- Then I saw a flame
come outta his machine.
It grew bigger and bigger.
Mick was no longer
kicking his rudder.
His nose dropped slightly
and he went into a
slow right hand turn
and hit the ground
in a burst of flame.
Poor Mick,
those hunters had sh*t
my major down in flames.
- What happened then?
- What the devil
are you two reading?
- We've just been reading
about Mick Mannock.
He d*ed unbeaten in the sky,
proved 'em all wrong he did.
All those who said he would
never be a fighter pilot.
- So what happened to him?
- He broke one of his own rules,
followed a k*ll down
behind enemy lines
and German ground fire got him.
Just got lucky that
day, that was all.
They say every man has a b*llet
with his name on it, don't they?
- That's what they say.
- Tell us the story Mom.
Tell us about the b*llet
that almost got Brendan.
- You must have heard that
story a thousand times already.
Haven't you two had enough
stories for one night?
They were dangerous
times then in Dublin.
You were just a baby,
not yet 12 months old.
I remember it was a cold day,
especially cold for
that time of year.
You were tucked up in that
old pram, all snug and cozy.
We were on our way home.
We'd just been out shopping.
And as we approached the house,
all of a sudden
I heard a cr*ck of g*nf*re
and all hell broke loose.
A fierce battle was being
put between the Irish rebels
and the English soldiers
and we were right in
the middle of it all.
Right outside our front door.
b*ll*ts flying in
all directions.
Pew, pew, pew, pew,
pew, pew, pew, pew, pew.
I grabbed you up outta that pram
and threw myself on top of you.
It's a wonder I
didn't crush you.
And of course being
pregnant with you,
I nearly had you there and then.
Our front door seemed
so far away.
So I crawled to the only
bit of shelter I could find
that old pram.
It was then
I saw the b*llet hole
it must have missed you
by less than an inch.
And do you know what
the chances were
of that b*llet missing
you by less than an inch?
- A million to one?
- Yes.
A million to one.
So it might be true
that every man has a
b*llet with his name on,
but it's the fickle
winds of fate
that guide that b*llet.
Now go to sleep.
- Okay, let go.
- Are you sure?
- Just let go.
- But you can't
ride a bicycle Greg.
- You know they say
that learning to fly
is just like learning
to ride a bike.
- Yeah, but much harder.
- Just let go, will ya?
Woo.
Woohoo
Ah.
Ah, I don't know.
- Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Greg!
- I'm okay.
- I think you broke
my new bicycle.
Dad's gonna k*ll me.
- Your mother tells me you pair
are after getting into
another fight in school.
- He tried to take Ray's bike.
- Well, did you give
as good as you got?
- Better.
- Hey listen, we Finucanes,
we don't go looking for a fight,
but when the fun comes
knocking on our door
and by God we give them
a fight to remember.
That's the way it's always been.
Go on.
Oh, and I might as
well tell you this now
I'm after getting
a promotion at work
so we'll be moving
to London.
- Mr. Finucane?
Mr. Finucane?
- It's Finucane Mr. Atkins.
- Yes. Well.
I pay you to do accounts
not to daydream.
- Yes sir.
- Oh dear I'm late.
Opera tonight.
Mrs. Atkins has been looking
forward to this for weeks.
Lock up after you.
Where'd it go, will you?
- Yes sir.
Have a good night.
- Tickets please.
Tickets please.
Tickets gentlemen. Thank you.
Thank you sir. Thank you.
Ticket sir?
Ticket please, sir?
Ticket. Thank you
very much. Thank you.
Thank you.
Next up St. Pauls.
- Excuse me.
- So you want your mother doing
your dirty work for you now?
I thought I'd raise my son to be
a big, strong, proud Irishman?
To stand on his own two feet.
Not hide behind my skirt.
- Mom, mom come on.
You know how things have been
between me and him recently.
It might just be
easier coming from you.
- Nothing worth having
has ever come easy.
You're too much alike, that's
always been the problem.
A good smack is what
the pair of you need
all this squabbling
all the time.
- Have they let him
know about the job yet.
And you let me go on there
about joining the RAF
knowing that I'm the only
person in the house now
with a paying job is
a crazy idea anyway.
I'll go get changed.
- Do you know I'll always
remember taking you
to that air show at Baldonnel.
I paid 10 Bob and watched
you go up in that plane.
You were so excited.
And when you landed,
you came running right up to me
and you grabbed hold of my hand
and you said to me, "This!
"This is what I want to do."
Don't you worry about us.
We'll manage.
We always do.
Bren has something to tell you.
- I wanna join the RAF dad
if they'll have me.
- I see
- They're offering short
service commissions
for successful applicants.
I'll get to fly planes
and be paid for it.
- Have you any idea what
they'd say back home
if they found out that one
of Andy Finucane's boys
was thinking of
joining the British-
- Joining the RAF won't make
me some kind of a deserter,
but the Irish and English
aren't fighting anymore.
