Angels One Five

In 1940, Septic delivers a replacement Hawker Hurricane to Pimpernel Squadron. A damaged Hurricane lands across his path as he touches down, and his quick leapfrogging maneuver prevents a collision. He cannot slow his own aircraft in time and crashes the plane into the garden of Squadron Leader Barry Clinton, creating an immediate crisis.

The crash earns Septic the ire of Squadron Leader Bill Ponsford, who blames him for damaging a replacement aircraft. The incident strains relations within Pimpernel Squadron as the men assess the cost of the damaged asset. Septic must confront the consequences of his risky landing.

The crash injures the ligaments in Septic's neck, a wound he can identify himself thanks to his medical studies before the war. He quickly recognizes the seriousness of the injury and the need to recover. The damage foreshadows a shift in his role on the squadron.

The following morning Group Captain Tiger Small informs him he cannot fly until his neck heals, so Septic is reassigned to duties in the operations room. He must observe from the ground and learn through indirect involvement. This marks the start of a different path within the squadron.

Several days later, with a bombing raid looming, Tiger orders all aircraft to fly out of harm's way. He rapidly calls up pilots and secures a scramble, finding the last spare Hurricane for Septic to fly if needed. The tense moment demonstrates his eagerness to prove himself despite the injury.

Septic shoots down a Messerschmitt Bf 110 during the scramble, but Small and Squadron Leader Moon rebuke him for leaving his radio on transmit. The oversight prevents a warning from reaching returning Hurricanes. The moment underlines the cost of a single mistake in wartime.

Disheartened by the reprimand, Septic returns to ground duties and continues to contribute from the operations room. He remains a part of the effort while waiting for a chance to fly again. The squadron's operations continue under the pressure of the looming threat.

Septic is eventually reinstated into Pimpernel's operations and is able to participate in active missions again. He takes part in interceptions but his fate turns when he is mortally wounded while shooting down a German aircraft. The moment marks the ultimate price of his service.

As the operation unfolds, Septic's final words are heard over the Sector control room tannoy when he says their planned foot race to the spare Hurricane must be postponed indefinitely. The weight of his loss hangs over the control room as the war continues beyond the moment.

Squadron Leader Small responds with the line: Your message received and understood. Out, signifying the end of Septic's direct communication and the closing of his final act. The exchange underscores the discipline and tenderness of wartime leadership.

The final shot shows Nadine Clinton, wife of Squadron Leader Clinton, hanging an oil lamp in the ruins of their bungalow to aid returning pilots. The scene functions as a quiet memorial and a beacon for those coming home. It contrasts the destruction with a simple symbol of hope.