Original subtitles

Call that a destroyer.

Looks more like a medicine power station.

Keep silent!

Final left face!

Chips Company, President and Director.

Chips Company, stand at ease!

Here, Fanny, take a signal to Winston Churchill.

Three so -called destroyers in them there islands.

You've been done, mate. No politics on them, you stomach, please.

Got any guff on the skipper, Stripey? A dugout, sir, the buffer reckons.

A bit rigid by all accounts.

She'll be nasty with a bit of sea running.

Yes, all of these rookies are in for a fine time.

That includes me, Guns, and I'd rather not be reminded of it. The thickness?

Merely a question of relaxation.

Famous last words, Doc.

Ships coming in!

Attention on deck.

Stand easy, please.

My name is Fraser.

I shan't keep you long tonight, but as this is the first time we meet as a full

ship's company, there are a few points to be made.

This ship is the United States Navy destroyer Whittier.

She is one of the 50 destroyers the Americans are lending us, and we have

sent here to man her.

Lieutenant Commander Carson and his officers and men will do everything they

in the shortest possible time to show us the ropes.

We are going to work very hard.

We have a job to do in the fighting of this war, and the sooner we are doing

the better.

There's just one other thing.

This ship, as you may know, has been laid up and sealed off for a number of

years.

And, quite plainly, she is no longer young.

However, at this stage in the proceedings, she is worth her

gold.

With that in mind,

it may be worth remembering the useful old saying, never look a gift horse in

the mouth.

Finally, I'm glad to welcome you here.

Carry on, sir.

Aye, aye, sir.

Chips company!

Halt!

Fall out, the officers.

Yeah, I know.

Fall out the privileged class if you're made to work yourselves to death.

You all know what the captain has to say, and you all know what it means.

No loafing about, no sky -locking, and no pegging on the upper deck.

Ship's company.

Left turn!

Number one. The next time you report the ship's company prison and correct, see

that they are.

The majority of those men are improperly dressed.

Aye, aye.

My good, a cattle wheel.

Army don't pick on me.

Watch your MP about it.

No use. Don't worry.

Where do we go from here?

Oh, thanks for the lift. Don't mention it. See you later.

Sure.

Who's the midget?

I don't know. New boy, I think. Came on that last draft this morning.

Cut the giggling here below. You, Daniel, square your cap off.

Regulations article number 174, subpar 3A. Caps are to be worn square on the

edge so that no air is used.

Now hear this.

Now hear this.

All hands lay after the fan tail.

All British ratings report to the... You know, I envy you, Commander.

Must be fine to have a whole crew with combat experience.

I've got a hundred men in the ship's company. Only four officers and fourteen

ratings have been deceived before.

I heard you British were scraping the bottom of the barrel, but... We are.

Matter of fact, that's why I'm here.

You being a little moderate, Commander?

No, please, you mean.

Well, they belong to the last war, commonly known as Squeak and Wilford.

I've been on the beach since 32.

I was dug out, as we say, when the war started. Since then, I've been sailing a

stone frigate.

Stone frigate?

Sure, sir.

Ordinary Seaman Fanagan, sir.

Chief said I should report to you for duties as captain's servant.

You're trying to be funny.

No, sir. That's what he told me, sir. Say, you are an American.

No, I come from Ireland.

I see.

What part of Ireland are you from, Flanagan?

Chicago?

How long have you been in the Royal Navy?

Four months, sir. I enlisted in London.

Enlisted, huh?

Well, you certainly ought to feel at home in an American ship.

Yes, sir.

Very well, Flanagan.

I'm glad to have you aboard.

Thank you, sir. I'm glad to be aboard.

You know, in a lot of ways, I wouldn't mind changing places with him.

I must have cursed this old bucket a hundred times since I took it over.

Now I... I think I know what you mean.

I'll say one thing for you, British Commander.

You certainly don't waste much time.

We haven't got much time.

What's our position, pilot?

I'll get a fixer.

Grant, I know where we are, and so should you. Next time I ask that

want a proper answer.

Aye, aye, sir.

Mr. Chips?

Steer 0 -8 -2.

Mr. Chips, steer 0 -8 -2, sir. Take over number one. Let me know when you sight

the convoy. Aye, aye, sir.

I wish you wouldn't make me feel so conscious of being a Saturday night

He seems to think I'm not trying.

I guess those wavy stripes of yours get in his hair.

Starboard 15.

I'm afraid he doesn't think much of me as a number one.

If Canada had enough ships to go around, I'd have a command of my own.

Midships.

Steer 096.

Midships. Why don't you tell him? Steer 096, sir. He wants me to plot later few

boat dispositions.

I never get a minute's peace. It's worse than being a schoolmaster.

Is that what you were?

Among other things.

Journalism.

Advertising.

Civil service. It's a lot of rolling stone.

Uh -huh.

Convoy on the starboard bow, sir. Very good.

Captain, sir.

Yes?

Convoy sighted on the starboard bow, sir. Very good, number one. I'll come

1 -3 -0 revolutions. Did you get a star sign this morning, Ralph? Yes, sir.

Good. I said 1 -3 -0 revolutions.

Now.

910 revolutions a minute, sir. That can't be right. She'll take off at that

speed. She'll only do 400 all out. Try again. I'll tell you when.

Better engine than this driving milk lorries in Tonopandi. Now!

Keep well out of visibility.

It's dropping.

Not a kill warning, sir.

Why have the engines stopped?

Now what is it?

Cut the steam!

The pressure's gone, sir.

Take over, Morgan.

Stop everything except the auxiliaries.

Any report from the engine room? Chief's coming up from the bridge, sir. Senior

officer, sir. Why stopped?

Very good. Make back.

Another one just coming through from him now, sir.

Difficult to read is light.

What's the trouble, Chief?

Joint burst in main steam pipe, sir. Can't move the engines till it's

Senior officer again, sir.

If delay is serious, proceed independent little London.

Your present position is... I'm afraid we couldn't read any more, sir. Very

good, Yeoman.

Number one, sir.

Secure all movable gear.

Rig extra light lines. Check all hatches and scuttles.

I think you can fix it, Chief.

We can fix it, all right, sir.

But it'll take time.

Rise and shine. Starboard watch close up.

Come on, aren't you? Get the weather specials in the water good.

How long before we get on an even keel, Swain? Hurry for my house, I reckon.

Come on, come on. Pork chops and pickles for lunch.

Now, now, then. Mind you, don't bring up that little large ring in your throat.

You'll never get it down again if you do.

Come on, now, boys.

Starboard watch on deck.

The doctor.

I want the doctor.

She goes on much longer like this, sir, the ruddy turbines will tear themselves

loose.

How's it going? Nearly fixed the steam pipe, sir.

Every time she hits a wave, she springs a fresh leak. There's one in the stern

gland now.

Pumps won't get to it. Put extra hands on to bailing.

Oh, no!

Blimey, I wish I could be sick and get a bit of blood in peace.

and help her if we can get some peace.

Number one, exercise action stations.

Aye, aye.

Oh, blimey, dawn action, dusk action, worse than beach and hills, this is.

Now then, wait for it, wait for it.

Mail's up.

Have you ever put into London delivery? before, sir.

Yes, once.

In 29.

Oh, I've been here several times.

It, uh, boy, it's not what you'd call a meth -losed paradise.

I thought the only thing you asked for, Gunners, was a dartboard.

Oh, that's right. Excuse me, sir.

I'm just going up to Inspector Liberty, man.

Oh, number one. Sir?

I'll take a look around first.

Right away, sir.

That's the vinegar, somebody.

Come on, you short guy. Romeo did sanity. Us workers want to get our ends

Why don't you shut up?

Here,

listen to this.

I've taken in a lodger to help with the rent.

Well, I've got to go and get his hot water bottle now, so I'll leave you.

Love, Elsie.

I'm not so sure I like that.

I've never had no more water bottle in the 20 years we've been married.

We're home long enough, you dirty old man.

They're crying out loud.

What's the matter now? Another stroke fizzled out?

Yeah, it's this jersey. I can't get it on.

That's a balaclava, you twerp.

You've got a skirt.

Don't be taunted.

It's from my mum.

Our managing director says life must be very exciting aboard a modern

dreadnought. Dreadnought?

Hey, Stripey.

You know the girl I told you about?

The one that works in the milk bar at Clement? Yeah.

She says she will.

Will? Will what?

Marry me, Dove.

That's her.

Lonely, what a chassis.

Yeah. You know, she's won 12 beauty contests.

So that's why this brigade joined the wrong navy.

What a bloke would do in order to be near a woman.

And all he goes through for it?

What did it get him?

No hot water bottle.

If he thinks he's going to get me working on Saturday afternoon, he's

I guess the First Lieutenant didn't think she had enough glamour.

It's not the Jimmy.

It's the Skipper.

I don't care who it is. They've got no right to do it. We ought to be allowed

Saturday afternoons off when in Arbor.

Or overtime in lieu thereof.

Chip clean, number one.

You have a ready wit, Sub -Lieutenant.

You know, when I was a boy seaman, we had a skipper who used to inspect the

with white claps on it.

Sure, in peacetime.

But this man doesn't only want the old bucket ship shape, he expects it to be

dry clean.

Can you imagine being married to him? It must drive his wife crazy.

His wife, number one, was killed in an accident two years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Well, you weren't to know.

I still don't see the point in running everyone ragged the first day in

The point is, number one, the captain was quite right.

The ship wasn't clean.

Except for the engine room.

Right, carry on, please, Chief.

Aye, aye, sir.

Carry on leaning ahead.

Liberty men, front reg, right turn.

Left wheel, big bar.

Rear reg, right turn.

Left wheel, big bar.

Number one.

Sir?

I've told you before, our Liberty men are not smart enough.

They've had a pretty rough fortnight, sir. All the more reason to keep them up

to the mark now.

Sir, in my experience, these sort of men have done pretty well in action so far.

Surely that's the main thing. The main thing, number one, is that my orders are

to be obeyed. Aye, aye.

Lieutenant Commander Fraser, sir.

All right, thank you.

That'll be the skipper of the fourth final flipper.

Who? Him?

When he got lost?

Yeah.

Careless. Very careless.

What on earth happened to you?

I was diverted to go and look for you. Engine trouble, I'm afraid.

Well, sit down, sit down.

Thanks. Good to see you again.

Quite the coincidence.

Yes, quite.

No, I won't, thanks.

I was delighted to hear you were back in uniform.

Let's see, how long is it now?

Since my court -martial.

Eight years.

Eight years.

On the 9th of December.

Makes you realize we're all getting on, doesn't it?

How's that boy of yours?

Oh, he's quite a big chap now.

He'll soon be leaving school.

And what have you been doing all this time?

I've been building boats.

Oh.

The flashpots of civilian life and all that.

No, it wasn't quite like that, no.

I've got a cousin. He's got a boatyard on the Isle of Wight.

Oh.

What about a drink?

Gin? Fine, thanks.

What sort of officers have you?

Oh, first rate.

I have a Canadian number one who's very popular with the crew.

What's her ship like?

What do they call them? Four pipers.

Yes. Four pipers, amongst other things.

Well, here's to the future, Gil.

Thanks. I'm sure we'll get on all right together.

I certainly hope so. Cheers.

Cheers.

Skol. Fung ho.

Cheers. Fung hach.

Action station.

Gin and wine, please.

Bright smiles, everybody.

I see you.

Are you alone by any chance?

Yes. You wouldn't care to join the convoy?

Not particularly.

Your fellows are no finesse, that's your trouble.

What do you do?

Drop depth charges?

Bet you a quid you can't get her to have a drink with you. I'm not in the mood.

Two quid.

I'll make it three.

Well, let's make it a party, shall we?

All right.

Get your money ready, suckers.

Now, give me a great deal of moral satisfaction, ma 'am, if you'd have a

with me.

Thanks all the same. I have one.

No, I mean another.

I never have more than one, Jim.

Oh. Well, what about a chaser?

I'd love a glass of water.

I don't think they'd swallow that.

I mean, water's so tasteless, isn't it?

How much did you bet?

Bet? Pretty obvious, isn't it? One look at your friends is enough.

Friends? Yes.

In the member stand.

Oh, them.

Oh, that's nothing. They... It's just they haven't seen a white woman in

My mother told me never to talk to strange men.

Very right and proper, too.

And what did your father tell you?

Being an admiral, he's a man of few words.

Look, I know a place where a fiver would buy champagne, soft lights, sweet

music, and the biggest steak this side of Montreal.

Suddenly I find you quite irresistible.

Oh.

It's the Canadian influence.

No.

The state.

And McConnellogue's Electric Saloon is proud and honored to welcome you to its

portal. Now, walls have ears, and I know I mustn't ask any questions, but sure,

I don't have to.

I've only to look at the gleams in your eyes to know that you've been performing

some dangerous mission on the broad Atlantic Ocean.

Have you?

Well, if you really want to know, mate, we're survivors.

Survivors? Glory be.

Drinks on the house of my colony.

Is there any truth in them terrible rumours about cannibalism?

Catabolism? Yes, on rafts.

Adrift, with no victuals.

I wish you hadn't mentioned that, mate.

Beansburg, horrible memory.

Something that happened to my cousin Bert.

Dear, oh dear.

Drink up. Have another.

Tell me more.

Nasty smell round here.

