Original subtitles

[suspenseful music]

[engine hums]

[tense music]

[whistle blows]

[whistle blows]

[engine hums]

[explosion]

[explosion]

[man] The two battleships, Queen Elizabeth and Valiant

were sunk in Alexandria harbour by six men of the Italian Tenth Flotilla.

They came from a submarine,

but the underwater weapons that they used were new.

Human torpedoes, chariots.

Each was ridden by two divers and each carried an explosive warhead,

which was detached from the bows and slung by wires

under the hull of the target ship.

Those chariots have altered the naval balance of power in the Mediterranean.

They may yet alter the course of this war.

Already they've chosen their next target.

Ourselves.

Gibraltar, gentlemen. The gateway.

Whether we like it or not, we're the gateway to the Mediterranean.

If the enemy shuts us down, Malta is isolated.

So is Alexandria.

The Eighth Army loses its supply route, we lose North Africa.

-So we've got to keep open. -[ship's horn blows]

It's as simple as that.

In war, most gateways have a lock on them, a lock called security.

We haven't.

That's the difference.

Let me show you.

[ship's hooter blows in distance]

Over there in Algeciras, gentlemen, someone is watching us.

We call him the duty spy.

He sits there four miles across the bay in the neutral country of Spain

and he watches everything that happens on this rock.

He's watching us at this window.

He watches your ships as they enter and leave the bay.

-Any questions? -But how, sir? Where from?

The enemy has consulates in Algeciras. Luckily, so have we.

You mean, their agents over there tell the subs when a convoy arrives.

-And their boys attack it here? -Exactly.

The sooner we're on our way to Malta, the better.

Algeciras isn't their only source of information. See that airstrip down there?

Just beyond it is the Spanish frontier.

Every morning, thousands of men come down that road across the border

to work in the dockyard here.

Every evening, they go back again into Spain.

We do everything we can to screen them, but it's a pretty hopeless task.

Thank heavens we're only here for a few nights.

Well, gentlemen, now, at least, you know the picture.

You're anchored up here. Here's an anti-submarine net.

We shall do everything we can to protect you

but it's essential you order a sharp look-out to be kept all night.

-Any questions? -[all] No, sir.

Right, now, let's get down to details.

[plane passes overhead]

That's one thing about Gibraltar, we do get a regular air mail from home.

We also get the occasional bright boy from London to tell us how to run the war.

There's probably a Whitehall warrior on this one.

[they laugh]

-[engine hums] -[quiet chatter]

Crabb! Crabb, wake up!

Lieutenant Crabb, we're here!

-What is it? Where's the fire? Oof! -[clattering]

Oh, I wish you wouldn't do that, Mr Holford.

We're over the Rock.

-What rock? -Gibraltar, of course.

[Crabb yawns]

As a rule, people get very excited about their first view of Gib.

Well, I'm the exception. Besides, I'm tired.

I can't imagine why. You've been asleep nearly all the way.

You couldn't imagine the party I had last night either.

-You got a family, Mr Holford? -Oh, yes.

You're lucky. You can keep your farewells for them.

I'm a lonely man, so crowds of people turned up to see me off.

Never met most of them before, probably never see them again.

So, that's Gibraltar, eh?

-What are those ships out in the bay? -[Holford] They're a convoy at anchor.

And that's where the poor baskets get mines stuck on their hulls, is it?

Please. Careless talk.

They ever managed to blow up anything inside the harbour?

They've tried but we have the situation under control.

Divers, you know.

A lot of ships. How many divers?

[airman] Landing in two minutes. Hang on tight, everyone.

If we overshoot the airstrip, we go in the drink.

I know the Rock very well. If I can give you any tips, I--

You can give me one now. Where do I find the Admiral?

At the Naval Headquarters.

He's a very busy man, but I'm sure he'll put everything on one side

to welcome an RNVR Lieutenant.

Mr Holford, I've just bought myself a brand-new uniform

for the first time since the war started

and I propose to christen it properly by visiting that admiral.

Now then, how many divers did you say?

Two.

He'll see me.

[knock at door]

[sentry] Come in.

-Have you an appointment, sir? -No.

No one allowed in the Admiral's office without seeing the Assistant Secretary,

Third Officer Wren Masters, sir. This is her office, sir.

-Well, where is she? -Inside with the Admiral, sir.

Look, if I have to see her before I can go in,

and she is already inside, how the devil do I get in?

Oh, it is a problem, sir, isn't it?

Of course, you could wait until she comes out, sir.

I say, could you tell me how--

Even when she does comes out, sir, I doubt if she'd let you go in.

Not unless you have an appointment, sir.

Oh, she won't, won't she?

Now, you listen to me.

I came out to this blasted rock of yours to get on with the war.

And if you think that a whole army of Wrens, FANYs, ATS, WAAFs

are gonna stop me for getting in there, you're very much mista… Oh.

-[papers thud on desk] -[Crabb clears his throat]

That's a nasty cough.

-Are you Third Officer Wren Masters? -I am.

I want to see the Admiral.

-Name? -Crabb.

-Christian names? -Lionel Philip Kenneth.

Rank?

I'm a Lance Corporal in the Chinese army.

Lieutenant RNVR.

Identity card?

Thank you.

Why do you want to see the Admiral?

I arrived in Gibraltar one hour ago.

I'm a bomb and mine disposal officer and can't dispose of anything until I find it.

Bomb and mine disposal.

Oh, yes. We had a signal about you.

Incredible! Can I go in now?

-I'm afraid not. It's quite impossible. -Who says so?

I do, Lieutenant, quite alone,

without the assistance of any FANYs, ATS, WAAFs, or even another Wren.

-I'll wait. -It won't do you any good.

He's far too busy.

Why don't you go for a walk?

Miss Masters, I have not been sent to Gibraltar to go for walks.

-Now, will you please tell the Admiral-- -[door opens]

[men chatter indistinctly]

Sir? Uh…

-[door closes] -See what I mean?

[dramatic music]

How do I get to that breakwater down there?

Well, not being a Flag Lieutenant with an Admiral's car, you'd walk, old boy.

But which way?

Well, go round the end of the dockyard and out onto the mole.

Extraordinary fellow.

[man sings] ♪ In the Atlantic or the Med ♪

♪ Diver, diver, keep your head ♪

♪ Do what you ought to under the water If you don't-- ♪

Shut up.

-Enjoy your dip, sir? -Lovely. Boiling hot.

Diver's rum ration, sir.

-Best of luck. -Oxygen all right, Rattler?

If it's not, you can kiss me goodbye on the bottom.

-Come on. -[foghorn blasts]

Are you in charge of this diving party?

Well, actually, old boy, I am the torpedo officer of a mine sweeping flotilla.

But I like swimming so I thought I'd lend a hand.

-Name's Bailey, how do you do? -Crabb. Bomb and mine disposal.

No bombs, I'm afraid, old boy. We never get an air raid.

Peaceful little place, really.

Think you can find any mines for this officer to dispose of, Knowles?

Delighted, sir, provided they don't dispose of us first.

-This is Leading Seaman Knowles. -Sir.

How do you do, Knowles?

And over there is Able Seaman Morgan, about to dice with destiny in the deep.

Total strength diving party Gibraltar… two.

What about you?

Just done my farewell performance, old boy.

-Got to sail for home and beauty tomorrow. -We'll manage on our own, sir.

