In Which We Serve

'This is the story of a ship.'

WHISTLE

Ship's company - 'shun!

Turn aft - right and left - turn!

-Open Fire!

-Open Fire!

-Shoot!

Look, sir. The Huns are jumping overboard in full marching order.

Cor - look at that. Come in, the water's lovely(!)

Look at 'em. Somebody must have blown a whistle! Layer on.

-There are some caiques to port, sir.

-Shift to the big transport.

-Aye, aye, sir.

Ship target right.

-Can I fire torpedoes at the transports, sir?

-All right, but no more than two at any transport.

-Flags, make to the Division 'Train tubes to port'.

-Main office - Tommy, Tommy - port.

That's got 'em! Shoot when you see the whites of their eyes.

Bingo!

Fire one!

-Fire two!

-Fire two!

Torpedoes fired, sir.

Our fish have hit, sir. One transport blown up.

There goes another. The rest of the Division's doing well.

-An enemy destroyer, sir.

-Right. Engage her.

Check, check, check! Shift target left - follow TBI.

Take this.

-Trainer on.

-Layer on. 0-4-0. 1-0 left.

I'll lay you ten to one they're all Germans.

The Macaronis wouldn't do that, not for love nor money.

-The Eyeties will do anything for money.

-Anything but fight!

That's why they were so lousy in the last war.

It's their warm, languorous, southern temperament.

-Cocoa, sir?

-Thanks, Snotty.

-Thanks.

-The dawn of a new day, Flags...

-Pretty sky, sir. I had a calendar like that.

-Did it have a squadron of Dorniers in the corner?

-No, sir.

-That's when art parts company with reality.

-Cigarette?

-Thanks.

Aircraft in sight astern, sir. Angle of sight 2-0.

Looks like Junkers 88s.

-Starboard 20.

-One blast on the siren.

-Aye, aye, sir.

SIREN BLASTS

Aircraft in sight, bearing Green, 1-7-0. Angle of sight, 2-0.

Short range weapons - starboard. Stand by for dive-bombers.

Open fire!

First wave are diving now. Hard a-port. Sound two blasts.

SIREN BLASTS

Down, everybody.

We got one. We'll try and get two next time.

Guns shift to Red 1-4-0.

Midships!

Shift to the next wave, bearing Red, 1-4-0.

-Hard a-starboard. Sound one blast.

-Aye-aye, sir.

We've winged it. Down, everybody!

-Midships.

-Midships.

Another wave on the port side, sir.

He's coming much lower, sir.

He'll probably hit our mast!

Well done. We've got him, but I'm afraid he's got us, too. Midships!

Midships, sir.

Carry on firing. Here comes the next wave.

All guns are still in action, sir.

Stop both!

No answer from the engine room, sir. The telegraphs must be shot away.

We're going over. Cast loose the Carley Floats.

Abandon ship!

'I'll sign for her now. I'll sign for her now...'

-Has Satterthwaite been sighted yet?

-Not yet, sir. HAMMERING

-Stop that hammering, Edgecombe. I can't hear myself think.

-Aye, aye, sir.

-Tell Number One to fall in the hands on the quarter deck.

-Aye, aye, sir.

-Shall we have it on the desk or the shelf, sir?

-The shelf. Put the usual one on the desk.

-Wedding dress, sir?

-Yes.

-It's here, sir.

-Good. Give it to me.

-Mr Satterthwaite's coming on board, sir.

-Hands all aft?

-Yes, sir.

-Good.

-Good morning, Satterthwaite.

-Good morning, Captain Kinross.

-Everything in order?

-Certainly.

-Well, we'll get the ceremony over.

-Were you satisfied with the trial?

-Yes. She's a well-found ship.

We'll hoist the ensign in a couple of minutes, Edgecombe.

-Now, then.

-Are you prepared to take over the ship, sir?

-Yes. I'll sign for her now.

'Watch your head, sir.'

Watch your head, sir.

-You can smoke if you like, Edgecombe.

-Thank you, sir.

-Will you have one, sir?

-No, thanks, not at the moment.

Heard from your missus lately?

