Reach for the Sky Page #7

---

We've also been trying to get tools

for the aircraft. But nothing happens.

- You haven't got any?

- Crowley-Milling has a penknife.

We'll see about that.

- Mr West, what's our equipment state?

- 18 Hurricanes.

- But we have no tools?

- Lost in France.

- Put in for more?

- Yes, through the usual channels.

- Well?

- Channels seem to be clogged, sir.

Oh, are they?

Well, we'll ruddy well unclog 'em.

Listen, it's in Section 2, Sub-clause 4.

It states that airmen only get one issue.

Mugs, one, knives, one...

- I want the tools for 242 Squadron.

- I can't produce them on demand.

- What's the hold-up?

- The paperwork...

To blazes with your paperwork!

I want that stuff fast!

The book says I must wait

three months before I...

Fine! We'll ask Goering

not to invade for three months!

Sir...!

I want those tools

and I want them quick!

- Thomas, been working all night?

- Yessir.

- Had breakfast?

- Yes, sir.

Good show.

Ah, just on my way to find you, sir.

The boys are fit, but we've no tools

so I've sent this signal to Group.

"242 operational as regards pilots,

but non-operational...

...as regards equipment."

What?

- You should've sent it to me first.

- I'll take any kicks coming, sir.

- You can't do this!

- I've done it.

- There'll be a row at Group.

- And at Fighter Command.

Your squadron will either get

new equipment or a new CO.

I don't know which.

Better be available for the C-in-C.

Yessir. I'll be in my office.

Same old trouble-fingers.

Seriously, I think the book's wrong

about fighter tactics.

Principles that paid off in the last war

are still good today.

The chap who's got the height

controls the battle...

...especially if he comes out

of the sun and the...

- Fighter Command HQ on the phone.

- Spares and tools.

This is it.

Bader.

Squadron Leader Edwards.

What's the meaning of this signal?

This squadron is out of action

until I get some tools.

- You can operate with what you've got.

- I've told you what I want.

Until I get it, this squadron

remains non-operational.

You don't seem to care,

but this will bring you a lot of trouble.

- The Commander-in-Chief's furious.

- "Oh, clot!"

Well, that's telling 'em, skipper.

Come on, I'll buy you a beer.

Squadron Leader Bader...

...the Commander-in-Chief

will see you now, sir.

What is all this about equipment

and your signal?

I've done all I could

to get my spares and tools.

If the Germans attack, my Squadron

would soon be unable to fly.

I see.

And those remarks on the telephone

to Squadron Leader Edwards.

Did you think that would help?

It was an argument between

officers of equal rank.

He tried to shake me

by saying you'd be furious.

He said I was furious?

I won't have officers taking my name

in vain or predicting my emotions.

- I'll see Edwards later.

- Very good, sir.

You must not short-circuit

the usual channels, Bader.

No, sir.

What exactly do you want?

- Satisfied, Mr West?

- I can service all the planes, sir.

Never call it a plane. It's an aeroplane.

Sorry, sir, aeroplane.

Inform Group and Fighter Command -

242 Squadron fully operational.

Turner, round up the boys.

Take-off, 30 minutes, battle practice.

Some passenger!

Legs or no legs, I've never seen

such a fireball. Come on, Crow.

(All) # Do you know the muffin man,

do you know the muffin man

# Who lives down Drury Lane? Hey!

- # Yes, I know the muffin man...

- (shouts of encouragement)

- Watch it! He made it!

- (raucous shouts)

(All) # Do you know the muffin man,

do you know the muffin man

# Do you know the muffin man

who lives down Drury Lane? Hey!

# Yes, I know the muffin man...

(song drowned out by laughter)

(shouts of encouragement)

- Well, what do you think of 'em?

- They're eating out of your hand.

At least they're not biting it now.

Good bunch, coming along nicely.

You're longing for more fighting, aren't you?

Hey, fellas, shut up! Shut up!

(Churchill) "The Battle of Britain

is about to begin."

"Upon this battle depends the survival

of Christian civilisation."

"The whole fury and might

of the enemy...

...must very soon be turned on us."

"Hitler knows that he will have to break us

in this island or lose the war."

"If we can stand up to him,

all Europe may be free."

"But if we fail...

...then the whole world,

including the United States...

...including all that we have known

and cared for...

...will sink into the abyss

of a new dark age."

"Let us therefore brace ourselves

to our duty...

...so bear ourselves...

...that if the British Empire

and its Commonwealth...

...lasts for a thousand years...

...men will still say...

...this was their finest hour."

(Radio) "Here is the 1 o'clock news.

This is John Snagge reading it."

"At 11 o'clock this morning, enemy bombers

attacked a convoy in the English Channel...

...and three seaport towns

on the South Coast."

"Some damage was done to the ports

and there were some casualties."

"Five enemy aircraft were shot down,

two of our aircraft are missing..."

Controller, quickly.

Turn that damn thing off!

(phone rings)

Woodhall.

Woody, Douglas Bader here.

Has the balloon gone up?

Looks like it, Douglas.

What are we waiting for?

When do we go?

Hold your horses. I can't bring

you chaps in until they reach our area.

The south needs every fighter it can get!

If we go there,

Jerry will attack the Midlands.

Are we supposed to do nothing?!

Just take it easy,

the war won't finish overnight.

Hello, Mrs Richards, how are you?

Nice to see you.

Keep an eye on John, one of our

new WAAFs seems keen about him.

Well, sir, seems to have started.

Yes. This party might be the last

for some time.

I agree with you, sir. Excuse me.

Cheer up, Dicky boy! Why so gloomy?

Stan, keep an eye on him.

- Hello, darling.

- I didn't know if you'd be here.

Johnny Sanderson's mother rang.

He's safe, a prisoner.

I knew it! Thank God.

Poor John. Won't be long before

he escapes! I beg your pardon.

- Come on in.

- Squadron Leader Bader, sir?

We're posted to you, sir. I'm Jones.

- How do you do?

- This is Pilot Officer Nicholson.

- How do you do, sir?

- Stan, two more for us!

Get 'em a drink. See you later.

Come on, I'll buy you a drink.

Douglas, they look so young.

They'll be all right. I'll look after them.

Who'll look after you? You're not immortal.

I've an engine in front of me, armour plate

behind, and tin legs underneath.

How the devil can they get me?

(engine whines)

(explosions)

(phone rings)

242 Squadron.

Clothing parade, 1530.

Uh-huh, here it comes.

They'll be asking for reinforcements

down south any moment.

(phone buzzes)

Operations.

Yessir!

(phone rings)

- Squadron, scramble!

- (cheering)

This is Laycock Red Leader.

Hello, Steersman. Am airborne. Over.

Hello, Laycock, Steersman answering.

Vector one-nine-zero buster.

70-plus bandits approaching North Weald.

It's about time, Woody! Over.

Red Leader,

bandits should be in your area now.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes