

A tragic mistake is made when Barton leads a patrol to intercept what they are led to believe is a German attack and he shoots down a bomber which is later identified to be a British Blenheim, killing the pilot in the process. His temporary replacement is Australian pilot Fanny Barton who is un-certain about his capabilities for such a role. Having just landed after a practice flight, Ramsey accidentally taxis his Spitfire into a slit-trench and his angry impatience causes him to fall from the aircraft and fatally fracture his neck. Squadron-Leader Ramsey is working furiously to whip Hornet Squadron into shape.

The series begins in September 1939 on the day that the Second World War is declared.