These are different times now.
Dad,
this is what I want to do.
I wanna fly.
- And what happens if
they turn you down? Hmm?
You think Mr. Atkins is
just gonna take you back?
- If I fail the course,
I'm not coming home.
So you needn't worry.
- You're always one with
your head in the clouds.
I suppose you're
with him on this.
- I'm old enough to
make my own decision.
- Yes, I suppose you are.
- I was wondering
when you'd show up.
Your father was in here earlier,
same Look on his face too.
Told me all about you
wanting to join the
British Air Force.
- It's The Royal Air Force.
Sorry.
It's just, it's the
Royal Air Force.
- Anyhow.
I tell you what I
told your father
when he was sitting there.
You know, for the life of me,
I can't remember who it was.
Anyway, someone once said
that the cost of not
following your heart
is to spend the rest of your
life wishing that you had.
And he should know
more than most,
what with him one moment,
the big freedom fighter
leading the charge
against English
with the devil there
himself by his side
and then suddenly
decided he's going
to go and marry an
English woman. Hmm.
What I wouldn't give
to be a fly on the wall
when he told his father that.
But you know, I think maybe
he's worried about you too.
What with the paper's saying
that we might be at
w*r with Germany soon.
But I told him, "I'm
sure old St. Kevin
"will be looking after ya."
Aye, him for sure having
a soft spot for the birds
and the creatures
of the air. Hm.
I'm sure he'd be very
proud of our Dublin flyer.
Anyway, be off with you.
I have the Lord's work to do
and he can be a
very impatient man.
- I heard you were
leaving us today?
- Oh Jean.
I was gonna pop
around just after,
after I finished packing.
- Oh here.
But I'm glad you were
going to say goodbye.
We are neighbors after all.
- Yes, of course.
I've just been busy here
sorting things out
and packing, you know.
You look nice.
- Thanks. But I always dress
like this for work, so.
- Well?
- Well I have to
go or I'll be late.
Just wanted to
wish you good luck.
- Can I?
Would it be all right
if I wrote to you
sometimes?
- I'd like that.
- I better go,
train to catch.
- Oh, just a moment.
There. That's better.
Do make sure that
nothing happens to you.
- Ah. What's gonna happen to me?
- I have to go or I'll be late.
- You'll be off then.
- You take care now son.
And write to us as
soon as you can.
- You be a good boy now. Okay?
You too.
Mom's gonna be
keeping me updated
on all those dancing
lessons of yours.
So I'll be wanting a
dance when I get back.
Keep at it. Okay?
- It sounds like riding a
bike flying those things,
maybe try landing
this time, huh?
- Good luck, boy.
And remember-
- I know dad.
Failure is unknown in
the Finucane household.
And I meant what I said if I do.
- Go. Fly Finucane.
- Excuse me.
Do you mind telling me
what do you intend to do
about that hedge that's
coming towards us?
- Switch the engine off please.
Well, Mr. Finucane
I can tell you this.
You most certainly are
not the next best thing.
No indeed.
You are the original.
- Why don't you just
give up Paddy, ey?
Let's face it God never intended
an Irishman to fly, did he?
Oh, don't look so sad.
Oi, oi, oi, steady on lads.
What's all this about then? Eh?
Now listen. My little
four leaf clover,
I know that blockhead of yours,
likes to take a little
knock or two, doesn't it?
But trust me, you do not
wanna get into it with him.
See this? This is
Roy Battler Lane
Worcester Amateur
boxing club's champion.
How many years is
it now, Roy? Two?
- Three.
- Three.
- Come on Bren.
- Let's go Roy, come on
you got him. All right.
Hit him, hit him.
- Johnny come on.
Swing it, swing it, swing it.
Oh sh*t.
Jonesy.
- All right Joe Lewis,
station commander would like
to see you in his office.
Now, Mr. Finucane.
- Pilot's abilities,
400 out of 750.
Officer qualities,
450 out of 750.
In navigation you
managed to achieve 77%.
These scores are indicative.
You're a pilot officer
who's average, at best.
And some of the flight
instructors tell me
you're a bit of a loner.
Keep to yourself a bit.
I'll be frank with
you, Finucane,
the only reason
you are still here
is because you're so bloody
determined to succeed.
You are a fighter.
We're at w*r now.
We're going to need fighters.
You're to be posted to an
operational training unit
in Harridan,
for a two week conversion
course on spitfires.
Let's see how you do
in a fighter aircraft.
But first, I want you to
take a few days leave.
Go home,
see the family,
take some time for yourself,
get some rest.
All right?
- There's no plane in
the world like a spitfire
thing of beauty to look at.
Sure is.
That Rolls Royce
Merlin engine of hers.
1,040 horsepower it is.
That means a top speed
is 374 miles per hour
and she can go as
high as 37,000 feet.
- The way you talk about
that plane makes me jealous.
It must look so
beautiful from up there.