Oh, fools. Like something burning.

Shall we draw straws?

When I see that Bert's got the short straw... And he's the one to be it.

I says to him, Bert, I says, you have to admit we done it the sporting way.

You don't mean to... Lasted us all the way to the Azores.

It's a bit stringy, Bert was, but he was sustaining.

Glory be.

Funny thing, too. He used to complain about his liver something or took pills

the thousand, he did.

Yet three days after we finished him... We were still trying to beat his liver

to death with an oar.

Here, what do you make of her, Skipper?

The two -and -a -half ringer? Yeah.

Couldn't keep a tram on a straight course.

She's full of rookies.

Yeah, not a sailor amongst them. Well, hard luck.

As for the so -called ship, she might as well be broke up.

Scrappy. From all you tell me, the same goes for the Skipper.

What do you have, bud?

Find a black and tan.

Find a black and tan.

Cover it up, sir.

How much is it?

One and a half, sir.

So, uh... I understand you don't like our skipper, eh?

That's right.

Gentlemen, please.

It was Ewan Daniels, sir. A request for extra pay.

What for, Daniels? Several hours up to Bailout Water in the Stern Blanket

Department on the way across, sir. What's that got to do with it?

King's Regulation, Admiralty Instructions, Volume 1, Article 1635,

sir. Extra pay at rates laid down should be paid to all persons, whatever their

rating, employed in scraping, repainting, or other laborious work in

following confined spaces. Keep silence!

The, uh, Stern Blanket Department's on the next page, sir.

Are you in civil life, Daniels? Trade union organizer, sir. I see. You were

pretty good at it, were you?

Well, I hope you'll be equally successful in the Royal Navy.

Don't forget that there are certain differences, will you?

Very well. Request granted in accordance with King's regulations and Admiralty

instructions.

Article 1635, sub -barrier E.

Request granted.

Have our turn! Return to the table! Salute the captain!

Now, don't you go forgetting that again.

Left turn!

Stand up, straight men! I'll wait for a double march!

Ruddy sea lawyer.

The rest defaulted, sir, from Saturday night's fight ashore. Carry on, please.

Ordinary Seaman Flanagan!

Off caps!

Ordinary Seaman Flanagan, sir, was guilty of an act of the prejudice of

order and naval discipline and that he did create a disturbance on shore,

by farting in McConnellog's Electric Saloon, Londonderry, being apprehended

the Naval Patrol at 2117 on the 28th of September.

What was all this fighting about, Flanagan?

Anything to say?

No, sir.

I will not have the ship given a bad name.

Fourteen days leave stopped.

Fourteen days?

I will, Seaman, would!

Place lookouts in the crow's nest in the eyes of the ship, sir.

Tell them to keep silence on deck. Report at once if anything's sighted.

Aye, aye, sir. I'll be in the chart house.

Person's mate.

Sir. Pipe.

All lookouts close up.

Keep silence on deck.

Pipe. All lookouts closed up. Keep silence on deck. Have you any idea what

supposed to be looking for? Oh, yes, sir. Two merchant ships. Convoy

Thanks. It does help to know.

Hello.

Any ping?

Not a thought of it.

Thought I had a whole ruddy book back just now.

Turned out to be a shoal of tired fish.

I didn't bring my tackle.

This is their probable course, sir. We should be there in about five minutes.

Dead on time. The question is, are they early or are they late?

You mean because of the fog, sir?

Won't we circle till it clears? We're fairly sure to find them. That means

risking a collision. We could turn onto their course, sir.

If we're ahead of them on the same course, we'll never see them at all.

safer to turn and meet them.

But we might pass them in this fog, and they'd carry on only but miles of turn.

They're stragglers. They're bound to be late.

We'll go back along their course for two hours, then turn. Plot that, please,

pilot. Speed eight knots.

Yes, sir.

The mastermind has spoken.

Let's hope he's right.

Right!

Shall we turn, sir?

Five miles.

Yes, please.

Starboard 20.

Starboard 20, sir.

Officer.

Keep trying.

Bridge. Ship bearing red 4 -0, sir.

Right.

Single merchant ship, sir.

Very good. Bring her around.

4 -20.

Steady. Slow ahead, both.

Ask him who he is. Aye, sir.

What ship are you?

That's one

of them, sir.

I have orders to escort you as far as the North

Channel.

Have you seen Bostonian?

Bostonian torpedoed at 0245.

Position 55, 40 north, 2150

west. Regret master and 19 loss.

Eight survivors on board, three badly injured.

Urgently require doctor, please.

Number one, stand by the ship's seaboard. Aye, aye, sir.

Doctor.

Do your best.

Commotions, mate.

Sir? Away, seaboard's crew.

Away, seaboard's crew, sir.

How they brought the good news from Derry to Devonport. Oh, give it a rest.

Let's face it, it isn't exactly what you might call a success story.

Oh, you've got to take the rough with the smooth.

Things like the Bostonian do are happening every day.

Oh, sure, sure.

What's one merchant ship and 20 lives between friends?

That isn't a very nice thing to say.

It's not a very nice thing to have happen either.

We should have turned on to their course.

Aren't you being rather wise after the event? Well, maybe I am, but I still say

the man's impossible.

You're entitled to your own opinion about that.

Personally, I'm prepared to give a man like Fraser the benefit of the doubt.

Well, I'm not.

Especially if he's my captain, number one.

in ready for inspection, sir.

All right, Jim.

Well, that's a nice idea to do, I must say. First job we get, we end up losing

the merchant packet.

It's the Navy for you. Ah, pipe down.

He's right, you know. I heard them arguing.

If we'd done what the Jimmy wanted, we'd have saved the Bostonian and most

likely got the U -boat as well.

You and that box of tricks of yours was a lot of use.

Get your fenders out!

Here comes the Swiss Navy!

What a mess!

I made the wrong decision.

I shouldn't have assumed that stragglers would be late.

If I'd turned the other way, I could have said... But on the basis of the

you staying here, I think... Well, of course, in the circumstances, it's quite

possible I should have made the same decision myself, but... It's just

unfortunate this thing should have happened now.

And the Admiral's likely to be a sticky one.

I know it's not your fault, but we simply cannot afford to put our blacks

this in.

Well, I'll see what I can do.

So I said, I don't care if you've been at sea for the last six years, you'll

keep your hands to yourself.

Good for you. Pardon me.

The language.

The air was bright blue.

Pardon me.

After Jeff.

Yes, sir, what would you like, sir?

Some inflammation.

Toasted or plain?

No, I'm looking for Marge.

Oh, you must be Flanagan, the Yank. That's right.

And you, you're glad, huh?

She wrote me about you.

You're the life and soul of the party. Oh, God, I wouldn't say that.

Well, she told you we were going to get married.

