Red Ensign

David Barr, manager and chief designer at Burns, McKinnon & Co., devises a ship design that promises 25% more cargo per ton and lower fuel use. The idea arrives as hope in a recession-wracked industry. It sets the stage for a bold push to build more efficient ships.

Barr decides to build twenty ships, not just one, to drive down costs and realize the design's potential. The audacious plan faces skepticism from the board and from rival shipbuilders. The scale of ambition marks a turning point for the project.

Manning's men infiltrate Burns, McKinnon & Co. by going undercover to learn details of the new design. They manage to secure employment and gather intelligence on the project. Their presence heightens the threat from the rival firm.

Manning offers to purchase either the design or all the ships Barr hopes to build. Barr and June McKinnon reject both offers, insisting the project must stand on its own merits. The pressure from competition intensifies as the stalemate continues.

With June McKinnon backing him, Barr presses ahead despite opposition from Lord Dean and other board members. Her support strengthens his resolve and helps keep the project alive. The alliance between Barr and June becomes a key lifeline.

The Government declines to grant a contract or pass a shipping bill, delivering a severe setback. Barr uses his own money to try to complete the ship, risking personal financial ruin. The failure to secure public funds tests every ounce of his determination.

With funds running out, Barr cannot pay the workers and a rabble-rouser stirs up discontent. He delivers a stirring speech that wins the men over and keeps them loyal to the project. The workforce becomes a fragile but essential backbone of the operation.

Hearing Barr's renewed commitment, June offers to allow him to obtain a loan secured by her trust fund. The proposal strengthens his ability to continue despite the financial crisis. The partnership between Barr and June deepens under mounting pressure.

Manning's men knock out the night watchman and blow up the ship under construction. A man named MacLeod is killed in the blast, marking a violent escalation. The attack raises the stakes for Barr and his allies.

Bassett, a reporter, informs Barr that MacLeod was the third officer on one of Manning's ships, linking the sabotage to Manning. Barr gains a crucial piece of evidence that intensifies the conflict. The revelation sharpens the case against the rival firm.

Desperate for cash, Barr forges the signature of Lord Dean to obtain a loan when Dean, as trustee of June's fund, refuses to cooperate. The forged document exposes Barr to legal peril. The act also gives Manning leverage to pressure Barr.

Manning learns of the forged signature and uses it to blackmail Barr into selling the design. Barr refuses, but the evidence leads to a forgery conviction. The legal battle adds personal peril to Barr while Manning doubles down on pressure.

Manning is sought for manslaughter, while Barr is present at the launch of the first new ship, the SS David Barr. The launch represents a milestone amid ongoing legal and criminal threats. The project pushes ahead, signaling resilience in the face of turmoil.