-I had a letter last week. More trouble.

-What's wrong?

-Her mother's in hospital again.

That old woman's always in trouble. I think she enjoys it.

-What's the matter with her?

-It's her stomach. It seems she can't keep anything down.

If I know her, it's not for want of trying.

-You'll be glad to get to sea again.

-That's putting it mildly, sir.

-Darling!

-Hello, darling.

-At last!

-Everything under control?

-No, we've been in uproar all day.

Daddy!

Bobby!

-We've been waiting for hours!

-We wouldn't go to bed.

-We saw the ship.

-It went by quite close.

-Not 'it' - 'her'!

-It was thrilling.

-How fast was she going? About 40 knots?

-About 20.

-But she can do more than that?

-You bet she can.

Take the car round, Edgecombe.

-Aye, aye, sir.

-Good evening, Edgecombe.

-Can I tell him what it is, Mummy?

-It's a surprise!

-How long have you got?

-Only till morning.

Afraid you won't see her. It's a rush job.

-But Mummy promised...

-That's enough.

-Can we come on board before you go away?

-We'll make time somehow.

When, Daddy, when?

Bobby! It's late. You'll both have to go to bed.

Oh, Mummy...

Daddy will say goodnight to you if you're quick.

But I want to hear about the ship.

I'll tell you all about it in the morning...if you go to bed now.

-Can I ask questions, too?

-You never do anything else.

Off you go, both of you.

-I'll be up in ten minutes.

-Promise?

-Promise.

Come on, Lavvy, I'll race you.

They've been wild with excitement all day. Can I get you a drink? Whisky and soda or a cocktail?

-Let's have a Kinross special.

-I guessed it. It's all ready.

I thought you'd forget to lay in any Cointreau.

Wrong again.

Were the trials satisfactory, darling?

-More than pleased. She's a lovely ship.

-Why are you rushing the commissioning?

-I like doing things quickly.

-Is that the only reason?

We live in strange times, darling. It's as well to be prepared.

-I suppose so.

-Nothing to worry about.

-No.

-Here, try this - it may be too sweet.

-My love.

My love.

-Just right. Missed me?

-Of course not. I've been much too busy.

-What's for dinner?

-Grouse. Maureen sent us a brace.

-Good.

-They're a bit high. I expect you'll like that.

-New dress?

No, darling, I've had it for ages! You've seen it about 20 times.

-Perhaps it's you that looks new. As good as new, anyway.

-Is there going to be a war?

-Yes, I think there is.

-Oh.

-No good worrying about it till it comes.

No.

-Don't be sad.

-I'm not sad. I'm just sort of... gathering myself together.

-Any more Kinross special left?

-Of course.

However busy you are, I should like to come on board just once before you go to sea,

just to give the ship my love.

-You'll have to make my cabin presentable.

-Is the chintz all right?

-First class.

We better drink these up, and go up to the children.

-Here we go.

-Here we go.

Swim to the float! Swim to the float!

HE SPLUTTERS

I've got some brandy in my Gieves.

HE SPLUTTERS

Kath...

Kath...

Kath...

-Here's the paper, dear.

-It's nearly half-past. Only time to look at the headlines.

-There you are, then.

-Doesn't look too good, does it?

-Oh, you can't believe anything they say.

Look at the fuss last year, everybody flying about in aeroplanes and making speeches.

-After all that, nothing happened.

-Not to us, but it did to other people.

-Do you really think we're going to have another war?

-It looks like it to me.

I'll believe it when I see it.

You'll see it quicker than you've bargained for.

-What would Hitler gain by having a war?

-World domination. That's what the little rat's after.

They haven't got enough to eat in Germany as it is.

Mrs Blacket's nephew, the one who travels in underwear, came back from Berlin two months ago.

said they was all half-starved.

-I think we're for it.

-If we have another war, I give up.

After all we went through last time...

All YOU went through?! You was too young and innocent to know about it.

You know perfectly well how old I am.

You'll always be young and innocent to me.

If you ask me you've got a hangover.

-I must be going now. Is Mother coming down.