Ever managed to examine one of these mines?

Oh, yes, old boy.

They stick 'em on the hulls with a sort of inner tube affair.

We swim up with a knife, cut the tubes and the mine sinks.

Unless they're magnetic, and, uh, then we just pull.

Of course, some of them blow up without us finding them at all.

Not surprising, really.

It's even more surprising they don't blow up when you do find them.

[ship's horn toots]

Ever managed to take one of their fuses to bits?

Give us a chance, old boy.

Three chaps and the whole ruddy bay to clean up?

We haven't time to tow the beastly things ashore

and dissect them in a workshop.

Come to that, we haven't even got a workshop.

-Do you mind if I have a go? -What, dive?

Yes, this looks fairly simple to me.

-[Bailey] Ever done it before? -No, but I can swim.

What do you think, Knowles?

Well, sir, we've all got to start sometime and since you're going back to the UK.

All right.

Knowles, you show him the drill. I'm late for lunch.

Best of luck, old boy.

Just go down the ladder a few feet, old boy, and then come up again.

It's a piece of cake. See if you can breathe all right.

Uh, Knowles, you better tie a rope around him in case he can't! Bye!

There now, how's that?

This here's your oxygen bottle.

Now, normally, you just breath in air through this bag

but if you start feeling short of breath crank your bottle like this,

give yourself an extra whiff of oxygen, right?

I see, yeah.

Now, naturally, you breathe in through the mouth.

So, uh, mouthpiece in, sir.

-Bite firmly. -Mm-hmm.

Lovely. That's it.

-Uh, now the goggles, sir. -Mm-hmm.

Now, pull 'em down nice and firmly.

Give yourself a good seal.

-That's it. -Mm-hmm.

It's a pity Mr Bailey has to go.

He's done a fine job.

So, uh, maybe you can take his place, sir?

Nice to have an officer around the outfit.

Makes us seems more sort of respectable.

Oh, uh, one last thing, sir. Nose clip on.

You must have that on otherwise you might breathe in half the ruddy ocean.

-[muffled] Thank you vey much. -Now, let's get the rope around you, sir.

Now, I'm sorry to do this to you, sir, but, uh, we can't risk losing you,

not the first day we found you.

Now, just remember, breathe naturally,

and I'll give you four tugs on the rope when it's time to come up, right?

Off we go then, sir.

Now, you'll find Morgan down there, sir. He's only doing a practice himself.

Did you say your name was Crabb, sir?

You couldn't have a much better one for this job.

[dramatic music]

[car horn toots]

Name?

Leading Seaman Knowles, sir. Naval Diving Party, sir.

-What are you doing? -Pulling on the rope, sir.

What have you got on the end of it?

Crabb, sir. Uh, an officer, sir.

-Is he a diver? -No, sir.

Are you trying to drown him?

No, sir. Get him up, sir.

I… I think he's coming now, sir.

Miss Masters, about turn.

Oh, it's all right, sir. He's got his pants on.

Sorry, sir.

About turn, Miss Masters.

What did you get me up for, Knowles?

I've never enjoyed myself so much in my life!

You've got a new diving officer, my lad.

Just wait till I get my clothes on.

I'll get in to see that Admiral if I have to take that female dragon

and stick her upside down in one of her own filing cabinets!

Do you know these blasted goggles are full of water? I can't see a damn…

[Masters] The officer I was telling you about, sir. Lieutenant Crabb.

He arrived today from England to take up bomb and mine disposal duties.

Crabb, you should know you do not salute unless you're wearing a cap.

Yes, sir.

The same applies to trousers. Put them on.

Yes, sir.

[boat horn toots]

So, you want to take over the diving party and find the mines yourselves, eh?

Yes, sir, I think it's important to find out what types they are

-and we can't do that unless-- -I know all that.

Or I shouldn't be wasting my time talking to you.

Are you medically and psychologically suited to underwater work?

-Yes, sir. -Why?

As a properly qualified diver, I think Leading Seaman Knowles

could give you the details.

I don't want the details, I want an answer. Well?

Well, sir, you saw his face when he come out of the water.

-Always tell them then, sir. -Right, you've got the job.

Report to my Chief of Staff, he'll brief you in everything you want to know.

-Any questions? -More men and a diving boat, sir.

-I'd like more men and equipment, sir. -Yes, so should I.

When you've found a mine, come and see me.

Make an appointment with Miss Masters first, of course.

It'll be a pleasure, sir.

-And Crabb? -[Crabb] Sir?

It's important job. Don't make a muck of it.

[Crabb] Sir.

You ought to be wearing weighted shoes.

[muffled reply]

Be the last time he doesn't wear them!

[pleasant music]

[thud]

[thud]

[thud]

All right, stop looking so pleased with yourselves and get me a pair of shoes.

I want to get started on the next one.

You ought to have a rest in between, sir, we've got another 18 ships to clear.

We'll have a rest when it's dark!

I'll believe that when it happens.

[man on speaker] Lieutenant Crabb?

Lieutenant Crabb!

[Knowles] You'll have to jump, sir!

Now, sir!

It's a new type of mine, sir, never seen nothing like it before.

Fixed to the Willowdale's port bilge keel.

Searchlight on.

We'll be there in a couple of minutes.

-[exhales] -You all right?

Yes.

I don't feel tired when I'm diving, seems to catch me when I come up.

I know, sir.

I'm sorry I shouted at you this afternoon.

Oh, that's all right, sir. All divers have to blow off steam sometimes.

-I'd have had a go meself-- -What does this mine look like?

Well, sir, it's torpedo shaped and it's got a propeller.

It's attached to the hull by two metal clamps.

There's the Willowdale now, sir.

Morgan's waiting alongside in the diving boat.

Jolly exciting, this.

Usually spend all the night scooting up and down, dropping depth charges

in the faint hope of getting one of those underwater bastards.

If we get that mine off, that's what the Italians will be calling us.

Come on, Knowles.

[boat engine roars]

Good luck, mates. If you find a frogman down there, frog him!

-I'll go with you, sir. -I'll let you know if I need any help.

-Crew off the ship? -All except the skipper, sir.

What was your last port of call, Captain?

Lisbon. Spot of engine trouble.

-Are you going down now? -Yes.

Better watch out. Those clamps may be booby trapped.

If they are, you'll know it as soon as I do.

When it's clear, I'll secure it with the rope then you pull it in.

Right, sir.

[air hisses]

[tense music]

It's a nasty looking thing, Rattler. It's bloody horrible.

[water gurgles]

Got a cigarette?

Divers shouldn't smoke, you know.

Shouldn't dive either.

Do you think those clamps have got booby-traps on them?

[scraping]

-[muffled rumbling] -Blast that swell!

[faint ticking]

[foghorn blows]

I'm going in.

[air hisses]

[splashing]

[tense music]

[creaking]

Take it easy, sir.

Steady, Rattler, you've got a baby torpedo on the other end of that line.

[grunts]

Rope made fast, sir.

We'll have to tow it inshore. We've got to take it to bits.

Where, sir?

We'll find somewhere. You got a cigarette?

All right down there? Did you find it?

It's a beauty, Captain.

Give us ten minutes to get clear, then can take your crew on board.

Thanks very much. Be a pity if we couldn't get our cargo to Malta.

What are you carrying? Food?

No, high explosive.

Goodnight.