Yes, she, um, she did mention it. Well, uh, look.

Why don't you sit down? I'll get you a nice cup of tea, eh?

Coffee.

You Americans, you do like your coffee, don't you?

Yeah, it's all the same with you. It's all the same with me.

It all tastes the same in this joint.

One cafe au lait.

Yeah, what am I going to tell him?

I don't know. One cafe au lait coming up.

Sure is pretty.

Come on, let's have it.

Well, Yank, you'd better take a deep breath.

She's gone off with someone in the black market.

Go on, drink your coffee.

Looks like I need something a little stronger.

You know the trouble, women?

Yeah, men.

I'm through with them, I tell you.

Absolutely through. I know just how you feel. I'm through with men.

And that's the last double -crossing dame who's going to have a chance to

me for a ride.

What are you doing tonight?

Tonight?

It's my afternoon off.

Who were you waiting for?

Aunt Joan's been knitting herself into a stupor.

How is she? She's very well.

And school?

All right.

I've been doing an evening course in navigation.

Wouldn't it be wiser to stick to your own studies?

Well, this war might go on for a long time yet.

Mind it?

Yes, it might.

Well, when it gets round to... You want to join the Navy, is that it?

Well... Well, John, you really must get out of that habit of starting every

sentence with well.

Sorry. You see, the... Plain fact of the matter is, now you're away, I can get

down lonely.

You've got your school friends, haven't you?

They're not the same.

That's why I want to volunteer for the Navy.

Now.

Now? But you're only 16.

Well, 17 next April.

I've got it all worked out. All I have to do is put up my H and don't you see

it? Well, you know what I feel about the service.

You mean it's like a woman.

Love her and hate her at the same time.

Yes. You wanted to go back to sea, didn't you?

Yes, I did.

Dad, who was Dave Wilson?

Did your mother tell you about him? No, but Aunt Joan said something about him.

Said I was never to mention him to you. Something about a collision.

What exactly happened?

I was held responsible for a collision in which we were both involved.

And then I resigned from the service.

Were you responsible?

Let us just say, John, that Dave Wilson would have made a brilliant lawyer.

I see.

Well, you've got me doing that thing now.

Well, it's quite a coincidence, as a matter of fact, because Dave Wilson's

He's my boss. He's Captain D of the flotilla.

Well, I'm blown.

It's all well, isn't it?

Well, now, what about the other half of this, hmm?

What, lemonade?

Why are we tailing Charlie again? Let's make three nights in a row.

Some armchair strategist in Whitehall had a theory that a U -boat on the

might... Shadow a convoy and signal ahead to its playmate. How stupid can

get?

Bridge, submarine on the port beam, sir.

U -boat, sir. Red 1 -5 -0.

Target U -boat. Red 1 -5 -0. Target U -boat. Red 1 -5 -0. Load, load, load.

Load, load, load.

She's diving, sir. They've seen us.

Stand by, depth charges.

There's a steam pipe! Blow! No, sir, it's a steam pipe!

Blow!

What's the matter with the engine?

What is it? Starboard engine's out of action, sir. And the port's a bit shaky,

too. There's no steam for hunting, sir. Depth charges, sir. No, we'll blow our

own stern off.

And we're a sitting target if we hang about here.

Better rejoin the convoy.

Train poor now.

The officer reports enemy aircraft bearing 1 -6 -0. Action station. Aye,

Announce target. Enemy aircraft.

Green. Green, 8 -0. 8 -0.

Enemy aircraft. Green, 8 -0.

Green, 2 -0.

3 -0.

There they are, sir.

Five of them. Senior officer, sir. Take independent action to protect the

convoy. Very good.

Harder starboard, full ahead both.

Harder starboard, full ahead both, sir.

Starboard engines out of action.

Quiet.

Open fire. Fire.

Commence, commence, commence.

Another engine bites the dust.

My bird, I think.

Thank you for your help.

He's the senior officer, number one.

This is the captain speaking.

We've destroyed our first enemy aircraft.

And as soon as possible, I'll see that we celebrate the fact.

Thank you.

Out of port.

Out of port, sir.

Stop, board.

Stop, board, sir.

What a trip. It makes you feel almost too embarrassed to enter harbour. Half a

lift better than none.

Oh, you mean aircraft?

Half a head, board.

Yes. Half a head, board, sir.

It ships?

It ships, sir.

You always remember it might have been worse.

Yes, not much, sir.

Propellers, file the boom, sir.

Stop, board.

Who's that? Stop, board, sir.

Pardon me, but your slip is showing.

From Trigger, sir, don't look now, but you're being followed.

And from Blaze, sir, ta -da -da -boom -dee -ay.

Propellers filed the boom, sir.

From top to bottom, it's just one darn thing after another.

The ensign isn't close up. There's too much water in the bilges.

And now we have to wait ten days to get him to dry dock.

And all because one blasted signal was late, he holds me responsible for all

female morons in the local cipher office.

Well, there's no need to shout about it, man.

No, don't you start.

I've had enough. I'm putting in for a transfer.

Is that wise?

All right. So you'll write me a stinker. So what?

He's not the kind of man to do that.

Come to think of it, you seem to know an awful lot about him.

Well, I ought to.

I served with him when he was a sub.

The point is, if you put in for a transfer, it's going to cause him a

of discredit. Oh, I don't necessarily mean today.

I'm not going to hit a man when he's down.

For the moment, things look up a little.

Now, I'll tell you this.

He won't get another chance to tick me off. I'm going to run this ship like a

clock. Even if it has got a busted spring.

Now, look, sir.

Reference 10... Will you leave that a moment and listen to me?

Reference 1029, oblique, stroke, you know, 18A.

About divers.

The point is the divers arrived on board hours before the signal and said they

were coming aboard.

The result was a blast from my captain, just in the place where it hurts most.

I'm sorry, but I wasn't the officer on duty.

Well, I'm annoyed and very unhappy and terribly alone.

What's the cyber office going to do about it?

And when are you going to have dinner with me?

Sorry, I'm on duty until eight. Fine, I'll pick up at five past.

Aren't you rather taking things for granted?

Look, I know a place where we can have champagne, soft lights, sweet music, and

the biggest steak this time to Montreal.

This is where I came in.

Don't look now, but I think we've been followed.

Gosh, it's good to see you. I thought you were in Derry. I was.

But this is terrific.

Let's have dinner tonight.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Never mind.

Perhaps in some other life. Thanks, pal.

How long you been here?

Three weeks.

Well, you must have seen us cavorting about the harbor. You should have let me

know. Why?

What's the matter? Aren't we friendly?

No. Oh, now look, Joan, I...