-I promised I'd call her. Wait a minute.

Mother!

-Come down as you are.

-That WILL be nice(!)

-Will you get ashore again?

-That all depends.

-You won't forget to put those bulbs in, will you?

-You and your bulbs!

Goodbye, old girl.

-Walter Hardy, anyone would think you was going away forever.

-You never know.

You ought to be ashamed of yourself, saying such things.

...And give them a piece of my mind.

Here comes Mother.

That spirit lamp blew up again... Frightened the wits out of me.

You WILL put in too much methylated. What do you want to go fussing about with spirit for?

You could pop down to the kitchen, nobody'd notice you.

I've made me own tea in me own bedroom all me life...

But that's my spare, and if you go on blowing things up,

it won't be fit to sleep in.

-I've got to go now.

-Nice thing when me own daughter starts criticising me(!)

Oh, shut up, Mother, say goodbye to Walter.

-Will you get ashore again?

-It all depends on Hitler.

-Who does he think HE is?

-That's the spirit! Goodbye, Mother.

-Look after Kath for me. And you two stop naggin' each other.

-Nagging?! I like that, I must say(!)

Come on, Kath.

-Goodbye, old girl.

-Goodbye, dear.

'Ship's company - 'shun!'

WHISTLE

-Ship's company present, sir.

-Stand them at ease.

Ship's company, stand at...ease!

Break ranks and gather round.

Can you hear me all right at the back?

You all know it's the custom of the Service,

for the Captain to address the ship's company on commissioning day.

Now, my policy's easy. If there are any who served with me before, they'll know it.

Any old shipmates of mine here?

Glad to see you, Reynolds... and Adams...and Blake...and Coombe.

-Who is that hiding behind the chief stoker?

-Parkinson, sir.

-Coxswain of the All Comers whaler in the Valletta?

-Yes, when we won the cup in the 1936 regatta.

And fell into the ditch when you got to the ship.

Well, there are enough old shipmates to tell the others what my policy's always been.

Reynolds, Adams, Blake, Coombe, Parkinson,

what sort of ship do I want the Torrin to be?

-A happy ship, sir.

-That's right.

-An efficient ship, sir.

Correct. A very happy and a very efficient ship.

You can't have one without the other.

A ship can't be happy unless she's efficient and won't be efficient unless she's happy.

Now...our programme...

Most of you have seen the commissioning programme... This allows the usual three weeks.

You will also know that Ribbentrop signed a pact with Stalin yesterday.

As I see it...

that means war next week. So I will give you three days to get the ship ready to sail.

None of us will turn in or take our clothes off or

sling our hammocks till the job's finished.

Then we'll send Hitler a telegram saying, "The Torrin's ready. You can start your war."

You four bring in the sugar... You six, gasmasks...and I'll join you and bring in the rum.

Wake up. You've had your hour. It's my turn now.

RADIO: 'At 11.15, the Prime Minister will broadcast to the nation.

'Please stand by.'

VOICE OF NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN: 'I am speaking to you

'from the Cabinet Room at 10, Downing Street.

'This morning, the British Ambassador in Berlin

'handed the German Government a final note...

'stating that, unless we heard from them by 11 o'clock,

'that they were prepared at once to withdraw their troops from Poland,

'a state of war would exist between us.

'I have to tell you now that no such undertaking has been received,

'and that, consequently, this country is at war with Germany.

'You can imagine what a bitter blow it is to me...'

It ain't exactly a Bank Holiday for us!

She's still afloat.

ALIX'S VOICE: 'God bless this ship and all who sail in her.'

HYMN SINGING

# From rock and tempest, fire and foe

# Protect them whereso'er they go

# Thus ever-more shall rise to Thee

# Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

# Amen. #

Let us pray.

Oh, Eternal Lord God, Who alone spreads out the heavens and rules the raging of the sea...

be pleased to received into Thy gracious protection the persons of us Thy servants.

Preserve us from the danger of the sea and from the violence of the enemy,

that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lord, King George and his Dominions...

That the inhabitants of our island may, in peace, serve Thee, our God.