♪ In the Atlantic or the Med ♪

♪ Diver, diver, keep your head ♪

♪ Do what you ought to Under the water ♪

♪ If you don't Diver, you're dead ♪

Carefully, now. Take it easy.

Wait for that next breaker.

Right, pull!

-Here's Morgan now, sir. -About time, too.

I've brought the tools and the field telephone, sir.

What, in that picnic basket?

The tools are underneath, sir, but I thought we had earned some breakfast.

Remind me to have you made a petty officer.

I think it's caught in the sand, sir.

Right. Stay here, I'll get it.

Lovely place to bring a mine ashore.

A few feet of sand surrounded by barbed wire and a minefield.

How are we going to get it through that lot?

I gave up asking him questions three hours ago.

Look at the man.

He's like a mother with her baby.

If it doesn't go off in his face, he'll start singing to it.

Keep away from it!

Do you think you ought to take it through the wire, sir?

I mean, they might not understand.

Perhaps you'd like to take it to the dockyard or over there in Spain?

I can't think of anywhere else.

[ticking]

I thought you'd given up asking questions?

[aircraft passes]

My dear Wing Commander, you worry the life out of me

for more bombs and cannon shells,

and as soon as I get them for you, well, you say you don't want them.

I don't say I don't want them.

I merely say I can't store them here on this airstrip.

-Why not? -Because there isn't any room!

Look, everywhere except the runway is jammed tight with aircraft.

They're full of fuel and I can't risk their safety

by allowing high explosive near them.

-Oh, Smith? -Yeah.

-Let me know this aircraft's serviceable. -Very good, sir.

I'm sorry. You have to find somewhere else.

It really is impossible.

Good gracious, Crabb, what on earth are you doing?

Ah, good morning, Holford.

We're just enjoying a bit of breakfast.

-Here, have a banana. -Thank you very much.

You know you're in the wrong uniform. Summer rig started this morning.

And what the devil do you think you're doing on my airstrip?

We've been carrying out a sweep for mines in your sea, sir.

Can't risk any of them drifting ashore and damaging any of your aircraft, can we?

Why, no, of course. Well, good show, thanks very much. Press on.

Come along, Holford.

Very co-operative, you know, these naval chaps.

They realise the position we're in, do their best to help.

Now…

I'm going to remove the clock first and then the detonators.

Get the phone over there and write down everything I tell you.

-Aye-aye, sir. -Good luck, sir.

Go on, get on with it.

[ticking]

[ticking stops]

Removing last screw now.

[wind whistles]

We can't get any further away. If it blows up now, they'll have to bury us in Spain.

Shut up!

Starting to withdraw third…

and last detonator carriage…

now.

And for heaven's sake, be quiet.

If I jog this one we've had it.

[scraping]

[Masters] Mr Crabb?

The Admiral sent me to…

[tense music]

[inhales deeply]

It's quite safe now.

The-the Admiral sent me to find you.

He wants you to have lunch with him at his house.

Then I'd better go and change into the right uniform, hadn't I?

Yes, I see, but now tell me how the timing mechanism works

and try not to be too technical.

Well, sir, the mine had three detonators and two clocks.

The, uh, clocks were set to fire 48 hours after leaving port.

But they weren't the important part of the job.

That was the propeller and it worked like this.

You see, sir, irrespective of the clocks,

the propeller would turn as the ship went through the water

and after a certain number of revolutions, would explode the detonators.

So, the ship would blow up at sea and we'd think she'd been torpedoed.

Very ingenious.

But if the mine was planted in Lisbon,

why didn't it explode before the Willowdale got to Gib?

I don't think it was, sir.

She only went into Lisbon at the last moment because of engine trouble.

It would have been impossible for an enemy agent to do the job there.

You mean it was done here and she'd blow up on her way to Malta?

Yes, sir.

But the Admiral has already told us,

there's been no submarine activity for the last week.

Go ahead, Crabb, say what you think.

Well, sir…

-You're the British consul in Algeciras. -Yes.

All right, George. You may as well tell him our suspicions.

He's guessed them anyway.

Does the name Tomolino mean anything to you?

-Antonio Tomolino? -Yes.

I should say. He was the best marine engineer and designer in Italy

and one of the greatest experts in underwater warfare in the world.

As far as we know, he usually works with the Tenth Flotilla.

You're remarkably well informed, Crabb.

But you may not know that he got married a year ago.

His wife's name is Conchita and she apparently needs sea air.

So, he took a villa for her and built a large window into one of the walls.

The villa is in Algeciras

and the window faces straight towards Gibraltar.

They've been there ten months.

And that's a pretty long honeymoon…

even for an Italian.

Well, if the Tenth Flotilla is operating from Algeciras,

they must be relying on frogmen diving from some lonely part of the coast.

They can't be using chariots

because they need a base and workshops for maintenance.

I presume you would have noticed those, sir?

Oh, naturally. So would the Spanish authorities.

We don't even know that there are frogmen there.

All we know for certain is that Tomolino and his wife

are living in the Villa Carmelo.

Are you doing anything more about it, sir?

Mr Crabb, you don't seem to appreciate that Algeciras is neutral territory.

I can't just break into Tomolino's villa

and ask him whether he has a group of Italian frogmen as house guests.

You do keep it under constant observation, don't you?

Well, naturally, I have an extremely good pair of German binoculars

mounted on a tripod on the balcony of the consulate.

At this moment, one my Spanish staff is guarding them.

Is there anything else you think I should do, Mr Crabb?

-[flamenco music plays] -[street chatter in distance]

-[people chatter] -[birds sing]

Forzellini, come and have some wine!

It's no good, Forzellini.

There are no women left in Gibraltar, only monkeys.

[they laugh]

There is something much more interesting for me.

They are working at the main entrance to the harbour.

Some sort of depth charge projector, I think.

That man will never relax until the war is over.

Where did you say you found those binoculars, Rosati?

-In a shop, senora. -I don't believe it.

Senora Tomolino, would I ever lie to a beautiful woman?

Of course.

But my husband will find out where they came from.

I hope not.

As a husband I am sure he leaves nothing to be desired.

But as a commanding officer, he sometimes lacks a sense of humour.

And you're exactly the opposite.

As a junior officer, you are a clown.

As a husband, you'd be a louse, eh, Fellini?

No woman would have him unless she is deaf as well as blind!

In Florence, there is one who is neither,

and when the war is over, I'll go back and I'll say to her, "Now, look…"

-Have you heard from Maria? -Yes.

Soon, I shall be going on leave.

For two weeks, Maria and I will forget the war.

We'll be husband and wife, alone together.

Then when I come back, I shall fight all the harder for her sake.

[ship's horn blows in distance]

How far is it across the bay to Gibraltar?

Four miles.

I suppose there are Englishmen over there,

saying and thinking the same things as we are.

With those binoculars, you must see almost their faces.

Conchita?

If you don't mind, I want to talk to them.

Of course.

Come, Forzellini.

Sit down, sit down.

Now, listen carefully.

I've had a report that a British cruiser is due in Gibraltar this evening.

Our job is to see that she never leaves there.

We shall attack it tonight, when the moon is at its weakest.

Until we get more supplies of warheads, I can only use one chariot.

Forzellini with Fellini as his diver.

Celloni, Neta, Neoli and Mario will standby for a frogmen attack

if other targets should arrive.

-Celloni, you will lead them. -Yes, sir.

-Sir! -You will not be taking part, Rosati.