- It is.
- Look at these.
I've never seen yellow
roses in the wild before.
It was such a perfect day.
- Good luck.
It's like a grand old
soft day in Ireland.
- You can keep your grand soft
days. Thank you very much.
- Oh. It's nice
and cozy in here.
Well it's drier than
it is out there.
And we do have the
place all to ourselves.
- Hmm.
You got me smiling
You got cawing like a duck
Will you be the one
I hope
Darling I'll bring you
Out of the cold
Darling just everyone
smiles like you
When they're in love
- They say that the yellow rose
is the flower for newlyweds.
That it symbolizes friendship,
love.
You are staying the whole
weak, aren't you Bren?
- No.
I'm afraid not.
I have to get back.
I'm staying for
the weekend though.
- Only the weekend? I thought-
- They need trained
fighter pilots.
We have to be ready. You know.
These yellow roses
They're worth fighting
for, aren't they?
I mean, it's all
worth fighting for,
isn't it?
- What's it like Bren, to fly?
- It's like,
I don't know.
It's like,
it's like something's
pulling you up
off the earth into the sky
and soon you're so high up
that there's nothing
above you anymore.
The Earth is so far below that
it's like you're not
a part of it anymore.
It's like,
It's like you've been set free.
- Damn it Finucane.
You are coming in too fast.
- The ground's never quite
where you expect it to be,
is it Finucane?
And damn it!
If you are not satisfied with
the approach and landing,
you bloody well go round again.
I don't care how many attempts
at landing a pilot makes.
Could be 10, could be a hundred.
I don't bloody well care
as long as he gets the
plane down in one piece.
Understood?
- Sir?
- France has fallen.
The Battle of Britain has begun.
Well what are you
waiting for, man?
Get back up there.
- Sir.
- They're all over me.
They're all over me.
You come back from a show
and find it very hard to
remember what happened.
Maybe you have a
clear impression
of three or four incidents.
Some tiny link in the forgotten
chain of events comes back.
The reason is everything
happened so quick.
A tremendous amount of
thinking, action, emotion.
On my last flight I
sh*t down two Me's
and the next day, one more.
Our g*ns are being
kept nice and clean
under some fine Irish linen.
So they're always ready to
sh**t true and straight.
I'm now a bonafide
flying officer.
- And I put it all down to
that Irish linen for sure.
It's a grand life
and I know I'm lucky
to be among the squadrons that
are carrying out the sweeps.
I have just heard about Ray
being recalled back from leave.
I thought it was
pretty tough on him
as he was only home
for a few days.
All my love to everyone.
Your loving son Bren.
I do hope he's finding
some time to relax.
As back to they're billets
They crawl
No pain no promotion
This side of the ocean
So cheer up my lads
Bless 'em all
- So Trixie, what
is a girl like you
doing in a w*r
like this then ey?.
- I don't know, why
any of us are here?
Maybe deep down there
is a piece of me
that hates enough to
want to be a part of it.
It's the same for all of us,
isn't it?
- I just wanted
to fly.
Right, fly everywhere.
There was a lecture in my school
all about the RAF, you
know and he said something
and I've never forget it, right?
It's always been in my mind.
He said,
he said, "I often think
that those who fly
"are the greatest
people on earth."
There he is the man of the hour.
How many's that now Bren?
Five, six?
No, hang on, don't
tell me, don't tell me.
Six kills and two probables.
Woohoo, who'd have thought
you had it in you, ey?
Ooh, you know what they say?
It's the quietest ones
who always hate the most.
Oh, come on. Hey. Hey. There's
nothing wrong with that.
Yeah, it's good honest emotion.
Nothing wrong with it.
- I don't hate them.
When I'm up there, I'm
aiming at the machines
not at the lads inside.
It's just a game.
That's all.
Oh yeah.
Pit yourself against them.
b*at him to the position
so that he's your target.
Get him before he gets you.
It's my skill against his.
That's how it is for me.
- I'll tell you this
for nothing, this man
is living proof
that even the most
ham-fisted pilots
can make the best fighters.
Ain't that the truth?
- Well, fighter always comes
before pilot doesn't it?
- It does
To us.
The gladiators of
the sky.
- The knights of the air.
- Oh. To us,
the knights of the air.
- Knights of the air.
- That's German bombers.
- Southampton.
- Didn't you say you have
family at Southampton once Bren?
- My aunt and uncle.
- I'll get my car.
- How can you see all
this and not feel hate?
I do feel hate.
I do.
And I will until
every last German
has been sh*t out of the sky
- Ireland may have declared
itself neutral in this w*r,
but by God the
Irish are the most
belligerent neutrals I ever saw.
I'm recommending you for a DFC.
Congratulations Acting
Flight Lieutenant.
You are also to be given
command of a flight
in 452 squadron.
They're Australian.
Decent fellows, a little
green around the gills
but I think you'll be the
man to whip them into shape.