And that we may return in safety,

to enjoy the blessings of the land with the fruits of our labours...

and to praise and glorify Thy Holy Name.

-Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord...

-Amen.

We will now sing the carol on the back of the hymn card.

# Good King Wenceslas looked out

# On the Feast of Stephen

# When the snow lay round about

# Deep and crisp and even

# Brightly shone the moon that night

# Though the frost was cruel

# When a poor man came in sight

# Gathering winter fu-u-el. #

WHISTLING

LAUGHTER

Them kids have been at it all day... Beats me why their mothers allow it.

-It's the Christmas spirit, Mum.

-Comin' home with their feet sopping and getting colds...

-Now then, Mother, can't have you grumbling as if it was an ordinary day.

-Me grumble?!

In the last war, we spent Christmas in the Red Sea.

Hot? You could have fried an egg on the deck.

The Red Sea can be hot. So can the Persian Gulf.

I was out there two years ago in the Worcestershire.

Certainly see life in the big ships.

We don't do so badly in the small ones, you know.

They're off again.

A cruiser's more lively than a destroyer. Stands to reason!

-You're a Marine! You don't know nothin' about destroyers.

-What's the matter with the Marines?

It's like this, Bert...

-Without the Marines...

-Without the Navy...

Oh, shut up, you two. Who cares, anyway?

That's a nice way to talk(!) You, the mother of a sailor.

And mother-in-law of a marine!

Pass the port wine. I'm as dry as a bone.

-What's the sense in arguing?

-It was a friendly discussion.

Like the friendly discussion in the Green Man last night(!) You had the place in uproar.

Bert, a toast - to the Royal Marines. God bless 'em and a happy Christmas to 'em.

ALL: The Royal Marines.

Thanks, Shorty, old man.

On behalf of my Corps...I give you - all destroyers and the Torrin.

-May her shadow never grow less.

-It never will.

ALL: Destroyers and HMS Torrin!

I should like to drink the healths of one and all present.

And to thank a kindly fate for arranging that my ship needed boiler cleaning.

Little short of a bloody miracle.

-Walter, you know I don't like you using that word.

-That's a highly expressive word.

That's naval tradition, that is.

And the RAF.

I would like to add that I consider we're all... VERY lucky...

..to be all together today. Considering there's a war on,

-and civilisation is trembling on the edge of an abyss.

-There now!

-What did you say, Kath?

-There now.

Don't say it again. It puts me off.

-What's so funny, Freda?

-It's just the way you talk.

You don't seem to realise this is a very important war.

You like to listen to the sound of your own voice.

-Let him get on with it, Kath.

-Try and stop him!

I will treat these paltry interruptions with the contempt they deserve

and propose the health of one who is very dear to me.

She's a creature of many moods, and fads and fancies,

very often uncertain and coy and hard to please...

But I'm devoted to her with every fibre of my being,

and I hereby swear to be true to her in word and deed, so help me God.

-Ladies and gentlemen, HMS Torrin.

-ALL: HMS Torrin.

Ladies and gentlemen - the King.

ALL: The King.

HUBBUB OF CONVERSATION

-Come on - pull.

-Come on, old girl.

-Enjoying yourself?

-Very much.

-That cap's absolutely wizard.

-Doesn't the tree look sweet?

-This is the best Christmas I've ever had.

-Is it?

-Stop whispering, you two.

-We ought to drink to them. To the newly betrothed.

ALL: To the newly betrothed.

-What's "betrothed", Daddy?

-The beginning of the end, my boy.

On behalf of my fiancee and myself, thank you.

I think you should make a speech, Alix.

Oh, no, honestly...I couldn't.

Oh, Teddy, I'll never forgive you... Oh, dear...

What am I to say?

Silence. Her Worship, the Lady Mayoress

is about to declare the bazaar open(!)

Ladies and gentlemen,

I'll begin by wishing you all a very happy Christmas.

I'm sure Elizabeth and June will back me up when I deliver, on behalf of all Naval wives...

a word of warning to Maureen,

who's unwise enough to join our ranks.

