drink?

Just make sure it's little, old son.

There's one who does.

Some more glasses, Bott.

Russell? Smythe? Have a drink?

Thanks.

Scott, Mr. Russell, Mr. Smythe.

How do you do?

Mr. Thornburn and Mr. Willsy.

'How do you do?'

- Welcome to the flight. - Cheerio.

'First time over the line, eh?'

Morning, fellows.

- Good morning. - Morning, Courtney.

New replacements. I'm taking Russell and Smythe.

This is Major Brand.

- How do you do, sir? - Hello, Russell.

- Hello, Smythe. - How are you, sir?

This job isn't easy, fellas.

I want you to follow Captain Courtney's orders closely.

'You stick to his tail, he'll get you through alright.'

'If you're forced down on the other side, destroy your plane.'

'Don't give any information except your name and Corp.'

Yes, sir.

That's all. Happy landings, fellas.

- Thanks. - Let's be off.

Sergeant.

Mr. Russell and Smythe are flying four and five.

Yes, sir.

This way gentlemen.

- Cheerio. - Thank you, sir.

Oh, Hollister.

You're an old hand now.

We're counting on you.

Right.

Watch him.

Remember, you're protecting the tail.

- Righto. - Hey, Scotty..

And watch yourself too, old man.

That goes for you too, old friend.

- Good morning, Mac. - Good morning, sir.

- Flight's alright? - Tip top, sir.

Contact.

Has the officers got any papers on his person

that might give information to the enemy?

Has the officer got any papers on his person

that might give information to the enemy?

Happy landing, sir.

Not, Mr. Scott, sir?

He was trying.. Scott was trying to help me.

He got me along and..

...suddenly the Boche came.

He as trying to help me get away and--

Blubbering can't help matters.

You're alright, aren't you?

Well..

We broke up the counterattack for an hour.

Then the Heinies found us.

We lost Smythe... Wilson..

...and Scott.

- I'm awfully sorry, sir, I-- - Thanks, Bott.

Yes.

Can I do anything, old man?

You can... Have a drink.

Thanks, I will.

What happened?

Well, after the first barrage, we were..

working under a cloud bank, strafing a convoy.

Focus?? dropped down on us and knocked down Smythe

before he could even fire a shot.

I didn't even see Rosie go.

Then Hollister funked. Got into a jam.

And Scott went after him..

That Jerry and shot him out of control.

Are you sure?

Yes, his tail surfaces were shot away.

He was only a little way below me and..

As he went into a spin, he waved goodbye.

Go ahead and play it. What does it matter?

And then what, Courtney?

Well, I went bullheaded for the Jerry that got Scott.

I put a bullet in his motor.

Where'd he go down?

Somewhere behind our lines.

Some others got after me.

I was so busy I didn't even see where Scott fell.

I just happened to think..

Scott was wearing those... red polka dot pajamas.

What a shock that'll give the devil.

Alright, bring him in.

Oh, sergeant, you can send that car back.

'Yes, sir.'

- Just wait here. - Yes, sir.

Major, artillery car just brought in a German aviator.

Where was he captured?

'They say...leader of A Flight brought him down.

'That's you, Courtney.'

Steady, old man.

- Bring him here. - Alright.

Come along now.

Hauptmann Von Mueller.

Captain Von Mueller, Major Brand.

'And Captain Courtney.'

Phipps, tell him Courtney is the man that shot him down.

He says he's delighted to meet you.

Ask him if he wants a drink.

Prost.

♪ We stand beneath resounding rafters ♪

♪ The walls all around us are bare ♪

♪ They echo the peals of laughter ♪

♪ It seems that all the dead are there ♪

♪ So stand by your glasses steady ♪

♪ This world is a world full of lies ♪

♪ Here's a toast to the dead already ♪

♪ Hurrah for the next man who dies ♪

No, no, no, no, no.

Now, if you must sing, don't say,

"The next man who dies".

"The".

Tee?

- "The", "the". - "Tee"?

- The next. - Next.