I'm sorry about what happened in day, but You're behaving like a third officer

in the rent Have dinner with me tonight. I promise my intentions are strictly

honorable That is unless I'm given a choice So we say that we can

discuss life and things like that

Shit I'm up Nick Got a muscle

white in fit Don't let him go to your head.

What's up?

What's the matter with your rapper? Who?

I don't exactly know. He's all right. I don't know about that.

He's been sitting there the last couple of hours brooding over some letter.

Girl, I suppose.

Maybe, maybe. Don't ask him.

I'm serious. He's making the whole place miserable.

Go on.

Go on.

What's all the noise about?

Why don't you stop being so pig -headed and wake up to yourself? Why don't you

mind your own business?

What's the matter, mate?

My mum?

She's sick.

Serious?

Got a letter from some ruddy doctor.

Needs an operation, and I've got to give him my permission.

Well, why you?

All she's got.

Well, when is he?

Day after tomorrow.

She done everything for me.

Well, go and see her. You never talk with a doc at the same time. Yeah, sure,

sure, sure.

How? Put him for compassionate.

I'm not asking no favours from those stinking officers.

It's not a favour, it's a right. I said I'm not asking no favours from that one,

so shut up about it, will you?

You know, Glad, I've always been sort of a lonely person.

Sounds silly, I suppose, but sailors usually are.

Lonely, I mean.

Perhaps it has something to do with the sea.

If that's why a guy like me needs someone permanent in his life, just like

boat needs an anchor, you know... Oh, don't talk like that, Yank.

What's this?

Don't say any more.

I was a fine way to act, just when I'm going through the agonies of trying to

propose to you.

You're just sorry for me.

I expect we're both a bit sorry for each other, but we mustn't fool ourselves. I

mean... You're you and an American, and I'm me, and there's a war on, and

any other time, you know, you wouldn't have looked at me twice.

I... Well, I make you laugh.

Keep your mind off the margins.

I still think you're cute.

I think you're cute, too.

I was married in a church.

I've had 20 years in my life.

Seems more like 30.

Uh -oh.

Hello, Tripper.

Thank you, Gary.

What's it look like?

I'd like to get my hands on the bloke I went to see the skipper, I'll tell you.

Yeah, some nosy partner couldn't mind his own business, I suppose.

Everything okay, Dribber?

Yeah, she's fine.

They let me stay till she was safe out of the operation.

First time I've ever been in a plane.

Well, I suppose you want me to say I was wrong and how sorry I am.

Ah, don't be stupid, mate.

You're a seaman in the Royal Navy.

You've got your rights the same as the rest of us.

Well, I am Sonny C.

Can't you give us some idea how long you'll take?

Well, we'll do our best, sir, but unfortunately your ship isn't the only

that needs a refit. Of course. Well, thank you very much. Goodbye.

Goodbye, son.

Excuse me, sir. Would you look at these?

Oh, by the way, I saw Admiral Bartlett yesterday.

It was a little difficult.

My mishandling of the ship, you mean? No, no, no. It's just that you had an

accident or two and it takes rather a dim view, I'm afraid. I see.

Of course, I made it quite clear that the ship was long overdue for a refit.

Perhaps he'd like to come and see for himself.

No, he's had all the defect lists.

But it's an awkward situation.

Which brings me to my point.

The building program's been stepped up.

There ought to be one or two ships going in a month or so.

I should be able to pull some strings.

Very considerate of you, sir, but I'd prefer to stay where I am.

Good heavens, you get a decent ship and a chance of a fresh start.

I've already had one fresh start.

Frankly, I think you're making a mistake.

One has to do what one thinks is right.

Well, have it your own way.

I've done my best, but if anything else goes wrong, I... Well, if you change

your mind, let me know.

Any letters? Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Anything for me? No, sir, but there's a rating to see you.

You want to see me?

I was going to write.

Then I thought I'd better come and see you and explain.

There's no need to explain anything.

Golly, thank heavens for that.

You look fine.

I haven't got used to all these tapes and things just yet, but... You know,

calls for a celebration.

Where would you like to go? I don't mind. Come along, then.

I'll buy you your first tot. What of?

Not lemonade.

Starboard 15.

Starboard 15, sir.

Make sense?

Make sense, sir.

Steady.

Steady, sir.

Any contact?

No echo, sir.

Did the signal say what the U -boat was up to, sir?

No, but it'll be a mine layer.

Close and sure to be anything else.

Where's that bank out by the... Near the port, sir.

We're in a good ten fountains.

If they were laying mines, I hope we can pick them up on the Aztec. Too bad if

we don't, sir.

Venge echo, sir. Bearing red 5 -5.

Stationary or moving?

Moving slowly right to left. Echo fading, sir.

We don't want to go any closer than sure.

Got a fix, pilot?

Yes, sir.

Echo stronger, sir. Seems to be closing.

Steady on red 4 -5, sir.

Loudspeaker, please.

Loudspeaker, sir.

Red 5 -0 now, sir.

and I altered the port, pilot.

30 degrees, sir. That's safe for 10 miles.

Bring him around to port 065, number one.

Port 20.

Port 20, sir.

Midship, 065.

Nothing to port, Cox.

Midship, sir.

Stereo 6 -5.

Not the port, sir.

What is that?

Echo dead ahead, sir. 900 yards, closing, sir.

Editing my pilot?

No, sir.

Object dead ahead, sir. Out of port. Out of port.

Out of port.

Out of port. Out of port.

Out of port.

Out of port. Out of port. Out of port.

Out of port.

Tell the engineer officers to report on the bridge. Tell the engineer officer to

report on the bridge, sir.

Williams!

Come in.

Yes, Grant.

That wreck this morning, sir.

I should have had it marked on the chart.

It was sunk about a week ago, and the position was given in the notice to

mariners that I got just before we sailed.

Why hadn't you plotted it? I... I have no excuse at all, sir.

You were on the bridge most of yesterday, weren't you?

Yes, sir.

And you would have marked the wreck as soon as you had an opportunity.

Yes, sir. The charts are up to date, apart from the last batter.

I'm very sorry, sir.

Come in.

Just bring your charts up to date now, will you?

The wreck wasn't marked, sir. Not marked?

No, sir.

Are you aware of the gravity of that admission?

Yes.

Before you go any further, sir, I should like to make quite clear that I have

the fullest confidence in Lieutenant Grant and I accept full responsibility

the safety of my ship.

Are we to understand that you accept... The full blame for this accident?

That is correct, sir. In other words, Lieutenant Commander Fraser, you do not

wish to plead ignorance of the wreck's position as an extenuating circumstance

in the inquiry?

Definitely not, sir. That is all?

Yes, sir.

In that case, there's nothing more to be said.

Very well. Clear the court.

Well, gentlemen.

I suppose we must accept the statement that Lieutenant Commander Fraser is

responsible for hazarding his ship. Thank you.