Dear Maureen, we wish you all possible happiness,

but I have to tell you what you're in for.

The wife of a sailor is most profoundly to be pitied.

Her home life, such as it is, has no stability whatever.

She moves through a succession of other people's houses...

has to grapple with domestic problems in Bermuda, Malta or Weymouth...

We won't deal with the question of pay - it is too painful.

But the most important disillusionment of all is...

This is mutiny!

That is, that wherever she goes,

there is always a permanent and undefeated rival...

Her husband's ship.

Whether it be a battleship, sloop, submarine or destroyer,

it comes before wife, home, children, everything.

Some of us try to fight this. Others, like myself, resign themselves to the inevitable.

That is what you will have to do, my poor Maureen...if you want peace of mind at all.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I give you my rival.

It's extraordinary that anyone could be so fond and so proud of their most implacable enemy.

This ship.

God bless this ship and all who sail in her.

Well, she did her stuff, sir.

Best ship I ever served in, sir.

Makes one feel sort of lost... doesn't it?

-A very happy and a very efficient ship, sir.

-Thank you.

-Wipe your face, Edgecombe. You don't want that oil fuel in your eyes.

-Aye, aye, sir.

You know what I'd like now? A nice hot cup of tea.

Look out! Here come the bastards again!

Get down as low as you can!

Missed, butter fingers.

Blimey! I spoke too soon.

-Agh!

-Did it get you badly?

-Don't rightly know, sir.

-Knife, somebody.

Cut his sleeve carefully.

Hit a mother with a baby in her arms, you would.

Look, boys. Shot through the artery.

I always did hate the sight of blood.

Give us a rag, somebody.

FREDA'S VOICE: 'What's your name? What's your name?'

Quite a loving cup, isn't it?

You never know your luck.

You keep your hands to yourself.

-Want a drop, dear? Come on.

-No, thanks.

Ever so sorry, I'm sure(!)

-She said she didn't want it.

-Who are you? Father Flanagan?

Play a hymn. I didn't know we was in Sunday School(!)

-Some people don't know when to stop.

-What?

-You heard.

-Here, Miss, you change places with me.

-It's all right.

-Go on.

I'd be obliged if you'd change places with me too.

Me mother warned me about sailors.

-She should've warned you about a few other things.

-Forget it, pal. Life's too short.

# If you were the only girl in the world

# And I was the only boy

# Nothing else would matter in the world today... #

Comfy?

Yes, thanks.

-What's your name?

-Freda.

-Freda Lewis.

-Freda... It's a pretty name.

-Mind if I smoke?

-Of course not.

-Have one?

-I don't mind.

-These are special - HM's ships only.

-My uncle's in the Navy. He's on a destroyer.

-So am I!

He's a Petty Officer. They call him by a funny name.

-We often call them funny names.

-It begins with a B.

-It generally does.

-You ARE awful.

-What's his ship?

-Oh...that's careless talk.

-You can tell me.

-Well... Chief Buffer, he's called. He's on the Torrin.

Well, it's a small world. Joey!

-Our Chief Buffer's 'er uncle.

-Makes you Siamese twins!

-This is my friend Joey Mackridge - Miss Lewis.

-How do you do?

Pleased to meet you, I'm sure.

What's your name?

-Funny us meetin' like that, eh?

-Yes.

-Sort of...unexpected.

-Yes.

-That long train... I had to pick on that one carriage.

-It's fate.

-Yeah, I feel that way too.

-I suppose we ought to be going.

-I suppose we ought.

-Your family will be wondering what's happened to you.

-I'm wondering that myself.

-Does your aunt let you out much?

-As long as I'm not too late.

How about going dancing tomorrow?

-Yes.

-Right, 6.30 - under the clock, Victoria Station.

-You don't waste much time.

I've only got short weekend leave.

Not very long, is it?

-Here we are. Come in and meet my mum and dad.

-I'd rather not. They wouldn't want a stranger butting in.

You're not a stranger - not any more.

To them I would be. Give me my bag...

-Not until you say it's OK about tomorrow night.

-You ARE awful. All right.

-Cross your heart and hope to die?