-Sir, if Forzellini goes, I should go. -You heard what I said.

Now, carry on, everyone.

Leave the house at 15 minute intervals.

Usual security.

I'll see you all later.

-Rosati? -Sir?

I passed the British Consulate on my way up the hill.

-Yes, sir? -I noticed their binoculars were missing.

If I thought that one of my officers had taken them,

I should punish him most severely.

This is a neutral port.

And I do not approve of burglars.

In any case, our telescope is much better.

But I'm sure they will be returned. Hm?

No sense of humour at all.

[they laugh]

It's our duty to blow up their ships.

But we're not allowed to borrow their binoculars.

[ship's horn blows]

[explosion]

[Morgan] Heard the latest, Sid?

Vera Lynn's joined the ranks.

No, serious.

We're going to invade North Africa.

Don't be daft, we're already in North Africa.

-What do you think the 8th Army's doing? -No, I mean, from this end.

From Gib, the Yanks and us.

Then they'll work their way along and meet Monty and his lot, see?

Who told you, Eisenhower?

There's a cruiser coming in this evening.

For your information, that cruiser's arriving for a refit

before she goes on to Malta.

And even if she were landing the whole American army in Africa,

your job is still to get those blasted things ready before it's dark

and not stand there gossiping! Now, come on, get on with it!

That's what comes of eating with admirals. Pick up bad habits.

Cruiser's inside the harbour.

Forzellini will find it.

Before he left, he told me what he called this place.

He said it was the most advanced base of our navy in the enemy waters.

[engine hums]

What are you writing?

A letter to my nephew, sir. Routine, every week.

How old is he?

He's four, sir. Born here in Gib, just before the war.

I wonder what he'd think of it now?

Oh, he'd love it, sir.

Right up his street, all this lot, cowboys and Indians.

I'd like to meet him some day.

I hope you will, sir.

[siren wails]

Start firing!

[cannon fire]

Stop firing, boat coming through!

[siren stops]

Steer straight ahead!

[explosion]

[explosion]

[explosion]

[explosion]

Look, sir! Look over there!

Bring her around!

Stop engine.

That is the first time I've ever seen the enemy.

[officer 1] Where did you come from?

[officer 2] Fellini, answer the question.

You have questioned me for two days.

I can't tell you anything more.

We came from the submarine Ambra and, by now, she's back to Italy.

-We shall raise your chariot. -It will tell you nothing.

-Who is the captain of Ambra? -[Fellini] Tenente di Vascello Arillo.

[officer 1] Where did she sail from?

I cannot answer that.

-[knock at door] -Come in.

Excuse me, sir. Can I speak to Lieutenant Crabb for a moment?

Yes, certainly.

Now, Fellini, tell me this. How did you manage to…

-Have you found the chariot? -No, sir.

We were diving from the bell barge all day until it got dark.

-There's not a sign of it, sir. -Then we'll go on until we do find it.

The warhead didn't explode and we can repair the rest.

It might come in very useful some day.

So might a bit of sleep.

Any luck?

Right, Fellini. We shall question you again in half an hour.

Take him away.

Please, when is the funeral of Sottotenete Forzellini?

That's a matter for the maintenance department, they'll dispose of the body.

So, they will dispose of it.

Why do you want to know?

He was my friend.

He had courage.

You work under the water?

So, you will understand that I would like to say my farewell to such a man.

[sombre music]

Out of the depths I cry to thee, oh Lord.

Lord, hear my voice.

Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

If thou, oh Lord, shalt observe iniquities,

Lord, who shall endure it?

[she prays in Italian]

-[Tomolino in Italian] Amen. -Amen.

[seagulls cry]

[splashing]

[in English] Who is that officer in the boat?

He's a good man.

We found the chariot, sir.

-[Knowles] Find any mines? -[Morgan] No.

-[Knowles] Happy in your work? -[Morgan] No!

[Knowles] Rattler, I am going to confess something to you.

[Morgan] What?

-[Knowles] I'm tired. -[Morgan] So am I, blinking tired.

[Knowles] Not so bad just diving almost every ruddy day and night for a month.

But when you've got to spend your spare time

fixing up this ruddy Italian chariot contraption as well.

It's enough to make a saint turn in his ruddy halo.

-[ship's horn toots] -We haven't got enough blokes, that's all.

Aye, that's what I said to Crabby last night.

Said what?

I told him we was feeling a bit overworked.

You said that to Crabby?

No. No good.

Why do you want to be a diver?

Well, sir, our ship got your signals asking for volunteers, sir.

[whispers] He's only been in the service 18 months

and he's spent nine of them under arrest.

Absent without leave four times.

Don't take any notice of those conduct sheets, sir.

Terrible stuff they put about you there, terrible.

You could get them for libel in Civvy Street, really.

Possibly, but this is the Navy. Now, tell me why you volunteered.

The excitement, sir.

The fascination of a hidden world beneath the sea.

The… The poetry of moving, slow and graceful,

like a fish in its natural element.

I've always wanted to try it, sir, to break the laws of gravity.

To fly, up and down, or round and round.

The colours changing all the time.

To be free, sir, free like the birds in the sky.

Thank you for coming.

But I was meant to be a diver, sir.

I think it was the whole reason for my birth.

If you're not out of this office in five seconds,

it'll be the whole reason for your sudden death.

Yes, I take your meaning, sir.

Ah, well.

Got to try everything once. Best of luck, sir.

Oh, sorry, sir.

-[door closes] -[Masters laughs]

When the war's over, I'll probably be asking him for a job.

How many more are there?

Seventeen. Diving's popular this year.

Well, now that you've taken over my office, I suppose I'd better feed you.

Send up some sandwiches, please.

[whistling]

[man on speaker] Special duty men close up. Hands to stations for leaving harbour.

If it wasn't for us and our little old depth charges, Sid,

that cruiser there wouldn't be leaving the harbour,

she'd be sitting on the bottom of it.

Cheer up, mate. They may work us too hard but now that we've got our flippers,

I wouldn't swap them for a leading killick's job on board that lot.

Polishing brightwork all day just to please some perishing petty officer.

Oh, from one of those, may my guardian angel protect me, forever and ever, amen.

Hear, hear.

[hooter toots]

[foghorn blasts]

-Just off, Thorpe? -Yes, sir.

Very bad luck but you must obey doctor's orders.

-Yes, sir. -Shore service from now on.

It comes to all of us in time.

Goodbye, sir. Good luck on the way to Malta.

-Thank you, Thorpe. -Thank you, sir.

I'm sorry to lose you.

If you put that cigarette out, you might get rid of that smokescreen

and discover what you're supposed to be doing.

Good luck, Chief, hope you get a ship back to England soon.

Long as we're not on it with you.

Where do you think you are, Covent Garden? Square that cap off!

[horn toots]

Don't look now, Rattler, but I think your guardian angel's gone on leave.

[foghorn blasts]

-Italian chariot, Chief. -Is it?

This yours?

Aye, it's an oxygen cylinder.

Is it, really? You were going to use it, were you?

That's right, Chief. It's probably a bit technical for you.

What's wrong with your oxygen booster pump?

Nothing that I know of. How's yours?

You might be interested to learn, my friend,

I used to be an instructor in Davis Escape Apparatus

and I'm telling you that that bottle is empty.

When did you last change the CO2 absorbing cannister?

-Ten days ago, Chief. -Ten days? Cor, blimey.