- Come on boys.
Come on down there.
Come on there.
- All I did was try to explain
the rules of rugby sir.
- He's down. I've got him.
- Right.
Where's me hat?
- Welcome to 452.
Trustcott's the name. But
everyone calls me Bluey
and I know it's not strictly
uniform protocol, sir,
but do you mind?
- Cricket man, are ya?
- Yeah. Was captain of
the high school team,
but more of a football
man these days.
- Footballer.
Career going well then?
- The redheaded b*llet,
they called him.
He was the half-forward
flanker for Melbourne.
And I will never forget.
Hey, you remember the grand
final against Collingwood?
- Yeah, of course,
- Of course you do.
'cause you were getting a bit
of a thrashing that
day, weren't you?
Right up until the third quarter
where he bloody well goes
and kicks the greatest goal
I've ever bloody seen.
I mean that must have been a
hundred yard kick at least.
- Yeah.
- Yeah. What a kick?
- You were in your
glory then mate.
And you should've
heard the crowd.
There must've been a hundred
thousand people you reckon?
- Something like
that, so many people.
- Showed some guts that day.
- Yeah.
- Guts and sheer bloody
minded determination.
That's what took the day.
The meek may inherit
the earth my friends
but they'll never win
a game of football
- Too bloody right.
- Well there's
might be the earth,
but ours is the sky.
- I'll drink to that.
- Cheers.
- Is it true you sh*t down
the Jerry's number one.
Gallant?
Some of the boys were saying
it was the Polish fella
Dropinsky.
- Yeah, he fights with
real heart that one
doesn't take any prisoners.
He'd have made a bloody
good football player.
- He fights like a Pole.
We're lucky to have
them on our side.
- Oh, let's hope if you
get 'em Kaminski, eh?
- Nostrovia.
- Hey, what did they
give you that DFC for?
- Come on, Nick, he's
just a little slow.
You don't keep up with
the w*r much do you mate?
He'd been going home
for a bloody year
before he even knew
it was happening.
- A whole year?
- Well you see Mick is from a
little place called Timboro.
- Where's that?
- It's in the middle
of bloody nowhere.
- And they don't have
newspapers there?
- They got 'em, but his mom
and dad were hiding 'em.
Broke the wireless too.
He only found out
when he went into town
and saw the posters
to join the Air Force.
Ain't that right?
- Yeah.
- Yeah. Well I'm sure
you're gonna be a real asset
to the Air Force mate.
Your parents will be proud.
- Yeah.
- Thank you sir.
I'm sure I've got a lot of
catching up to do yet though.
- Ah. Right.
I'll see you boys at 0600 hours.
- Oh what for?
- We'd like to get a
couple hours practice in
before breakfast.
- Jesus.
- Besides some of us have
some catching up to do.
- Oh bloody help Mick.
- You've got 109's on your tail.
You won't see him until he's
opening fire on your arse.
So if you ever get left
behind in the formation,
you better weave like hell.
I'm with 452 Squadron.
There are a bunch of Australians
and my first impression
of them is, what a bunch.
They're raw lads willing
to put their backs into it,
but they seem to like to
do things their own way.
- Ah, come on Finnu,
you can't be serious.
Every time we walk
past that flag,
we've gotta flaming well salute?
- There are two things we
expect you to understand
in the Royal Air Force.
The first is the
English language
and the second is discipline.
Now I think you all have a
fairly good grasp of the first
and the second
you will learn.
So you'd better pull
the bloody finger out.
- Alright lads, you heard
the squadron leader.
Let's show him how we
bloody well salute.
Attention.
- Now that flag might
not mean anything to you,
but I will have
discipline in my squadron.
Am I clear?
- Permission to speak, sir?
- What is it Truscott?
- Most of us joined
this squadron
because we knew
that sooner or later
the w*r was gonna come
knocking at our doors too.
And by standing here we'd stand
a better chance of winning.
But even if that
wasn't the case,
I think most of us would
still be standing here
'cause of that bloody flag. Sir.
- All right, you're dismissed.
- That bloody Finney's
becoming a large royal pain
in the arse.
- No. Finney's all right.
He's just been
spending too much time
with those bloody pom officers.
Poor sod's starting to
think he's one of them.
Tangerine
- Look at the state
of those buttons.
Have you not ironed that
shirt and those shoes?
Have you no self-respect, man?
You may think that the
RAF has a reputation
for not looking
after that uniform.
But by God, I'll have
clean shoes in my squadron.
- That's pretty good, mate.
Yeah, maybe if he
got a little whistled
once in a while,
he'd loosen up a bit.
- Now boys drink
clouds the mind.
you need to stay sharp
and focused oh you do.
I'll not have anyone
getting pissed.
- What do you think
he means when he says
"Pull your finger out?"
Like pull it out from where?
- I don't know, Mick
But I can tell you where he
can bloody well shove it.