-Cross my heart and hope to die.

-So long, Freda.

-So long, Shorty.

Mum!

Shorty Blake!

You ought to be ashamed of yourself! Your telegram only arrived half an hour ago.

-Well, I'm here - sound in wind and limb.

-You bad boy... May, Shorty's home!

Dad!

How's the war goin', son? Seen any submarines?

-Hundreds! Sunk 14 last week(!)

-Oh, Mum, he's fibbing, isn't he?

In the last war...

Put a sock in it, Fred. We don't want to hear it.

-Dad?

-Yes, old man?

-Where did you first meet Mum?

What made you ask that...?

We was in a train, comin' back from Herne Bay.

It's a small world. It was fate, wasn't it?

You drink your tea up, and don't talk so soft.

They're coming over again. Get down...keep your heads low!

GUNFIRE

Now, nice and still, everybody, please. Now, a nice smile...

It seems only yesterday he was in his pram.

Hold it.

Bye, Ma...

NOISY FAREWELLS

Here's your little lot. Now then... Cheerio, Mrs Blake.

-Oh, it does sound funny, doesn't it?

-You'll get used to it.

-I won't get used to you being away.

-You WOULD marry a sailor.

Can't trust 'em an inch. Comin' home unexpected and catchin' you havin' tea with the lodger.

-I'LL be the lodger...living with Kath.

-But not for a whole week yet.

Seven whole days of glorious life! You'll like being with Kath?

Yes. It's just you being away that I won't like.

Orders - one, give us a kiss. Two, chuck us one of Mum's sandwiches.

Three, remember this is a honeymoon, and four, give us another kiss. 'Shun!

-Somebody will see us.

-Who cares?

-Hello, Blake, what are you doing here?

-I'm on my honeymoon, sir.

-Congratulations!

-Er...

-This is my wife.

-How do you do?

-Pleased to meet you, I'm sure.

-Alix...

-Ordinary Seaman Blake, Mrs Blake...my wife.

-I hope you'll be very happy.

We're old friends. He helped me when I slipped on the gangway.

-Do you remember?

-Yes, ma'am.

Are you going to live in Plymouth?

-Yes...that is, when he goes to sea again.

-Chief Petty Officer Hardy's her uncle, so she'll live there.

We're spending a few days in Torquay.

Very nice. Just you begin as you intend to go on, Mrs Blake.

My wife rules me with a rod of iron.

Don't talk nonsense!

We won't interrupt you any longer.

-Report him to me if he doesn't behave himself. Goodbye.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye.

-Enjoy your leave.

-Thank you, sir.

-Coincidence about them going to Torquay on honeymoon, wasn't it?

-Yes.

That first quarrel, remember? You were in tears...

Because the band was playing The Blue Danube...I got emotional.

That wasn't why you were in tears.

Well, it was probably because I discovered what a disagreeable character you have...

-Still, it was a good honeymoon.

-It went awfully quickly.

HE WHISTLES: "The Blue Danube"

Stop it, Teddy. I refuse to be made sentimental in the middle of a Great Western lunch.

Eat up your delicious piece of railway fish and behave yourself.

-Damn!

-What's the matter?

That thing positively haunts me.

-I'd have given my eye teeth for the chance of a show like that.

-Never mind, darling,

there will be lots of other chances before the war's over.

I believe some damned poet wrote a very appealing little piece about "the tiny feet of the rain".

-I'd like to kill him.

-Well, I'm going down to the Wardroom.

Five on six...

Two on three...

Ten...just what the doctor ordered.

The doctor hasn't ordered a damn thing, apart from a few doses of cascara...

That's what's getting the doctor down.

Years of expensive medical training resulting in complete atrophy.

The doctor wishes he was dead.

Mitchell, a glass of port for the doctor.

There! Just the girl I wanted.

You have the damnedest luck.

Skill, old boy - skill!

-It's a stinking night.

-Mitchell, a gin for the First Lieutenant.

I've got the middle watch.

-Hey, you should have put the ten on the nine.

-Drat!

Here's to peace... and loved ones far away.