Talk about the Charge of the Light Brigade.

Haven't you read Admiralty Fleet orders?

"CO2 absorbent granules must renewed after use

when the set is laid aside prior to further practice."

You might not be the one to wear that set next

and you, therefore, might perhaps commit murder.

I know who I'd choose to wear it next.

What's your job?

-Underwater Working Party, Chief. -More like a suicide squad.

Who's in charge of you? I want to talk to him.

Lieutenant Crabb.

I don't think he knows much about oxygen booster pumps either.

Then I'll just have to enlighten him, won't I?

Come on now, where is he?

Don't know, Chief. He's usually here with us.

Of course, he might be extricating CO2 absorbent granules

from the upper middle fu-fu valve, Chief.

Very humorous. Come here.

Take that cigarette out of your mouth.

Now, you've had your little joke.

We're going to see your officer and if we don't,

I'll give you absorbent granules where the monkey got the nuts. Step lively!

It's a judgement, Sid, it is. A judgement.

[Thorpe] And bring my suitcase!

Able Seaman Fraser.

Ordinary Seaman Thomas.

I've decided to take you on as members of the Naval Underwater Working Party.

We start training immediately. Any questions, Fraser?

I've done a wee bit of bomb disposal, sir. Is there much difference with mines?

Not a sausage. You make a mistake, they blow up.

Same results exactly. Thomas?

Well, sir. We really have got the job, haven't we?

I mean, you won't change your mind?

Not unless you change yours.

Oh, no, sir. But… there is one small point I think I should mention.

-What's that? -I can't swim.

[Crabb] What!

We've been looking everywhere for you, sir. This Chief Petty Officer here…

Chief Petty Officer Thorpe, sir.

Specialist in Davis Submarine Escape Apparatus, sir.

Having just been discharged from one of HM cruisers to shore service,

I saw these two men--

Specialist in DSEA?

Yes, sir, 15 years of it, sir. I saw--

-Discharged to shore service? -Yes, sir. I saw--

-You mean, you're looking for a job? -Yes, sir. I--

Stretching a point, I suppose you could call us shore based.

Like to join the Underwater Working Party?

Yes, sir, I would, sir.

Good, I'll fix it officially later.

You said we were short-handed, Knowles. Well, we've got two new ratings.

And you're lucky, we've also got a Chief Petty Officer in charge of training.

Very lucky, sir.

Is it all right, sir, about my not being able to swim?

Chief, this man wants to be a diver and can't swim.

Nothing to worry about, sir.

Some of the best in the business can't swim a stroke on the surface.

-You leave him to me, sir. -Right, Chief, you're in charge.

-Get them into their quarters. -Aye-aye, sir.

Party, 'shun! Left turn.

Quick… Wait for it.

Where are their quarters, sir?

Their quarters?

Ah, Miss Masters. Slight problem.

The Underwater Working Party has no roof over its head.

Oh, yes, it has, I've just arranged it.

You're in luck. Every modern convenience and a nice view of the sea.

-Well, where is it? -I'll show you.

-Follow me, gentlemen. -Party, quick march!

[upbeat march plays]

…and this bastion was named after Captain Jumper of HMS Lenox.

He was one of the first men ashore when the British captured Gibraltar in 1704.

If you ask me, he'd have done better to stay on his ship

and mind his own business.

-Proper little bastion, isn't it? -Watch your language, ladies present!

It does open, really.

Here we are.

[ship's horn blows in distance]

"All modern conveniences and a nice view of the sea."

Well, it may be a bit primitive,

but it was one of the last two places on the Rock.

I'm not surprised. What was the other?

The old prison.

The electricity's laid on and it's got running water, look.

-[water gurgles] -[rumbling]

-Are you all right? -Yes.

Better turn it off, Miss, before you blow up the Rock.

-[Thomas] Sir? -Yes?

-This dog, sir. -What about it?

Well, it's a bitch, sir.

And, well…

[puppies yap]

Look, sir.

[he laughs]

Good, we'll train them to smell out Italians.

-[cat meows] -And that cat, too.

-Don't tell me she's got kittens? -No, Sid, just fleas.

Make a nice present for the Chief.

-You must come and have some tea sometime. -Here's a pot, sir.

-Proper little home from home. -Thank you, Chief.

A little elbow grease, four willing volunteers,

we'll have this place shipshape in no time. Right!

Volunteers for scrubbing out and decorating. You, you and you.

Come on, get weaving.

And you, foster mother, come on, let's fall in there.

[puppies whine]

Party, 'shun!

Now, you two animal lovers, painters and scrubbers.

Remain at 'shun. About turn!

Quick march!

[Thorpe sings tunelessly] ♪ …and palaces ♪

♪ Though I may roam ♪

[hums melody]

♪ …no place like home ♪

[puppies yap]

♪ …oh, wherever I may roam ♪

Here we are, boy.

[keeps humming]

♪ There's no place like home ♪

-[bangs gong] -Wakey, wakey!

Rise and shine! Come on, let's have you! Come on out here, come on!

You should have started PT ten minutes ago.

Get up. What's the matter with you, rigor mortis?

-[bangs gong] -Wakey, wakey!

Turn out!

Come on, Thomas. You'll never learn to swim in there.

Wakey, wakey. Come on.

-Good morning, sir. -[yawns] What's good about it?

[Thorpe] Right, your commanding officer's set an example, so look lively there.

Morning, Papagayo!

[Thorpe] Get out in that lovely sunshine!

Get a wriggle on! What do you think this is, a rest home?

Cor, blimey, Thomas, what are you doing in that bath, drinking it?

Everyone out! And when I say everyone, I mean everyone!

-[ship's horn blows] -[Thorpe] Squad. Squad, 'shun!

Now then.

Physical training isn't just for your big muscles.

It's to get your big heads working, as well.

Right, mental coordination exercise number one. Arms bent!

Now then, when I say, "Arms upward, stretch!" I want you to stretch 'em down.

Arms upward, stretch!

What's the matter? Stiff neck?

Shake your head.

-Do you hear anything rattle? -No, Chief.

I'm not surprised. All right, put your arms down.

Now then, you've got to keep fit.

Diving training starts tomorrow.

Squad, feet astride, jump!

Deep breathing exercises commence. In!

Hold it!

-I thought we'd been trained. -[Thorpe] Out!

-Not by a Chief Petty Officer. -[Thorpe] Squad, 'shun!

Double march, 'shun! Left, right, left, right!

Knees up! Up, up, up! Come on, get them up. Up, up, up!

Forward!

That's very good, sir. Just another half hour.

About turn!

[club splashes]

Thanks very much, sir. Now we've only got one club left in Gibraltar.

Party, halt!

Prepare to lift weights. Down!

Two, three… up!

Look, boys, I don't want 'em up next week.

I don't want them up tomorrow, I want 'em up today.

Stand aside, Seaman Knowles.

Down! Two, three. Up!

[they laugh]

[air hisses]

Come on, Fraser boy. Come on, hurry up.

As soon as Fraser gets down he'll tell Thomas to come up then you two go in.

If you've got anything to say to me, say it, don't look it.

Look, Chief, I'm all for a bit of practice

but Rattler and I were diving operationally last night.

For three hours, Chief.

-What's your first name, Knowles? -You know that, Sid.

All right, Sid.

You and Rattler have done enough dips

to know it's not just a matter of going for a swim, right?