- Man. - Mann.

- Man. - Man.

♪ So stand by your glasses steady ♪

Stop it! Stop it!

I can't stand it!

Don't you know they're dead?

Blaine, Smythe, Machen. My best friend Machen.

He's dead! You hear me? He's dead!

Scott.. Scott tried to help me, he's dead too.

'They're all dead!'

'And they're not coming back anymore.'

And you laugh and sing...

Machen and Scott. Scott!

- You killed Scott! - Huh?

'Yes, you! You tried to kill me.'

You tried to kill all of us!

And you... you can drink with him!

You can laugh with him..

You can laugh with the man that murdered your best friends!

'Why you've forgotten Scott already!'

You're forgotten--

You little rotter!

You think that a drink and a song could make me forget?

I'm sorry.

I lost my head.

But you're new up here, Hollister.

You have a lot to learn.

I know, sir. I'm sorry.

'You wait out here and I'll be back in a few minutes.'

Cheerio!

- 'Why, it's Scotty!' - Look who's here..

'Hold on, hold on. Anybody think of the king.'

Boy, I'm in a delicate condition, wait a minute.

- Hello, Scott-o, - Hello, son.

You're just in time. We were celebrating your wake.

Oh, I've gotta be here for that.

Can't have a wake without a corpse, can you?

Tell me.

What in the world ever happened to you?

Well, I got a whole load of bullet.

The last thing I remember was pancaking into a trench

and watching my wings fold up.

And then I woke up with a bump on my head...Feel it?

And a stretcher bearer pouring rum down my throat..

We should have some of that rum.

- You didn't take any, did you? - No, no, just a spot.

But I stopped at all the pubs on the way back.

I brought a surprise for you.

Come on, open them up! and go right on the..

Oh, what's that?

That's the man who shot you down.

The what, the who?

Phipps, introduce them.

How do I get rid of the blighter?

Ask him to have a drink.

Will you have a drink?

- Yeah? - Yah!

- Goodbye! - Goodbye.

You're not gonna go and break up your own wake.

Yes. We've got a car and a chauffeur

and we're gonna see France.

Hello, Flaherty.

Court, this is Flaherty.

How are you, Flaherty?

Best driver on the western front. Good singer too.

We sang all the way home, didn't we?

You know the words on part of Plum And Apple?

Yes.

Fine. We'll all sing it together.

♪ Plum and apple apple and plum ♪

♪ Plum and apple there is always some ♪

♪ The ASC gets strawberry jam and rations of rum ♪

♪ But we poor blokes we only get apple and plum ♪♪

Let's sing it again.

♪ Plum and apple apple and plum ♪

♪ Plum and apple there is always some ♪

♪ And rations of rum.. ♪

Beg pardon, sir.

But ain't it time B flight was back?

Yes, Bott.

'Alright.'

Watch it, pal.

That's right. That's right.

- They winged me, Courtney. - Too bad, old man.

- I'll take him home. - Yes, sir.

'What a bloomin' mess they've been in.'

'A nasty mess I calls it. Like a little rubbish.'

It's a rotten scene, old boy. Come on now.

Help him out with his things, gents.

- Steady, old man. - Easy, fellows.

Come on.

Can you move your right arm?

Here you are, Spires. It'll fix you up.

'What happened?'

We've got visitors, Brand.

'What do you mean?'

I mean, Von Richter's moved in across the line.

- Von Richter? - Yes.

We ran into one flight, then another.

Suddenly the air was filled with them.

What a mess!

It's lucky any of us got back alive.

'Get it inside the bandage.'

What fliers they are.

We didn't have a chance.

Out numbered, four to one.

They got Thornburn and Barton.

And Hollister.

A damn shame.

Does your face hurt, Squires?

No, just a splinter from the windshield.

That means blighty for you.

Take him over to the M.O.

Shall I send you back some hops to play with?

Squires..

Tell me, Hollister..

...how did he die?

He was trying to help Thornburn.

He died like a man.

Oh, I'm glad.

I'm glad.