Wilson, you've been his senior officer for some time.

What are your views?

Well, sir, his ship's record since he took her over hasn't been anything to

shout about, but I think it's only fair to point out that it's mostly been a

case of bad luck and not bad judgment.

However, I'm afraid he can't put forward that plea this time. Spence?

Absolutely no doubt about it, sir.

Sheer negligence.

Oh, come, Spence, don't let me hasty.

After all, Fraser's reputation's at stake.

Reputation?

Has he a reputation?

What do you mean by that?

Oh, come now, sir.

What about his past record?

Gentlemen, I'm afraid I'm a little in the dark.

I think Commander Spence is referring to an incident that happened some eight

years ago.

Good gracious, Spence, it's no concern of ours what took place eight years ago.

Nor, for that matter, if the fellow chose to eat peas off a knife at

It's irrelevant and prejudicial to the matter in hand.

I'm sorry, sir. In any case, it seems to me that Fraser's covering up for his

navigation officer, who probably hasn't got much experience anyway.

A lot of these wartime officers arrive in ships prematurely after a very brief

training period.

Wilson, I'm afraid you're confusing the issue.

You're overlooking one vital fact, and that is that Lieutenant Commander Fraser

is entirely responsible for the safety of his ship.

In my opinion, sir, it's a case for a court martial.

Wilson?

No, sir. In my view, there's been no negligence on Fraser's part.

That leaves the casting vote to me.

He said, what have you got there? He said, it's for sure, he said. He said,

it doesn't look like that.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to give you a toast. Here, here.

To the proud parents.

If it's a boy, then here's to his first pair of bell -bottoms. And if it's a

girl, then she's as sweet as her mother.

I've never helped four sailors on a night like this.

Sort of funny, mate.

Anyway, I think he calls for a fly. How about it, Glad? Yeah, come on, Glad.

You see, she's a bit upset. We're going to have to be separated for a while.

No? Yeah, I'd been worried with all these raids and everything, so I thought

send her up to Exeter until after the child was born.

Exeter? Not a bad spot, eh? No, you'll like that, Glad, and then you can come

and see it at the weekend sometime. Sure I will.

Well, it's just I was trying to say thank you for a lovely party.

It's been a pleasure, Glenn. Good luck.

I wonder how the skipper's getting on.

Yeah.

Think we'll learn anything about it tonight?

I sure do. If it's bad news, I think trouble's faster than bad news. Well,

on, let's have another drink while we're waiting.

It's gone through.

Oh?

I don't know how, but he's got away with it. No negligence.

I'm glad for his sake. Sure, we all are.

What's the matter now?

It's over, that's all.

What do you mean?

He'll never keep me aboard now.

Oh, I've built up quite a picture of my versatile career, haven't I?

All the experience I've had.

What a clever fellow I am.

What you don't know is that I've flopped at every single job I've ever tried so

far.

If there was one thing I wanted to make a go of, it was this.

Officer of the day, sir?

Yes? Captain's coming aboard now.

Very well. Look, Mike, I'll go. No, I'm duty boy.

Evening, Grant.

Evening, sir. Nice night.

Yes, sir.

You can shorten up your moorings.

I either.

Everything's okay. The skipper's gone off. Everything's all right for you.

You know what that means?

Yeah.

We go and act in wetness, that floating atrocity.

She's got more arbuton than the old fleet put together.

Proper HMS Wallflower.

He's triping.

If there was any justice, they'd have beached him.

Yeah, not to mention the crew.

Go ahead.

Go back and meet me at the milk bar.

Why, what's the matter?

You and I are going to cope with this, Tom.

Go on. wouldn't like to be in your shoes.

Every crime in the book.

And a civil action brought against you by the landlord of the Golden Bull for

good measure.

Defaulters! John!

Defaulters, correct, sir.

Quite a number of them, sir, I'm afraid.

I see. They'll have to wait till tomorrow, Coxon. I'm going ashore.

He went ashore at ten this morning. It's now way after six.

He's probably telling that little sir and sir Spence what he thinks of them.

Yes, well, that won't take him long.

Maybe he's had an accident.

I will have the mighty fallen.

I should have been on deck, sir.

That's all.

Steward, large gins all round.

Put them down to Mr. Appleby.

Let me remind you, gentlemen, that their lordship's view will grow in concern

the amount of drinking in wardrooms.

Don't approve of it at all. Steward!

Yes, sir.

Ten seconds. Not good enough.

Gentlemen, I'll give you a toast.

Peace in our time.

Good night, Joe.

Good night.

Your hat, sir.

Thank you, number one.

Thank you.

Good night.

Edward John Hardy, publican, do hereinafter agree to waive my claim or

against any member of the crew of HMS Ballantrae, hereinafter known as the

Horse, hereinafter to be referred to as the crew.

They must have been tight as lords when they wrote this. Furthermore, I

undertake to welcome any member of the said crew to the said pub at any and all

times. Given over my hand the 17th day of April, 1941.

Edward John Hardy.

Witness Hugh Algernon Fraser.

Alton.

Thought you might like some coffee, sir.

Oh, Flanagan.

Mr. Hardy tells me that you tend to resent adverse comment on my

And about the gift horse.

Well, sir, I was just... Never mind.

Never mind, Flanagan.

I don't like it very much either.

I don't like it very much either.

If all is... John!

Carry on with the requestment, please. No, none this morning, sir.

No one wanting a draft? No, sir.

All right, number one, I'll take defaulted. All right, Coxon. Stand up!

Abel Seaman Daniels!

Off! Caps!

Abel Seaman Daniels, sir. One.

Decreed a disturbance on shore named by fighting in the Golden Bull and being

apprehended by the Naval Patrol at 2140 on the 16th of April, 1941.

Anything to say?

No, sir.

One day's leave stopped.

One day's leave stopped?

On caps!

Alert! Turn!

Return to the table. Sir, as you were. About turn. Double march.

430, 140, Revolute.

430, 140, Revolute, sir.

Any echo?

No, sir. Lost contact, sir.

No wreckage, no oil, no nothing. Just a silent scene.

And we were the first to ever burst into that silent scene.

What, sir?

Ancient Maryland.

Oh, yeah.

Echo bearing red 3 -0, sir. Very good.

Loud hydrophone effect, sir. Sounds like blowing tanks.

Bring all guns on bearing red 1 -5. Aye, aye, sir.

All guns, look out, bearing red 1 -5.

Bearing red 1 -5, sir.

Great submarine flying on the port bow, sir.

All guns, you both, bearing red 1 -0.

Open fire.

All guns, rapid, independent, commence, commence, commence.

Take on what bears, sir.

Stand by to ram.

More engine room.

Stand by to ram.

More engine room, sir.