-[Knowles] Aye. -[blows]

I've known divers who've done twice as many as you. More.

Thought they knew it all.

Too grand to take a refresher course. And what happens?

One day they're in a hurry, forget the drill.

Get excited, make too much effort…

carbon dioxide poisoning.

-Kills them just like that. -[clicks fingers]

Just a matter of discipline, like everything else in this life.

And now that I know your first name,

I don't want to have to write it on your coffin. Are you with me?

Aye, whatever you say, Chief.

[ship's horn blows]

[sailor] Jolly good swim, youngster!

Chuck him a penny, boys!

Ha! We're in the wrong outfit, mate!

Join the Navy, learn to paddle at the expense of the government!

[all laugh]

All right, all right.

Now, just you remember this, the Royal Navy got you out of France

and when the time comes that same Royal Navy will take you back again.

And in the meantime, you'll have your bottoms examined

by that same Royal Navy and, what's more, you'll like it!

-[birds sing] -[chuckles]

-What are you looking at? -The British divers.

They are wearing themselves out looking for mines which do not exist.

[laughs] It's very funny.

Good, excellent.

[laughs] Now it's the water boat again.

[foghorn blasts]

[arguing in Spanish]

I am the water boat!

Why you look at me for mines?

I have no mines!

Every day, I go to Algeciras for fresh water and bring it back to Gibraltar.

That is all I do. Algeciras, Gibraltar.

Gibraltar, Algeciras.

That's exactly why we have to search you, Miguel.

Every day you make me late.

It is not my war. I am Spaniard! I'm neutral! I protest!

-All clear forward, sir. -See you mañana, Miguel.

Mañana, mañana!

Why doesn't General Franco take Gibraltar and give it to the Japanese?

Tonight, they will have real work to do.

Look at that.

Ammunition ships for Malta.

But tonight they will be anchored over there.

We are still waiting for chariot warheads, Rosati.

But you are all good swimmers.

And mines can do a lot of damage to ammunition ships.

[suspenseful music]

[bell rings]

[bell rings in distance]

[splashing]

[footsteps approach]

[coughs]

[dramatic music]

Full ahead!

-Did the others all get clear? -We are the last.

[explosion]

[explosion]

[explosion]

[Thorpe] There we are, that'll make your tea taste much better.

Now, wait a minute, son. Drink it slowly.

Here we are, Rattler.

-[glass clinks] -[liquid pours]

Just what the doctor ordered, eh?

Come on, Jock.

You get that inside you.

There we are, sir. Two days' rum ration in there.

Thanks, Chief.

[Thomas sobs]

Bloody murderers!

-Thomas? -No, it's best not to talk to him, sir.

Takes some like that the first time they've been in action.

Quite a first time.

Three ships sunk.

But you and the boys saved the rest of 'em.

I wouldn't call that a defeat in any language, sir.

Here's the transport, sir.

All right, boys.

I'll look after the kid, sir, you get on.

Come on, my son.

Up you get.

We're going home.

Left, right, left, about turn!

Now, swing those arms!

Hands on top, look to the front!

About turn!

Cor, blimey.

Bloody pongos!

[sergeant] Left, right!

-Excuse me, mate. -About turn!

Look, mate. I've got one officer and four ranking divers in there.

-They've only had two hours' sleep. -Swing those arms!

-So, I'll be very grateful if you'd be-- -About turn!

I said I'll be very grateful if you'd be kind enough

to find somewhere else to run the Aldershot Tattoo.

Platoon, halt!

You would, chum?

Yes, chum, I would.

All right, chum, you tell me when they wake up,

we'll send them afternoon tea and biccies.

Thank you, chum.

Platoon!

Shh.

[quietly] On the command, dismiss, fall in 200 yards down the road.

Dismiss!

-[shouts] On tip toe! -Shh!

Sorry, chum.

All right, chum.

[engines roar]

Don't worry, chum, we'll fit them with silencers next year

for the benefit of the Royal Navy.

-[aircraft engines splutter] -Look!

[telephone rings]

Underwater Working Party, Chief Petty Officer Thorpe speaking.

Yes, I saw it, sir.

Lieutenant Crabb?

Well, he's still asleep, sir.

-Well, I don't like to wake him, sir. -What's going on?

[Thorpe] Hold on a minute, sir, he's just coming, sir.

-The Duty Officer, Naval HQ, sir. -Yes.

An aircraft just crashed in the bay.

It was taking that Polish General Sikorski back to England.

-They want you to go down-- -All right, I'll talk to him.

Crabb here.

Right. We'll get going at once.

They found the General's body on the surface

but his briefcase is still down there in the aircraft.

It's full of official papers.

We've got to get it before it's washed up on the Spanish coast.

The lads are pretty tired, sir.

I want them all fully equipped and down at the breakwater in ten minutes.

That's an order. See that it's done.

Yes, sir.

All right, boys, everybody up.

[boat engine rumbles]

All right, Thorpe.

-Full astern! -Stand by!

Crashed just about here, sir.

Stop engine!

We'll go down to the wreck of the old troop ship and start from there.

The aircraft shouldn't be far away.

-All set? -All set, sir.

[tense music]

[thudding]

[dramatic music]

[bubbles gurgle]

[bubbles gurgle]

We failed.

I'm sorry.

Rosati, come and eat something.

In every battle…

someone must win and someone must lose.

-You did your best. -I lost two of our best men.

And someone must die. It's not your fault.

Listen, Rosati, it's over. There are other things to think about.

After this morning, the enemy will know for certain that we are working from here.

-But they don't know how. -No!

And they mustn't find out.

The British Eighth Army is advancing along the north coast of Africa.

Very soon they will land another army, over there, in Morocco and Algeria.

And the two will meet.

And that army, or the great part of it, will sail from Gibraltar.

Unless we are able to stop them.

-What are you going to do? -Ask for men.

Chariots, warheads.

And then, like the British…

wait.

Wait.

[Crabb] Wait. Wait.

Wait!

That's all I ever hear. Wait!

It's six weeks since I sent in my report about that aircraft.

And what's been done about it? Nothing!

Except that you've type 500 letters

and the Navy has changed back into blue uniform.

[Admiral] Crabb?

Shut the door, will you?

-I sent your report to the Admiralty. -[door closes]

They point out that Algeciras is neutral territory

and that the Spaniards are certainly not assisting the frogmen.

Therefore, no action can be taken except on the highest government authority.

Of course, it is a perfectly correct decision.

But the danger, sir.

I'm quite as much aware of it as you are, Crabb.

In fact, even more so.

The next convoy due in here will probably be the most important one we've ever seen.

-The invasion force for North Africa, sir? -I didn't say that.

I said, the most important one we've ever seen.

-When, sir? -Quite soon.

The Allies aren't prepared to invade Spain for you,

but they will expect that convoy to be protected from underwater attack

whilst it is in Gibraltar.

Any questions?

No questions, sir.

-Right. Carry on. -Sir.

[ship's horn blows]

[in Spanish] The English are a pain in the neck.

-Right. -We should have sailed somewhere else.

[in English] Well? OK?

All clear, chum.

-[in Spanish] Unbearable! -The English are such idiots.

[in English] What is this?

All clear in here too, Miguel.

All clear outside, all clear inside.

You searched my cabin!

Already, I'm late! It's too much!

-[in Spanish] I can't take this. -Neither can I.