'Get cover! Jerry up!'

...:::Lord Sadler:::... lordsadler2012@gmail.com

Boots?

- Why, George, that's queer. - What does he want?

Say, Courtney, what is it?

"One pair of trench boots

"for the use of British flying officers.

Signed Von Richter."

Damn him!

- You can give those boots. - I'll keep them.

- I want them. - Just a minute, me lads.

'Hold on.'

There's gonna be no voluntary patrols.

Don't you lads realize that those boots are just a trick

to get you up into the air?

None of you are gonna commit suicide by going out alone.

You'll die soon enough.

Not a man leaves the ground without my orders.

Understand?

Now, listen to me.

Service both planes.

Rig them up with bomb racks.

Look the guns over extra special.

Don't start before midnight.

And if any of you blokes make a noise or show a light..

...I'll knock your bloomin' heads off.

Understand?

You're going home.

Somebody's gonna get hell for this.

Who from?

The major, of course.

Oh, I thought you meant Von Richter.

Ah, let's hop it and get 'em ready.

- Morning, Mac. - Everything is ready, sir.

Good.

- Give them hell, Scotto. - Right-o, son

Beg your pardon, sir.

I've been saving this up since Neueve Chappelle.

Would you mind dropping it on their head

with my compliments, sir?

- Alright, Ackroyd. - Thank you, sir.

Here are the boots, sir.

Thank you, Mac.

Make it quick, sir.

I'm gonna have tea and strawberry jam waiting for you

when you come back.

- Happy landing, sir. - Thank you, Mac.

'Contact.'

'Get down here with those planes, damn you!'

Didn't you hear my orders? I'll break your necks!

You can keep the boots!

Right here, Scotto!

Take her up, Scotto. Gotta get back to strawberry jam.

Fire!

What's the matter, Scotto?

Can't see. Oil in my eye.

Get her high! We're going down!

Alright. We're out of it. Keep going.

We are almost down. Wing out. Let 'em hit.

Scott, look out!

Scotto...are you alright?

Yes, I'm alright.

I got you, son.

I can't see. Oil. Give me something, quick.

Okay, that's better.

Well, we made it, didn't we?

Maybe he's right. We better go.

You were certainly right about that front-line rum.

Courtney and Scott have just returned.

Came in a French staff car.

'Do you want to see Courtney now?'

Yes. Send him in.

Right.

Courtney.

Wanted to see me?

You think you're gonna get away with this, Courtney, eh?

'Well, you think wrong this time.'

'You disobeyed my direct orders.'

You think I issued them to hear myself talk?

You went out against Von Richter.

Von Richter, do you understand?

When we're outnumbered four to one.

You fool, we need every man. Every plane.

And you went out and smashed two of 'em.

I'm gonna have you court martialed for this.

I'm gonna break you out of the Flying Corp.

And when I've finished with you, Courtney, you'll wish that you..

Hello...yes, speaking.

'Yes.'

What?

Who?

Right.

Right, thanks.

I've got you, Courtney.

I've got you just where I want you.

You've refused responsibility. Flown wild.

Disobeyed orders. Blamed me.

Accused me of putting kids in canvas coffins, eh?

Well, I've just been transferred up to wing.

'And they've appointed someone in my place.'

- 'In my place, understand?' - What?

And that someone is going to be you.

And see how you like it, Mr. Squadron Commander.

Hello? Hello.

Speak louder, will you? I can't hear you. What?

Well, let the infantry get demoralized

I can't put planes over them.

Six replacements?

Replacements? More kids.

You're making a death house of this place.

Von Richter's squadron just shot us out of the air.

Driven us into the ground. Killed our best men.

You expect green kids to stop him?

Right, it'll be done. But I tell you, they won't have a chance.

Brass hats, sitting back there on easy chairs

and making excuses for sending men up to die.

No use trying to reason with them, Courtney.

Well, how about getting on with this letter.

Where did we leave off?

'"And I can only hope, Mrs. Blythe, that.."'

I can only hope, Mrs. Blythe..