-Feeling all right, old man?

-Yes - why?

-Not running a temperature or anything?

-No.

-You're two minutes early.

It won't occur again, sir.

Vessel on fire!

BELL RINGS

-Yes?

-Captain, vessel on fire, bearing Green 3-0.

-Press alarm.

ALARM SOUNDS

I was dreamin' I was in a Turkish harem surrounded by gorgeous girls...

I wondered why you was pinching me.

Report to TS when closed up and cleared away.

Looks like a line of destroyers.

-Number one gun cleared away.

-Number two gun cleared away.

Number three gun cleared away.

All guns closed up and cleared away, sir.

-All quarters closed up to action stations, sir.

-Open fire!

-Star shell commence!

-Commence!

Well done, Guns, we've beaten them to it!

They've fired now!

Hold the leading destroyer. Right - four stars - go on!

They've gone over!

Layer on!

Left gun ready.

Right gun ready.

We've hit. Keep it up! Stop star shell.

Star shell - check, check, check!

We've hit again.

Torpedo tracks starboard, sir.

Starboard - midships. Close all watertight doors. Flags, take over, continue chase.

The power's off, sir.

Number one and number two mountings - carry on firing!

Number one and number two mountings - carry on firing!

Number one and number two mountings - carry on firing!

Number one and number two mountings - carry on firing!

Number one mounting - carry on firing!

Let me know when you're ready.

Look out! Here she comes!

-Well, number one?

-The bulkheads are being shored up. There's a deal of damage aft, sir.

We'll be a sitting target when it gets light.

-Is the Captain alive?

-Yes, old chap, I'm still in command.

-What did you do to Jerry?

-One was badly damaged.

-Not too bad. Tell Tancred to take me in tow.

-Aye, aye, sir.

-How far are we from home?

-About 120 miles, sir.

-Get ready to tow for'ard.

-We've got all the guns working, sir.

-Good. We shall need them.

-Don't move. How are you feeling?

-Fine, sir, thank you.

-Got concussed a bit, didn't you?

-Yes, sir.

-I believe you stood by the gun when the rest of the crew were knocked out.

-Well...

Somebody had to do it, sir.

-I'm very proud of you.

-Thank you, sir.

I want to see my Captain.

I'm here. Don't try to talk.

Just rest.

EXPLOSION

-The bulkheads holding all right, number one?

-Yes, sir.

-How far have we made good, Pilot?

-We're halfway there, sir.

The RAF ought to be here soon. I wish they'd get a move on.

I'm sick of wallowing about here like a sitting duck.

WILD CHEERING

Bravo!

Make yourselves comfortable.

There are one or two things I want to say to you.

First, I will hold a short memorial service next Sunday for our 36 shipmates who lost their lives

and give thanks that the old ship came safely through.

The Germans claim to have sunk us.

I also want to tell you that you all did pretty well.

When a torpedo hits a destroyer, the result is bound to be fairly devastating.

And I can understand the temptation to think of your own skin first.

It's gratifying to feel that out of a company of 244 men,

243 have behaved as I expected.

One man, however, did not.

That man has been brought before me charged with leaving his post without permission.

I needn't tell you how serious an offence this is in a time of war.

The punishment that follows is normally drastic.

You will be surprised to learn I have let him off with a caution.

Or two cautions - one to him,

and one to me. In a way, it was my fault.

This man has only been in the Navy for six months.

Even so, I should have made it clear to him I would not tolerate such behaviour.

I should have got that much of my creed across.

But I failed.

I will not punish a man for an action for which I hold myself largely to blame.

But after this, there will be no more cautions.

The next time you run into trouble, and we'll be in plenty more scraps,

I know that no-one will fail to do his duty to the very end.

Thank you all for making my task so easy...

and the Torrin a ship to be so very proud of.

-Carry on, number one.

-Aye, aye, sir.

Ship's company - 'shun! Dismiss!

I've got to close up now. Drink up, it's after hours.

-What about some music?

-If you've got a penny, you can have it.

-I have.

-Put it in the slot, then.

