I September 1939 story
The series begins in September 1939 on the day that war is declared. Squadron- Leader Ramsey is working furiously to whip Hornet Squadron into shape. 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. His temporary replacement is Australian pilot Fanny Barton who is uncertain about his capabilities for such a role. 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. New Squadron Leader Rex arrives and Barton is sent away to face a court of inquiry. Rex is immediately popular as he provides his pilots with many luxuries whilst demanding strict discipline and adherence to textbook tactics in return.
8 total · 1 choice · 5 major · 2 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| World War II | choice | The episode is set in the early part of the Second World War and tells the story of a squadron of Spitfire pilots as they defend Britain against the German Luftwaffe. Featured is the announcement of the war and some of the first action in the air for Britain. |
| leadership | major | The respective leadership qualities of Ramsey, Barton, and Rex were compared and contrasted. In particular, Rex made himself popular by providing his pilots with luxuries while demanding strict discipline and adherence to textbook tactics in return. |
| life in late modern Britain | major | The viewer is shown what it might have been like to serve in the air force of the United Kingdom in the early stages of the Second World War. The story focused on Hornet Squadron training in preparation to engage with the German Luftwaffe. |
| military related work | major | The viewer is shown what it might have been like to serve in the air force of the United Kingdom in the early stages of the Second World War. The story focused on Hornet Squadron training in preparation to engage with the German Luftwaffe. |
| passion for flying machines | major | The Hornet Squadron pilots relished flying their Spitfires. |
| what if I killed someone by accident | major | In a friendly fire incident, Barton lead a patrol that ended up shooting down a one of their own bombers. This triggered an official investigation. |
| learning about a foreign culture | minor | Hornet Squadron got a taste of life in France. |
| master and pet | minor | Squadron Leader Rex named his collie, Riley, official Hornet Squadron mascot. |