[in English] I'll complain to my government, and to the Red Cross!

I brought you a Christmas present, Miguel.

Real Scotch.

Christmas?

It's not Christmas for two months!

Better take it. You might all be blown up by then.

Here's one for you, Admiral.

This is straight, on my level?

Right on your level, amigo.

To thank you for letting us search your ship so often.

Amigo, good man!

Rule Britannia! [laughs]

Scotland forever!

We drink, eh?

I thought you were late.

-We are late? -Si.

So? We will be later.

[they laugh]

[horn blasts]

-Arriba España! -God save King George!

-Viva Franco. -Viva Roosevelt!

-Mm! -Amigo!

-Amigo! -Hey!

[claps rhythmically]

Olé!

[sings flamenco melody]

[all chant]

-[all] Olé! -[cheering, laughing]

-Hey, Miguel. -Señor Crabb.

How much would you charge to take me from here

to Algeciras in the morning and bring me back to Gibraltar in the evening?

-Do you understand? -Si, si. Excuse me.

[in Spanish] We have to take them to Gibraltar as soon as possible.

I've got to speak to you, sir.

Don't look so worried, Thorpe.

I'm only going to pop over to Algeciras with Knowles

and find out how the Tenth Flotilla operate.

What's wrong with that?

You haven't permission from higher authority.

And I'm not prepared to let you go under those circumstances.

-Oh, aren't you? -You're my commanding officer, sir.

I wouldn't like to see you get court-martialled.

What the…?

King's regulations and Admiralty instructions state

any officer acting without prior authority--

Damn it, Thorpe, don't quote the book at me.

I'm going and you're not stopping me.

I wasn't intending to, sir.

But you must ask permission first.

You know as well as I do I'd never get it.

I didn't specify get it, sir, I just said ask for it.

Of course, you must put your request in writing

and see that the bloke it's addressed to don't get it. See what I mean?

-No. -Never mind, sir.

What time does the water boat leave?

-12:45. -12:45. Right. Now then.

In the morning, you make a written application to the Admiral as follows.

Message begins.

"I request permission to make a day trip to Algeciras

to investigate activities of the Italian Tenth Flotilla."

"Knowing how busy you are, and in view of the urgency in this matter,

I shall assume that unless I hear to the contrary by 12:45,

permission has been granted and I shall proceed accordingly."

Message ends.

Mark the envelope "Urgent and Immediate" and send it by hand, sir.

-Whose hand? -No names, no backdrop, sir.

[upbeat music]

[ship's bell chimes]

Help!

Help!

[foghorn whoops]

[seagulls cry]

[Knowles] I may be able to speak a bit of Spanish, sir, but, uh…

Well, how do I look, sir?

Absolutely terrible.

Fine! You look like a real Spaniard.

That's very encouraging, mate. We're supposed to be Swedes.

Can you suggest a good place for us to have a drink, Miguel?

Try the Café Estepona.

Everyone go there. All kinds of people, huh? [chuckles]

[foghorn whoops]

I leave at six. I do not wait.

We're coming alongside. I must be on top.

Good luck, amigos!

What does he mean, sir, "all kinds of people"?

We'll soon find out.

Don't forget, I can only speak Swedish.

We'll have some very interesting little chats.

[lively music]

[people chatter]

-Feel the difference? -What, sir?

No war. It's another world.

Certainly is, sir.

-Buenos días. -Buenos días.

That's not what I meant. Keep your mind on the job.

-Sorry, sir. -Look!

[in Spanish] Excuse me. Excuse me.

[exhales]

[in English] There we are, sir. Café Estepona.

Right, you handle the Spanish.

If anyone's listening, we talk gibberish, otherwise English.

Keep a look out for anyone that looks like an Italian.

[in Spanish] What will it be, sir?

[in Spanish] Uh, two glasses of wine, please.

All right.

[in English] Cigarette, sir?

Idiot!

Sorry, sir, never took a course in espionage.

[men speaking Spanish]

-My wife is so sick. -What does the doctor say?

Doctor? We don't go to the doctor. Hear this, my friend. I'm a humble worker.

We don't have the money to go to the doctor.

Just ask for the money. The money!

What do you think, my friend? What do you think?

[in Spanish] We're Swedish.

Swedish! Nice to meet you!

Thank you, friend. [laughs]

Let's go now.

[man in German] Herman, you know, we need to take something with us.

It's much cheaper here.

[man 2 in German] This heat! Come on! It's very hot today.

Let's go over there.

[in English] Germans.

Proper little hotbed of conspiracy, isn't it?

Hey, look, sir!

Can't you keep your mind--

No, no, not that, sir, look at his arm.

The tattoo.

Italian.

Quick. Drink up. We'll follow him.

Pull your sleeve down!

Dino, Bruno, ciao!

[they laugh]

[in Italian] I saw a beautiful girl today, at the café.

Such big, pretty, black eyes and a beautiful body!

Shame I won’t be able to see her tonight.

[in English] Look like sailors going back off shore leave, sir.

The way he was kissing that girl, I'd say they've been here some time.

Scruffy looking lot, sir.

Doesn't look much like the Tenth Flotilla to me.

I don't suppose we look very much like the British Navy.

[crane engine whirrs]

They're going onboard that tanker.

Let's go and have a look at it.

[in Italian] Pull it up!

Come on, guys!

A bit more to the left!

[in English] Look at that.

[in Italian] Pass that barrel!

[in English] Must be interned.

[man shouts in Italian] Come on, hurry up guys!

[in English] What do you think's in those drums?

Diesel oil, probably. We'll know in a minute.

[in Italian] Work harder guys, come on!

Come on!

It’s full.

[in English] Diesel oil, just like you said.

We've drawn a blank, sir.

Those drums could be fixed.

The oil might be in a tube

and the rest of the drum packed with something else.

[man in Italian] It's fine like this.

[in English] Wishful thinking, sir.

[crane whirrs]

[men shouting in Italian] Stop, stop!

It’s coming down!

Get away!

Do something! Quick!

[rope creaks]

[dramatic music]

Stop it, stop it!

[panicked shouting in Italian]

Watch out! It’s falling!

[clattering]

Watch out!

Get away!

[in English] Wishful thinking, was it? Did you see their faces?

Blimey, sir, there's a lot more than diesel oil in that drum.

We've got to find out what's going on.

Get aboard, sir? They'd stop us.

I didn't say we'd go aboard.

How long can you hold your breath underwater?

[men shout in Italian]

[man sings operatically in Italian]

Lovely voice, hasn't he, sir?

We'll take it in turns to do short dives.

The one on the surface keep a look out.

I want to check the whole hull right up to the bows.

The water boat leaves in half an hour, sir.

I don't fancy spending the night here even with old Caruso to sing me to sleep.

I'll go down first.

Pull yourself along the waterline and keep your head down.

[singing continues]

[man sings long note]

[singing stops]

[men chatter indistinctly in Italian]

[seagulls squawk]

[splutters]

Sorry, sir, couldn't see nothing out of the ordinary.

[ship's horn blows]

Right.

I'll take the last dive.

[ship's horn blows]

Take it easy, sir.

[pants] I've found it.

A damn great hole under the bows.

What?

There must be a sealed compartment inside. We've got to get in there.

If anything goes wrong, you make a dash for it, get back into port, right?

-Yeah, but what about you? -That's an order, Knowles.

-Aye-aye, sir. -Ready?