...it will give you some measure of comfort to know that..

...your son died in combat.

Fighting valiantly.

You know, Phipps, I will never forget that boy.

I asked him how many hours he'd had.

He said, "Seven and a half."

And they keep sending more up like him.

Kids against Von Richter.

'Anything more to add to this?'

No, finish it yourself. What does it matter?

Come in.

Hello, Carl.

Hello, Scotto.

Court, don't you think you've had enough of that?

That's my business.

Oh..

Sorry, Scotto, I shouldn't have said that.

I'm getting jumpy.

Nerves aren't what they used to be.

That's alright, old son.

I am rather jumpy myself.

Can't get used to being alone in flight.

I am always wishing that you were along.

Yes, I wish I were too.

Better than sitting here.

Come in.

- What is it, Mac? - Well, new men outside, sir.

More lambs for the slaughter.

Fix them up, will you, Scotto?

Make them as comfortable as you can.

Right. Come along, Mac.

I'm Scott. Skipper of A flight.

At ease, gentlemen. No formality here.

Billing. Second lieutenant, sir.

Reporting from the pool for duty.

Right.

Billings, Moorhead, Gregory

go to the first house on your left.

- That'll be your quarters. - Right, sir.

- Night. - G'night.

"Ranson, Jones, Ca.."

- Donnie! - Scotty.

Aren't you glad to see me?

But I...I thought you were in school, old man.

Oh, I couldn't stand not being in it any longer.

So I left and enlisted.

Went through ground school in four weeks.

Oh, that's-that's grand.

Mac, this is my brother.

- Your brother, sir? - Yes.

Show the other gentlemen to their quarters, Mac?

This way gentlemen.

You always thought I was a kid, Scotty.

I'm going to prove to you, I am not.

That's right. You...you are a man...now.

Wait till you see me fly out there.

I passed combat maneuvers perfectly.

Well, that's...that's splendid.

- Is Court around? - Yes.

Let's go see him later.

Come on, I-I'll show you your quarter.

Alright.

See, isn't this..

Hello? Hello, yes, speaking.

What's that? Wait a moment.

Alright, go ahead.

What?

'Yes, go on.'

'Four patrols a day.'

I can't do that. I can't do it, I tell you.

The lot of green men will be wiped out.

Alright. Will do it.

Right.

Before the week is out, Phipps..

...you'll see the end of Squadron 59.

There isn't an end to anything, Courtney.

It just goes on and on.

We'll be under everything that flies.

Cold mutton.

Well, ready for orders.

'Yes.'

Settle down, will you?

Gents. Quiet, lads. Quiet please.

Orders for tomorrow.

Orders, fellows.

There's no need for secrecy.

JHQ has found that Fritz starts the big push day after tomorrow.

They're starting minor advances now.

More patrol in the Mantes Wood sector.

opposite the German 6 army.

We'll have to fly four patrols a day.

And every man goes into the air at dawn tomorrow.

'This means you'll have to do all the dirty work.'

Machine gunning infantry. Flying low. Stopping supply trucks.

And any shock troops they may try to bring up.

You will be pitted against Von Richter.

'You'll be flying below enemy patrols.'

'You'll have to watch out.'

That's all.

Court.

Donnie.

Hello, Court, it's great to see you.

So you are one of the replacements?

Yes. Didn't expect me, did you?

Scotty was surprised too.

Oh, it's great to be up here with you both.

And just think, I'll go up tomorrow. Won't I?

Yes.

Just a minute, Donnie.

You're not gonna send this kid up in the air?

- Hold on, Scott. - Hold on nothing.

If you think I am gonna take him up

against Von Richter, you're barmy.

Flier, ground school, he doesn't know what it's all about.

What chance would he have?

As much chance as any of the others.

I'm sorry. It's orders.

We're all on the same boat.

I can't make exceptions.

- But, Scotty-- - Shut up.

I won't take him up.

I said every man in the air.

And you were the one who talked about sending a school--

Quiet! Those are orders, you hear me?