Let's move straight to the Bastogne, then, sir.

Stop both.

Stop both, sir.

from him this morning. He's a midshipman now. Is he really?

He must be proud of you.

I am.

Well, what I wanted to talk about is this.

The Mount of Wharton is being reappointed.

That means there's a brass hat for some of you, but are you interested?

That's very kind of you, sir. You're not interested.

That's a pity, because there's a consolation prize.

The Ballantrae is going to be released from group for special duties.

It's a job for a young man.

Are you suggesting I'm too old? No.

You want to go?

I thought you would.

Watch me in the wind. Search me.

All I know is you've got a report to the Admiralty tomorrow.

And you may go on Christmas Eve, by the way. Right, sir.

Then that's goodbye for the present. Good luck.

Thank you.

In the south, enemy raiders were turned back before reaching the capital.

There were sporadic raids in the north with little damage and no casualties.

A west country town was also raided, but damage and casualties were slight.

Slight? Holy mackerel. That was slight.

I'd hate to be there when they really get going.

They ever go at you? Not often.

Up all night I was in the truck.

Terrible mess.

Freak you out to see it.

Hey, Yank, where are you going?

You think we ought to try and stop him?

I'll never try and stop an esteemed ruler.

I've seen blokes go adrift before.

expiring at midnight December 27.

Opposite watch goes on leave at 0900 December 28.

So don't let me catch any of you going at rest.

Left turn!

Right wheel, quick mark!

Christmas at home, eh?

You lucky people.

Shouldn't have New Year's Eve, any time.

Yank might be going as well if only he'd waited.

Probably saved himself three months in the rental.

A big twerp.

What on earth are they knocking down two of our funnels?

Whatever the job is, they probably figure we'll be safer under sail.

You're not looking awfully well, old boy.

Hungover?

All the way over.

I thought perhaps there might be some trouble between you and June, old boy.

No trouble, old boy. She's just turned me down, that's all.

Oh, silly girl, I thought.

Plenty more like her in any case.

Oh, very funny, very funny.

We not only have hammering, we play little games of breakfast time.

Darling, you don't look awfully well.

I've already had that conversation.

We are in a bad mood this morning, aren't we?

Why did you walk out on me last night?

I couldn't stand it anymore.

I've been played like a trout for 14 months.

You couldn't look more like one at this moment.

Anything else?

Only this.

I don't think it's very nice to propose to a girl with an engagement ring in one

hand and a double gin in the other.

You were livid last night because I didn't throw myself in your arms and

darling, I can't wait to marry you.

Point is, I can wait.

I can wait until you stop taking me for granted.

So when you come round to it, just send an uncoded signal in plain language and

I'll take it up with the Admiral.

I'm sorry to interrupt this idyllic moment, but the captain's coming on

board. This is Christmas, not April Fool's Day. So help me. He may be on

but he's also on the gangway at this moment.

Right, my captain.

Hocktip? Yes, sir, dear brother.

When's the wedding?

Next week, sir.

Sudden death, huh?

Utility job, registry office.

Oh, by the way, sir, some Christmas cards and telegrams came for you. Oh,

splendid. You'll take Christmas rounds yourself, sir, won't you? I'd very much

like to, number one. Thank you.

Oh, now.

Oh, but what about another drink?

Darling, I should be tiddly.

Oh, it's time of night, you can't get tiddly. No, it's my round, isn't it?

Stuart. Coming, sir. Your round, is it?

Well, you have.

Oh. On you?

Yes, I'm afraid so. Let's make a champagne, sir.

Four sides.

Ready for captain's round, sir.

What, sir?

The ship's company are ready for captain's round, sir.

Have a drink.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Happy Christmas, sir.

Happy Christmas. Happy Christmas.

The men would appreciate it, sir, if you'd bring the lady down to the mess

Certainly, Chief, certainly.

It couldn't get better than this, you know.

I'm sure we all thank you very much, men.

Here you are, miss.

Got a kick like a kangaroo.

Thank you.

A beer, sir.

Thank you, Daniel.

Thanks. Thank you. That's all, sir.

All right, get cracking.

Oh, not any strappy. I'm not good at this sort of thing. I just imagined it

soapbox. Now get on with it.

Order, order. What, um...

Well, ladies and gentlemen.

Oh, I mean lady and gentlemen.

Well, here's to our ship, the old gift horse, and to our skipper.

Good luck, sir.

Good luck, sir. Skipper.

Come on, son. The skipper won't eat you.

Hey, trip.

This is Aubrey Silliman Duncan's.

Adam's Relief.

So you're the youngest in the ship? Yes, sir.

How old are you, Duncan?

Seventeen, sir.

I'd like to wish you the best of luck.

Thank you, sir.

Not you, sir, for your words, sir.

Well,

I'd like to give you another toast.

To all those who can't be with us today.

Our wives, our parents, our...

Absent friends, wherever they may be, God bless them.

Merry

Christmas,

sir.

Blimey, she's had her face lifted.

The old bag's lost two of her chins.

Sex, all right.

Aye, aye.

Tropical kick go to board. What's going on? Blimey, what's that mean, Pacific?

North Pole, more likely.

That's right, look who's here.

Oh, yank.

And although you were told you could not be granted special leave, you chose to

take it.

A man who breaks leave not only lets down his ship, he lets down his family.

They're the ones who suffer when his pay is stopped.

And your wife will need the money badly at this time.

Has the child been born?

Yes, sir.

But they were both killed in the bombing.

We've been given another little job to do.

It'll be more interesting than some we've had and certainly more exciting.

For that reason, every man who goes will be a volunteer.

And I mean that in the literal sense.

Not that used by petty officers when picking working parties.

Well, that's all.

Carry on, number one. Aye, aye.

Ships coming in!

Halt!

Carry on, please, Steve.

Aye, aye, sir.

Right. You all heard the captain's little joke about petty officers.

No harm in laughing.

Anyone who don't want to volunteer, come and see me.

All right, make a board. Carry on with your work.

I don't think there'll be any non -starters, sir. Good.

Oh, by the way, your command has come through. A Canadian corvette, I think.

Thanks for recommending me, sir. Your relief's arrived at Devonport Barracks.

You should take over today.

He's going to be disappointed.

Sure he is.

Spare ship to sea by 0400 tomorrow.

Top secret, of course.

Yes, sir.

Time of origin 1425 stroke 12.

June. Don't worry too much. Very good, sir.

One copy to go to Lieutenant Commander Frazel.

Operation Bodicea.

Times like these I'm inclined to agree that a woman's place is in the home.

Lieutenant Jennings to see you, ma 'am.

Thank you.

I think I'm coming through.

Hi, beautiful.

For a man who's been married only two months. I know.

Gosh, you're the one.

You're not supposed to barge in here when I'm on duty.

Oh, have a heart.

I can't go all day without seeing you.

You're asking too much.

I don't know what I ever did to deserve you.

I mean...

Glad you mind me.

Even though we're going away?

No harm in saying we are going.

You cipher office people know everything, probably more than we do.

Do you, by the way? No.

No, I don't.

I have nothing to do with movements at the moment. That's all right, then.

I wouldn't like to think you were sending me to my doom without a protest.

The skipper hasn't said anything, but we all think it's the Far East.

The Far East?

I see.

I can't say any more, you know. This darn security business.

I know.

You'll be all right, won't you?

Of course I will.

I, uh... I think... we're sailing first thing

tomorrow.

Just in case you'd like to be there, I wish you luck.

I'll be there, darling.

I wish you all the luck there is always.

Don't look so miserable about it.

I shan't be away very long.

Fraser told me this morning that my commander's come through.

The Corvette. It's just what I wanted.

He's bound to bring me home in a month or so.

What's the matter? Aren't you pleased?

Darling, I'm so pleased.

I'm so proud.

Mondays reporting for embarkation sir. Hey good major.

Thanks. It's comfortable You can

Six more MLs taking station to port, sir.

Good. That's the lot, isn't it? Yes, sir. Striking force now complete.

in all.

No deck cleared of all available hands, sir.

Right. Take over, pilot. Aye, aye, sir.

Yes, company.

Run!

Stand easy, please.

First of all, you can forget about the buses.

We're going to raid the enemy.

Our objective... is to destroy the gate of the only dock on the Atlantic coast

of France that is large enough to house a German battleship.

The commandos, there are more of them in the MLs, will deal with the port

installations and hit the enemy as hard as they know how.

Here's a rough map of the port.

We shall be leading upriver, MLs following.

There are two sandbanks, here, here.

which the planners tell us we should clear by about 18 inches.

We shall meet some opposition, but whatever happens, our job is to ram that

gate. In the bow compartments, there are five tons of high explosive, which

would be time to go off two hours after we hit.

So I'm afraid there won't be much left of the old gift horse.

Any questions?

What happened to our other two smokestacks, sir?

The idea is to make us look like a German gunboat and fool the enemy into

holding his fire.

Any more?

How do we get out, sir?

We withdraw with the commandos and the NLs.

Now, I know how sad you must be feeling at the thought of losing the old gift

horse.

We've been together for a long time now.

We shall have much to remember.

No doubt people will say that...

She has been chosen for this operation because she's old and expendable.

Or perhaps because we've had some experience at ramming.

But I hope you'll believe, as I do, that it is an honor.

That's all. Come on, carry on.

That's all. Fall out.

When do you want gun crews closed up, sir?

Not until we reach the halfway mark.

I want all hands to conserve their energy as much as possible. They'll need

Aye, aye.

Clean underwear.

They think we'll need it.

It's in case of infection, if you're wounded.

What a comfort you are to have around.

I suppose you've been on this sort of party before.

Only once, old boy.

Filthy business.

I'm going to be a vet.

And all groups will rendezvous at this point here.

And finally, the password is Ramrod.

Ramrod.

And don't forget it.

Jeff. What, sir? Oh.

I just...

Well, the joke hit me.

I've never been what you call a sentimentalist, but it occurred to me

ever do manage to scramble aboard the MLS and get back to Blighty, things

be quite the same again, you know?

I know.

Close out to operational action stations, everyone. Aye, aye, sir.

Bend on the swastika, ready for hoisting, Yeoman. Aye, sir.

Number one, warn all gun crews that even if the bridge is wiped out on their

account, they will open fire so long as the swastika is flying. Aye, aye. We

alter course for the running 30 seconds from now. All gun crews, all gun crews,

you will not, I say again, not open fire so long as the swastika is flying.

Too much moon.

Dead romantic, sir.

Coxons, tier 1 -1 -4.

Tier 1 -1 -4, sir.

German. Sir. Up swastika. Aye, sir.

You can get your men up now, Major.

Ask them to keep quiet on deck, will you? Very good, sir.

Funny to think there's a Jerry working that light out.

I haven't picked up the other light yet, sir.

If we keep the lighthouse on our starboard bar, we can't be far out.

We should be at the entrance by now, sir.

There it is, pilot.

Were you able to check our position, pilot? Yes, sir. We're in the estuary

How's our depth?

All right, sir, partner.

Another minute and we should have passed the heavy batteries.

Stop, sir. Back to the drone. Both, sir.

It's clear.

All ahead, both.

All ahead, both, sir.

We are the same length, sir.

How far is it, pilot? Within 30 seconds, sir.

Keep going full ahead. Keep going full ahead, sir.

We're being challenged, sir.

Make the German signal.

Two ships damaged by enemy action.

Request permission to enter harbor.

Aye, sir.

Duncan, make the German signal. You're firing on friendly ships.

Aye, aye, sir.

on this damn sandbag. A pretty poor shot so far.

Signal acknowledged by enemy, sir.

He's off, sir.

Full ahead, both.

Enemy sees firing, sir.

Well done, Yeoman.

Well done, Duncan.

Course pilot.

060, sir. Steer 060.

Steer 060, sir.

Back ship.

Port power, sir. Yeoman, down swastika.

Hoist wide end, sir.

Down Spostika, up White Ensign, sir. A -gun train will enter me, folks, all.

Take it down the stern.

Ehrlichens, the breach.

Open fire.

Rapid firing. Commence, commence, commence.

Agon, ship target screen, 5 -0. Got it, 6 -1.

the wounded off as soon as the commanders are ashore. Aye, aye, sir.

Set all fuses for 0300.

2 -7 -4 -3 -W, sir. Very good.

Mark, all wounded in the MLs are stern.

Aye, aye, sir.

Number one. Aye.

Check below decks.

An abandoned ship.

Soon as all wounded are clear.

Better go to number one.

Better get a show.

Aye, aye, sir.

Glad you made it.

We got all the badly wounded off in an M .O., sir, but we're afraid she was the

last one. The rest were sunk.

Where's the doctor?

Afraid he was killed, sir.

Thank you.

She should have gone up by now, shouldn't she, sir?

Why doesn't she go up, sir? I don't know, Daniel.

We can't let her down now.

Lieutenant Commander Fraser, the raid has been a failure.

We have destroyed all your ships and killed or captured nearly all your men.

There too, we will have removed your old destroyer from the dock gates and you

will have achieved precisely nothing.

What was your object?

Why did you lose so many men and ships for nothing?

Why?

We want to see the old ship.

Yes. I saw the ship.

All right.

All right.

Leave a convention. Article 163. Treatment of prisoners of war.

You can't do a thing like that to a man in uniform. You ought to know that.

Right, let's go.