Tangerine
When she dances by
- I think now might
be a good time
to discuss battle
tactics, don't you?
Over a few beers, maybe.
- You paying, sir?
- Only if you're getting
the second round.
- Great, sounds good to me boys.
- Oh, just one
more thing, Raife,
for Christ's sake,
just call me Paddy.
Everyone else in this
bloody country does.
It's just like being
in the ring, you know
some pilots are all better to
their left than their right.
But you always have to take
your play off the other fella,
you know, don't hang around
just bam, bam and out.
Now don't just take a happy
swing at anyone who comes by.
You'll find yourself outta
position within 10 seconds.
And remember, an
overenthusiastic right thumb
can lead to a shortage of a*mo
and a shortage of a*mo
when you're surrounded
by a dozen 109's, can lead
to acute embarrassment,
gentlemen.
And never let anyone
harmonize your sites.
It's a simple job.
And if your site is out,
your next victory is out.
Now, according to
the met office, we're
keeping the weather.
So an early start
tomorrow gents.
Up at a sparrows fart.
- You all right?
I just had this dream last night
that I prang the control tower.
- That wasn't a dream mate.
No, that was a
bloody premonition.
One of us is bound
to do at some point.
- Now the Spit, she's just
like a thoroughbred racehorse.
No different.
A little skittish and hard
to handle on the ground.
And occasionally she has a mind
to try and take you somewhere
you didn't wanna go.
Practice makes perfect.
No more so when it comes
to target practice.
After all, what's of more
value against the huns?
The cr*ck flyer
or the cr*ck sh*t?
- Well, I guess we all better
be bloody cr*ck sh*ts then.
- Well at least a cr*ck
sh*t can deal effectively
with anything you can
lure within range.
Sure all the other fellow can
do is take evasive action.
It is no use being
a skillful pilot
if you are not a
successful fighter.
The hard, vital core
of that spitfire
is in its g*ns.
It's what she's made for lads.
Likewise for you idiots.
The whole of a fighter
pilot's training
is directed towards
that one moment.
When he has his
enemy in his sites.
- Bandits. Seven o'clock.
- Okay.
- Now you fellas are gonna see
just what this w*r is all about.
- In selecting your target,
it is a golden rule to
choose one and go for him.
Wait until his wing tips
overlap the horizontal
graticule lines, aim for
the center of the fuselage.
Don't look up to see the result.
Keep perfectly still
and do it again.
And believe it or not,
things will start happening.
Keep together. Keep together.
About three o'clock.
Keyhole squadron break right.
If in trouble, keep turning
and work your way down the deck.
Whatever happens, we
have to stick together.
Lone wolves make
very easy targets.
They're always the
ones who get it first.
These 109's are fast.
But you take them
up to 18,000 feet
the spit can turn twice as fast.
- Calling
keyhole red leader.
Bandits spotted, angels
20 heading north wield.
- Bloody hell.
- Yeah.
I got a bit of a
prang I'm afraid
- By Christ sir, you must
have some luck with you.
No wonder they call it the luck.
- Don't fecking say it, chief.
- I saw you get a squirt
at that bugger, sir.
- Bloody great.
- How did you manage
to sh**t at that angle?
You must have been at the
top of your climbing term
when you fired those cannons.
- It was fired more in
hope than anything else.
- That was 500 yards,
I reckon Paddy.
- You lucky bastard.
- Did you get one Blue?
- One certain, one probable.
- Anyone see me land?
What'd it look like?
- Blimey, no wonder they call
'em the demolition squad.
Tangerine
She is all they claim
Tangerine
- Just giving it a little
spit and polish sir.
- You're some man Chiefy.
In every squadron
there is a plane
that is something more than
a pattern of steel and wood.
More than instruments
and mechanism.
It's a living, graceful thing
that carries the
spirit of the squadron.
The 452 Squadron.
It's the flying sham.
- Look at that boys.
They're all going
home for lunch.
- Mick. Come on.
- No, no, it's my
lighter. I can't find it.
- Bloody leave it.
- It's my lucky lighter.
- Come on.
- It was under his bed.
It was under his bloody bed.
- Show on chaps. See you
all there in five minutes.
Briefing in 20.
Blue, you're my number two.
- Alright, all right.
- Chissa tell Chiefy I
want those aircraft ready
for takeoff at 1450 hours.
Chissa?
Is everything alright?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely.
- All right.
- You all right mate?
- Yeah, yeah. No, I
just need a smoke.
- Red leader to base
no sign of enemy fighter escort.
Requesting permission to engage?
- Red leader, you are
clear to engage. Good hunting.
Keep those eyes peeled now.
- Okay Paddy, I've got him.
- Three o'clock Blue.
About six of them.
- I see 'em, Paddy.
- For Christ sakes
will you all just shut up
and give the rest
of us a chance?
- They're all over me.
- Bloody hell mate.
All right boys,
let's go home.
Just look at that view boys.
Now that's something
worth fighting for.