Orders. Now get out!

Get out, I tell you.

Right.

- But, but-- - That's enough.

You be ready at dawn tomorrow.

That's all.

Yes, sir.

Come in.

Sit down, Donnie.

I am sorry I spoke that way.

Oh, that's quite alright.

I don't think you need to worry about me.

You see, Scotty really doesn't know how well I can fly.

He can't realize that, that I've grown up.

Scotty is right, Donnie.

You learned how to fly.

But things are different up here.

Scotty knows that.

Knows what you're up against.

And I think that you should know it too.

Now, you are going out there against veterans.

Superb fliers like Von Richter.

You've got to be on you mettle every moment.

Remember every trick you've learned.

And, Donnie, if you should lose..

...be a good loser.

Just as you would be in school.

I know what you are trying to say, Court.

You mean, that tomorrow I may not come back.

That I may die.

That's it, isn't it?

Well, none of us will be here long, Donnie

someday I'll go just like the rest.

But it really isn't so bad if when you go

you know that you've done all you could to help.

Oh, it would be splendid to go like that.

I'm not afraid, Court. Really. I'll come back.

I can fight better than you think.

Right.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Oh, I say..

...perhaps I'd better leave this with you

if you don't mind.

In case anything should happen.

'I got it for being on the crew last year.'

Silly, but it's rather precious to me.

Of course.

Thanks.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight, Court.

Fly in second position on my right.

Stick close, Donnie, and I'll try and get you through.

Don't worry. I'm not a bit afraid.

Really, you watch me.

I can fly better than you think.

Good, boy. Cheerio!

In you get.

'How many, Phipps?'

Three.

No, Donnie. Donnie, no!

Donnie, no!

Donnie, no, no, no!

Two?

The match was wrong, Phipps.

Yeah.

He's dead.

He's dead.

Went down in flames.

'You sent him there, you dirty butcher!'

- Scott-o-- - 'None of that, Courtney.'

From now on you're just a drunken sack/sap?? in command.

You sent that kid up there without a chance.

You even told him how to die.

How rotten. Told my brother how to die.

Scotty!

- Hello, Phipps. - Hello, Brand.

Is it really you?

By again!

You're looking a new man.

Thanks. I feel like one.

- I missed you, Phipps. - Very nice of you to say that.

Courtney inside?

- Yes. - Right.

- This is Mr. Sterling, Phipps. - Hello. How are you?

How do you do?

Come in.

Hello, Courtney.

How are you, Brand?

'Fine, thank you. It's nice to see you.'

Pull up a chair.

- Have a drink? - Thanks. I will.

That's enough.

Well, the place looks about the same.

Yes. About the same.

I never expected you wanted to see it again.

What brought you?

'General sent me.'

Oh! Then I can expect some pleasant news this time.

Well, what is it?

You've been having a rotten time, Courtney, haven't you?

I know exactly how you feel about it.

The old man says that you've been raising the very devil

objecting to his orders.

This job is far too important to talk about over the phone.

What is it?

The enemy start their big push day after tomorrow at dawn.

Now the ammunition and supplies

have been concentrated at railhead at Sule.

And the destruction of that railhead will stop their drive.

'And it's up to your squadron to destroy it.'

Well, you're barmy, Brand.

Sule is 60 kilometers over the lines.

If four flight got half that far

the whole German Air Force will attack.

Right! A flight couldn't make it.

It's up to one man, to go in alone, at dusk.

You've to take a chance on getting there

before they can stop it.

- I say it can't be done. - 'It has to be done.'

The man who goes will set a dog's chance of getting back.

'Then you refuse?'

Well, there's no refusal.

I'll go myself.

Sorry, Courtney.

You're chained to this desk just as I was.

You better ask for a volunteer.

'Here are the instructions.'

Right.

Gents..

Carry on.

Fellows..

...the enemy has concentrated munitions for the advance

in a dump, 60 kilometers behind the line.

Our squadron is ordered to destroy it.

Now, there's no chance for a flight to get through.