Come on.

[suspenseful music]

My God!

How clever and how simple!

Of course, no one ever sees them.

They go through that hole and they never break surface.

I'd like to blow up one of these things.

Come on, we've got to find out what's on the other side of that bulkhead.

You were right about these drums, sir.

Filled with machinery and explosive for warheads.

[door opens]

[men chatter indistinctly in Italian]

-We've got to get out, sir. -Quiet.

[men chatter indistinctly in Italian]

-[in Italian] Giorgio! Everything ready? -Ready.

[in English] They're coming in here, sir!

Go on, into the water!

[men chatter indistinctly in Italian]

[in Italian] Are we ready then?

[crane whirrs]

Fasten it. Good.

Forward.

Slowly. Slowly.

Careful.

Yes.

Stop.

Slowly, lower it.

Slowly.

-Let go. -Stop.

Untie of the cable.

Perfect.

It has so much explosive in it, it could blow up… boom!

[they laugh]

[in English] They've gone! Come on!

It was like a gigantic factory carved out of the hold of the ship.

Tomolino must have designed it

and then they built it when the Olterra was interned.

The Spaniards knew nothing about it and nor did we.

Well, let's also accept that now we know how and where they operate.

And… Well, what do we do next, sir?

I suggest you instruct your Chief Petty Officer on how to ride a bicycle.

Delayed messages are something I learned about as a midshipman,

and I don't like them.

Sorry, sir.

If ever you try to send me another one, I'll have you court-martialled, clear?

Yes, sir.

-Can I carry on now, sir? -No.

Have a drink. You've earned it.

Thank you, sir. Sorry, I'm in the wrong rig, sir.

I told you that the next convoy due here

would probably be the most important one we've ever had.

The first part of it arrived today.

They'll be here tomorrow and tomorrow night.

On the following day, they'll be joined by the second and larger part.

On the day after that, the whole lot will sail.

At least, I hope the whole lot will sail.

Clear?

Yes, sir, but--

You have given me very valuable information today

but your job now is to protect this convoy.

I don't think they will attack it tonight, they're not prepared for it.

But tomorrow night and the night after.

-Any questions? -No, sir.

Good.

-See to it. -Sir.

Crabb?

Most of the ships that came in today are supply ships, tankers and so on.

The main part of the North African invasion force gets here

the day after tomorrow.

Thanks for letting me know, sir.

I wish we could attack that convoy tonight.

Be patient, Rosati.

Can you get all the new warheads assembled by tomorrow?

-They'll be ready. -Good.

[bugler plays]

No wonder he kept on at us to get that blasted Italian chariot working.

Look at him. He's going to test it tomorrow.

Always said it'd come in useful one day.

Particularly the warhead.

I'm not with you, Sid.

Ah, but you weren't with us in the old Olterra either, mate!

Or you'd know what he's thinking about.

Instead of sitting here waiting to be attacked,

it'd be a ruddy sight easier to pop over there to Algeciras in that thing

and blow 'em all up.

Oh, but he explained about that. I mean, Spain is neutral.

We must obey the laws of international procedure.

Hand me that depth charge, will you?

I mean, we're still civilised men, aren't we?

There now. That should make a nice old mess of anyone I drop it on tonight.

Good luck, Rosati.

[chariot engines hum]

[engine whirrs]

[scraping]

The worst part of it, this, sir, waiting.

-Think they'll come? -They'll come.

[dramatic music]

[banging]

-Get me another set! -Aye-aye, sir.

Go and look under that tanker over there!

-You take the stern, I'll take the bow. -It's a pleasure, sir.

Much quieter down there.

Good boy!

Get a move on with that set!

[explosion]

-You keep clear of the other tanker. -What the hell for?

They're getting her out of it before she catches fire from this one.

Get Knowles over there, and get Fraser over there!

Aye-aye, sir.

Standby to dive, Sid, the freighter.

[explosion]

There's plenty more of 'em.

We shan't finish this job till morning.

He'll be all right. We'll save his leg. Don't worry.

I telephoned Jumper's Bastion. The rest of your men are quite safe.

They're sleeping now.

Thanks.

You ought to get some rest too, you know.

No one can go on forever.

[bugler plays outside]

We'll have six chariots and warheads serviceable by this evening.

This time there is no need to give you details of the target.

You have done well, Rosati, all of you.

Very well.

But if we can cripple that convoy before they start…

that'll be the biggest prize of all.

Haven't you got any work to do?

Nets repaired, sir. Depth charges all ready.

It'll be dark soon, sir.

She works, Chief.

I've just tried it, she really works!

Do you know, they can see those ships as well as we can?

And last night will be nothing compared to what will happen tonight.

-I've got to do it, Chief. -All right, sir.

You and Knowles get aboard that chariot,

sling the warhead under the Olterra, blow it up.

Before their chariots leave.

Making sure this convoy does not get attacked.

Very necessary, sir. Nothing wrong with it.

Except that I haven't got permission to do it.

You said it this time, sir.

All right, Thorpe.

[ship's horn blows]

Good luck, sir.

[knocks on door]

[Masters] Come in.

I know it's late but I must see the Admiral.

He's visiting the command ship of the invasion force with the Chief of Staff.

Well, when will they be back?

Not for two hours at least.

He's asked me to take these letters up to his house.

It'll be too late by then.

They'll be com…

You're expecting them to attack again tonight, aren't you?

They know what those ships mean.

Not far to go and nothing to stop them.

Easy meat.

You must be very tired.

Don't take too many risks.

Why should I?

It could become a habit.

I'm still intact.

You have a lot of friends, a lot of people who like you.

Whatever happens, whatever you decide to do, remember that, won't you?

[ship's horn blows]

They must be under the net by now.

They'll probably surface in the bay and then submerge again for the run-in.

Hope our own patrol boats don't spot them.

With a warhead on the bows of that chariot, it will be too bad if they do.

[engine whirrs]

[waves crash]

We'll stay on the surface as long as possible and save oxygen.

[laughs]

-What are you laughing at, Knowles? -The Admiral's on one of those ships.

We could alter course and ask his permission to carry on.

If we're gonna get sunk, might as well be sunk by the enemy.

-We'll be ready to go at nine o'clock. -Good.

There she is. We'll be there in five minutes.

You stay on the chariot, I'll fix the warhead.

I've set the fuse to short delay.

-Right? -Right, sir.

Diving now.

[air hisses]

[door closes]

Here are the letters, sir, and those are the latest signals.

Thank you.

Anything important happen while I was away?

No, sir. Except that Lieutenant Crabb wanted to see you urgently

but he couldn't wait, sir.

Oh. Make him an appointment for him first thing in the morning, would you?

Yes, sir.

You might deal with these, then you can carry on.

Thank you, sir.

-Goodnight, sir. -Goodnight.

-Ready, Celloni? -Ready.

The chariots will go first, then the divers.

[tense music]

Stand by, everybody. We're diving in one minute.

[cranes whirr]

Alarm!

[alarm rings]

[explosion]

[triumphant music]

[bugler plays]

Party, 'shun!

We've just received a signal

saying that you've been awarded with the George Medal, sir.

On behalf of myself, Leading Seaman Knowles,

Able Seamen Morgan and Fraser,

and Ordinary Seaman Thomas,

our heartiest congratulations, sir.

You all deserve the ruddy medal.

[triumphant music]

Party, break rank!