- Woohoo. The flying Shamrock.
From dawn to dusk
over occupied France, despite
the German resistance.
- I was listening to that.
- A woman like you should be out
having fun, meeting new people.
Not stuck in here every weekend
listening to that thing.
- Father please, just
don't start this again.
- What your father
is trying to say is,
yes, we understand
you have feelings for the boy.
- Feelings?
- But look, you
are still so young.
The both of you
far too young to be
so in love when the-
- Well we are in love mother.
So you're just going to
have to deal with it.
- You're too young
to know what love is.
And I suppose that Finucane boy,
well, he's more in
love with flying round
and being a w*r hero than
he is in love with you Jean.
I mean,
I like the boy of-
- What do you know about
being in love anyway?
- No, no wait.
- You have never looked at
mother the way he looks at me.
- Jean?
You know Mrs. Baxter
down the road?
She had a telegram this morning.
It was her son, George.
You know, he's only
just got married.
That poor girl.
A widow at 22.
Don't you see?
We're only trying to
stop the heartache.
- What was it that
Tennyson said?
Better to have loved
and lost
than never to have loved at all.
- I can't see them.
- Little Birdie told me
today is your birthday.
Happy birthday Squadron Leader.
Oh, congratulations.
I read in the newspaper
that you were to be awarded
a second bar to your DFC
and the distinguished
service order.
Oh, it must be wonderful to
have so many people write to you
from all over the world too.
- Most of them are
marriage proposals.
- Oh.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday you
little Irish bastard
Happy birthday to you
- Yay.
- I'm sorry sister. We just,
we've missed him is all.
- Oh no, it's quite all right.
Well I'll come back later
and I'll check up on you.
- Sister.
- Thank you.
- Feast your eyes on that.
A lovely two page spread
on the RAF's finest.
A bunch of crazy Aussies led
by an even crazier Irish fella.
You couldn't make it up.
How's the leg?
- Ah. Hardly gives
me any bother.
- How you managed to land
without a cr*ck up Paddy
I'll never know.
You certainly did
have all the luck
of the Irish on your
side that night.
- Yeah. Anyway,
how are you lads?
- Yeah. Yeah. Alright.
Yeah, Chissa got himself
sh*t down three days ago.
And um,
well yesterday
Jimbo's luck ran out
on a bloody training exercise
with that replacement Sergeant
Williams, mid-air collision.
Can't think of a
worse way to go.
- Here, what's all this?
Oh, from a land girl
somewhere among the turnips.
My dearest Brendan,
I want to feel your
breath on my shoulders
and hear your laugh.
You can't imagine
how much I want you
at this present moment.
I can't wait to feel
your touch.
- There's more.
Oh, this one is from a blond
admirer, Ms. Betty Davis.
- I don't suppose there's one
from a Miss Rita Hayworth
in here, is there?
- No, he's not that lucky.
Ah, you know you're gonna
break a million hearts
when you finally
pop the question
to that Shelia of
yours, don't you?
Oh, come on.
For some reason she thinks
you're the ants pants mate.
- Men.
- Sir.
Right, we'll be off then mate.
We should be back by six.
- I'll be seeing you boys soon.
- Look after yourself.
- Sir.
- Come on boys.
How are you feeling, Paddy?
- Don't worry sir.
I'll be up and outta this
bed in no time at all.
- Well, the doctor seems
to think that leg of yours
might need some time to heal.
- Well, if Bader can
fly with no legs,
I think I can manage with one.
- Hmm.
Spitfire Paddy.
Hmm. You know, even the
Americans are asking
to borrow some of our Spitfires
and the prime minister.
The old boys pushing
the air ministry
to form a whole Shamrock wing.
And I think we'll get one too.
But in the meantime,
your to begin command
of the Hornchurch wing.
- Sir.
- Happy birthday wing commander.
- Well done Wing Commander,
that's two laps today.
- Ah, yeah.
See, all you had to do
was gimme a pair of wings.
I'll be flying outta here
by the end of next week.
- Look, Mr. Passion Pants.
- He's quite the ladies man.
Though his charms don't
seem to work on matron.
She doesn't approve of
our Mr. Passion Pants.
"This is a hospital. It's
not a country house weekend,"
is what she's always saying.
How's your tea?
- Hmm.
It's lovely.
- You're a terrible liar.
It's perfectly dreadful.
I'm sorry, it's the
best that we have.
You know, it's rather
wonderful what we can do today
with surgery.
Things have come a long way
in the last couple of years.
You won't believe
some of the treatments
that we're able to do now.
It's quite remarkable.
Though I walk through the
valley shadow of death
I will fear no evil
For thou art with me
Thy rod and thy staff
Comfort me
- Well done boys.
Well done. That's it.
We are done for today.
- Up the shamrock.
- Now now boys,
remember where you are.
You are in the house of the Lord
and if there's any
shouting to be done in here
it will be done by me.