'One man flying low, hedge-hopping might succeed.'

'The chances are ten-to-one that he won't come back.'

I'm not going to order anybody to do this job.

I want a volunteer.

- That job's mine. - I'll take it.

- I'll fly, Courtney. - Let me have it.

I spoke first, Courtney, do I get it?

Right.

You get it.

'Here are the instructions. Read them carefully.'

You leave at dusk.

In exactly two hours.

Right.

Russell, see that sergeant gets his plane ready.

Yes, sir. Right out.

Orders.

Orders!

Executioner Courtney.

Successor to Executioner Brand.

Well, you've got your volunteer.

Your job's gonna be done.

But it means that boy out there is going to die.

It means that Scotty is going to die.

Sorry, Courtney.

Yes?

Get out, Courtney!

Like it or not

I'm going over these maps with you.

I know what I am going to do.

I don't need to be told how to die.

I'm in command here.

You'll just sit there and listen to my orders.

I wouldn't drink that if I were you.

You had a lot already.

You can't stand much.

Can't I?

I know how much I can stand.

Well..

Get on with it.

You take this point.

You'll follow through the valley until you hit the railway.

Here.

Then East until you get there.

Now, here's Sule.

The big warehouses are right here at the railhead.

And ammunition are piled in this area here.

A hit anywhere in this vicinity will do it.

Sorry.

The enemy high patrol will be on it's way back at dusk.

You'll have to go in very low to avoid them.

One would think I were green kid.

First lesson of them flying grounder school.

Your only chance is to reach it before they spot you.

Keep a lookout on the way over.

That place is alive with arches.

They'll phone ahead and you may run into a barrage.

But you'll have to keep on going.

Court...time to go yet?

No, you have a good hour.

I'll wake you when it's time.

- Yeah. Oh, Court. - Yes?

Sorry. I understand.

Brass hats. Orders.

'I can't go out there still sore at you.'

'Can I?'

Why, of course not.

Now, go to sleep.

Go to sleep.

Happy landings, Scotto.

'Guns are alright, sergeant.'

'Very good.'

Aye, Mr. Scott will find this in good shape.

'Right, sergeant.'

'Sergeant.'

Hello, Mac.

But..

You're not flying, sir.

Yes, Mac. Going West.

Get busy there.

- 'Switch off.' - 'Switch off.'

- 'Gas on.' - 'Gas on.'

'Duck in.'

- 'Contact.' - Contact.

Happy landings, sir.

Thank you, Mac.

- Any news, Phipps? - No.

- Have you? - No.

I've phoned wing headquarters and observation posts at Mantes.

Haven't heard a thing.

We must do something, Phipps. We must do something!

Steady, lad, steady.

We've dug a trench in the field filled with petrol.

As soon as we hear his motor we'll light it to help him land.

- What more can we do? - I don't know.

I don't know. I don't know.

Why don't you realize Courtney's out there alone.

Without me. Doing the thing I should've done.

Oh, God!

Come along, my lad, come along.

We'll wait outside.

We've petrolled the width of the field, sir.

Plenty of light to land by when he comes.

Right.

I'm afraid it's no use, Mac.

'Oh ,don't say that, sir.'

'Listen!'

- 'I hear the motor.' - 'It's him!'

Light the petrol! Light the petrol!

Off with it!

Open it!

Back from the trench!

- That's a German plane. - Look out everybody!

Got incoming!

'He dropped something.'

Here's the package he dropped, sir.

What's that mean?

It means..

The gallant gentleman died this afternoon.

Goodbye..

...old son.

Do you mind turning that off, please.

- Righto! - Thanks.

Quiet, lads.

Attention over there, please. Orders for tomorrow.

Orders, fellows.

You'll be glad to know that our squadron has received

special mention for his part in checking the enemy advance.

A flight ready to take off at dawn

to patrol the mass sector of 3500 meters.

There'll be new men up tonight

to fill in the necessary replacements.

...:::Lord Sadler:::... lordsadler2012@gmail.com