Those boys think you are going
to be winning this
w*r single handed.
- Yeah. Why wouldn't they?
That stuff they read about me.
Finucane, scourge
of the Luftwaffe.
Tell you what they won't
read in the papers,
at most nights you
wake up in a cold sweat
and there are days that
you just feel like,
like you're a walking graveyard.
I tell you what though,
if I could end this muck
single handedly, I would.
I swear to Christ I would.
Sorry.
- This w*r's being staged
for the world to see.
And I'm afraid before it's over
many more are gonna have
to take up the gauntlet.
Some say it's a calling,
a crusade you might say.
May not even near
its standard rear
against the cause of freedom.
Oh, the Shamrock, the green
immortal Shamrock
chosen leaf.
Of bard and Chief.
It's in your blood.
Anyway, how's Jean?
I haven't seen her for a while.
- Oh, she's grand.
Just busy with work I imagine.
- Yes. I should imagine so.
I mean the minister's work
is vital to the w*r effort.
So when are you two
gonna make it official?
Now, normally I'd
be here telling you
that marriage isn't
something you rush into.
Isn't that what you both want?
- Of course it is.
What good is it having
a beautiful wife at home
when there's a German
sitting on my tail wind?
The shamrock will only
keep me safe for so long.
- Yeah well don't put your
faith in lucky charms.
- I'm not, it's not that
I'm afraid to die. I'm not.
It's just
I won't be a burden to anyone.
It wouldn't be fair.
- Trust in tomorrow, yea
as little as you may.
But trust in love.
But look we all know,
love bears all things.
Hopes all things.
Blue skies
Smiling at me
Nothing but blues skies
Do I see
Blue birds
Flying on high
- Hey Blue?
And nothing but blue birds
- Did you hear about
those Japanese?
They didn't take no prisoners.
- Yeah, I can say the
same thing about you mate.
Never saw the sun
shining so bright
Never saw things
going so right
Noticing the
days hurrying by
When you are in love
My oh they fly oh
Blue days
All of them gone
Nothing but blue skies
From now on
Blue skies smiling at me
Nothing but blue skies
- I often think, quite
often being in my choir?
Well will he never b*at
the cr*ck shop than he is?
Oh, I remember all the
times I'd catch him
flicking those paper
pellets down on some poor
unsuspecting member
of my congregation.
You was on that big hat,
Mrs Blyton used to wear to mass.
You remember it?
- Now dear, remember
you promised you'd stay away
from the punch this time?
- Yes Dear.
- Oh Father.
Have you seen our notice board?
We have an orchestra coming.
Now I must invite you to
meet the founder, Nigel.
I think I saw him over there.
I'm sure he'd be so intrigued
to hear about your choir.
If I could steal you away.
- I don't suppose you've seen
my fiance anywhere, have you?
- I think I saw him going
into the hallway. Yes.
- Father, don't worry,
I won't tell mother.
- There you are.
- Oh hello.
- Show us the ring.
- Oh, it's beautiful.
- It's gorgeous.
I like New York in June
How about you?
- And what are you looking
so self satisfied about?
- Mum didn't I
tell you those two
will end up getting married?
- Well.
How about you?
- They certainly make
a very grand couple,
don't they?
- Grand. Very grand.
Where's the old bugger?
- Hey, what you
doing out here mate?
You know that party's
for you, right?
Or did you forget?
- I don't like all the fuss.
Besides, I have to give
my good dancing leg
a rest now, don't I?
Congratulations.
Squadron leader.
- Yeah. I reckon
those extra stripes
will look good at the
end of these arms, ey?
I owe it all to you mate.
Well good luck with
the 602 squadron Paddy.
I hear those Canadians are a
bit rough around the edges.
- Ah, don't worry about
that. I'll smooth them out.
- Yeah, well,
I'm want you to take that.
I'll be wanting it back
mind, next time I see you.
- Yeah, I'll look
after it for you.
- Well then let's
see how it looks.
There we go.
Now you look at
fair dinkum Aussie.
Hello ladies.
- Hello handsome.
- It's a good turnout.
- It is.
I was just,
I was wondering what old Dave
would think about all this.
Andy Finucane's boy in the RAF.
- Well apparently Churchill
wants a whole Shamrock wing now.
- My God.
Is that right?
- Oh, there you are.
- I best be going back inside,
I promised his mother a dance.
- Ah.
- You two seems to
be getting on well.
- Yeah.
- So he's finally
warmed up to the idea
of you being-
- A turncoat?
- Such a beautiful night
- That it is.
I mean all those stars,
they don't hold a candle
to the brightness
of your cheeks.
- Alright Romeo.
- Oh was that Shakespeare?
- Mm.
- Thought that was me.
Oh, would you look,
even the moon's
trying to hide her face now.
- You know,
I hate to think that out there
somewhere,
someone's writing up orders
that will take you
away from me, again.
- You're sure about this?
- I mean-
- No regrets remember.
- No regrets.
- Tell me about Australia again.
- I thought-
- Woman can change
her mind, can't she?
- Okay.
Well, me and Bluey
we're gonna start
our own business.
- Hmm.
- Chartered flying.
That's the one for us.
I know Bluey's got
it all worked out.
Of course we haven't
decided on a name yet.
- Well Bluey seems
to think it's going
to be called Truscott
and Finucane.
- Oh, does he now?
- Don't worry, I
set him straight.
Finucane and Trustcott
is going to be the name.
After all I'm going to be
a Finucane now, you know?
- It's gonna be a good life.
Best part,
is that we'll have time.
- Can't we just go
run away together?
- I wish we could.
But erm,
our guests,
you know
they're depending on us.
- I know.
- Oh, look at you.
- Yeah, my bad leg and all.
- Mm. I like it.
Shall we?
- Yeah, I'll er-
I'll follow you in,
I'll just be a minute.
- Well don't be too
long now Mr. Finucane.
- Heard you boys were on the
graveyard shift last night?
There you go lad,
- Cheers Sarge.
We can close up today then Bill.
- He's been testing
her all morning.
He just told me to
take the crash pad out.
- Ey? What for?
- He's been testing
those new mark nines.
He said the first thing they did
was remove the bloody headrests.
- So what's he gonna
have between his head
and the armor plate behind then?
- Nothing.
- Hey Sarge, you reckon it's
gonna be a big show today?
- I don't know lad.
I don't know.
The orders are in gentlemen.
Our target is a German
army camp at taples.
This will be a fighter ramrod.
Now this is going to be
a pretty big show chaps
the largest of its kind
and the Hornchurch
wing are leading it.
Wing Commander.
- According to the
latest weather reports,
we can expect some
light flack I'm afraid.
But the good news is, there
should be some scattered clouds
at 2000 to 3000 feet.
So, perfect visibility
over target.
81 and 154 squadrons will
take off at 1150 hours.
122 Squadron will
also be joining us.
The route, east from the
Thames to Pevensey Bay
heading out over the
channel at naught feet.
Right on the deck chaps.
We'll be getting air support
from the north Wield wing
and we should
reach the target...
Well, we should arrive
just in time for lunch.
Now I want you all to
study those photos.
Take note of where
the officer's mess is
because if anyone
hits that target
there will be
almighty hell to pay.
'Cause I'm saving that
target for myself.
- Make sure you serve 'em up
a nice round of hot lead, sir.
- Alright. Alright.
Any questions?
We leave at 11:50.
- Okay, chaps, remember
keep those eyes peeled now.
- Roger.
- We've just been hit.
I see them, two of them
hiding above the hills.
- Keep on course
lads. Keep on course.
- It's reading you sir.
Sir?
- I know Yellow tube,
but I can see she's
running a temperature.
I'm turning out.
- Roger.
- I'll be hot on your tail sir.
- We'll get
'em good for you sir.
- Yeah, you better.
Or they'll be trouble
when you get back.
- I k*lled the bastards.
- Come on old girl.
Come on.
Butch.
Get as high as you can.
I'm gonna have to
ditch her in the drink.
- Roger Wilco. Sir.
- That thing will sank
like a bloody stone.
- Okay, this is it chaps
- No regrets remember.
- No regrets.
- I can't see him.
I can't see him.
- Which one is it?
- Bren.
I'm sorry.
- Mr. and Mrs. Finucane sir.
- Yes. Thank you Sergeant.
- Thank you sir.
- Thank you both
for coming.
We have some photographers
from the press waiting.
But first I just wanted to
tell you both, personally,
how very sorry I
am for your loss.
It was all just-
- They said it was
a million to one chance.
The b*llet that got him.
That's what they said, isn't it?
The newspapers.
- Yes. He was a remarkable
man. Mrs. Finucane.
A remarkable man.
We will be in his debt, always.
- Thank you.
- Mr. and Mrs. Finucane?
Have you anything to
say to our readers?
- May Valour ne'er
his standard rear
against the cause of freedom
Oh, the Shamrock,
the green and immortal Shamrock
Bless 'em all
Bless 'em all
The long and the
short and the tall
Bless all the sergeants
And the W01's
Bless all the corporals
And they're blinking sons
'Cause we're saying
goodbye to them all
As back to their
billets they crawl
You'll get no promotion
This side of the ocean
So cheer up my lads
Bless 'em all
Bless 'em all
Bless 'em all
The long and the
short and the tall
Bless all the Sargents
And WO1's
Bless all the corporal's
and their blinking sons
'Cause they're
saying goodbye
To them all
As back to their
billets they crawl
You'll get no promotion
This side of the ocean
So cheer up my
lads bless 'em all
You'll get no promotion
This side of the ocean
So cheer up my lads
Bless 'em all
Shamrock Spitfire, The (2024)
Moderator: Maskath3