PIANO PLAYS: "Run Rabbit Run"

Will you be requiring anything more?

Look 'ere, miss. I ought to be drunk. I WANT to be drunk.

I want to be drunk more than I've ever wanted anything in my whole life.

Who says sailors never care?

# Run rabbit, run rabbit Run, run, run

# He'll get by without his rabbit pie

# Run rabbit, run rabbit Run, run, run

# Run rabbit, run rabbit... #

Play another tune, for God's sake!

Anything to oblige.

# Roll out the barrel We'll have a barrel of fun

# Roll out the barrel

# We've got the blues on the run

# Sing boom-te-ra-ra

# Sing out a song of good cheer

# Now it's time to roll the barrel

# For the gang's all here

# Roll out the barrel

# We'll have a barrel of fun

# Roll out the barrel

# We've got the blues on the run

# Sing boom-te-ra-ra

# Sing out a song of good cheer

# Now's the time to roll the barrel

# For the gang's all here. #

Bravo! Bravo!

-Goodbye, Walter.

-Don't over-exert yourself, Freda.

-Cheerio, Kath.

-Be good. Go on up to the gate, Freda. I'll wait here.

-You shouldn't have come, really. It's bad for you.

-It would be worse sitting at home.

Besides, we've had an extra half-hour together. It doesn't seem so bad this time.

-Come on. Give us a kiss and hop it. No sense hanging about.

-All right.

Now, then - none of that.

Go on - be a good boy. Don't get your feet wet.

-I'll get the mower mended.

-Right. And if things get bad, you can go to Dorothy's.

-They'd have to get really bad.

-All right. Cheerio.

-Cheerio.

Packards and Cadillacs? No. Give me a Rolls-Royce every time.

-You're old-fashioned.

-What does the King have?

-A Daimler.

-Is that old-fashioned too?

-Yes. Compared to a snappy Packard.

-The King couldn't have a flash roadster.

-Not a roadster...

There's nothing to touch a British Daimler.

You wanted a Rolls-Royce.

You can't have both, you know! Looks like profiteering.

-Look here, old man...

-Oh, give it a rest.

-I will!

-How do you spell porpoise?

-P-o-r-p-o-u-s, I suppose. Why?

I'm telling my missus we're escorting 'em.

-Anybody seen the Chief?

-He hasn't been in to lunch yet.

-Hello, Chief, we were just talking about you.

-Really?

-Been making any more filthy vapours?

-Shut up, Guns.

All those clouds of dense black smoke belching through the funnel.

Lay off!

At ten o'clock, I thought she was on fire.

-Mitchell...

-Have your "sparkers" any news about the war?

-No.

My brother's in the BEF. He was in Arras.

-God knows where he is now.

-The whole thing's been a lash-up.

Now, you know what you've got to do. The BEF is falling back on Dunkirk...

In peacetime, there's a lot of leg-pulling between the services.

But the soldiers are our brothers-in-arms, and it's up to us to get them off.

Let them see how much we admire the way they fought.

Our success will be measured by the smallness of the military casualties.

The soldiers' lives are in our hands.

Gangway, gangway... Mind your backs.

Here y'are, cock. It's wet and warm...

Try dippin' the biscuit in the cocoa... It can save your teeth.

The champagne will be along in a minute!

Come on, Joey, up this way. Mind your backs, please. A woman's work is never done.

Here y'are. Don't you want none?

Can't hold it, son - me hand's wonky.

Oh, 'arf a mo'. Joey, give us a couple of them biscuits.

-'Ere, don't gulp it now. You'll choke yourself.

-Thanks, son.

EXPLOSION

This is damned good.

It's just ordinary Bovril, heavily laced with sherry.

Port 20.

How's the old country looking now, sir? I feel I've been away for years.

We put in up North every now and again to refuel. It looks much the same...

Not exactly warlike.

-There'll always be an England, eh?

-As good a conviction as any.

A good deal better than most, if I may say so.

Here, chum - a nice cup of cocoa.

-Want a biscuit?

-Leave him one. He might fancy it later.

I never thought I'd be so glad to see a cup of cocoa. It's better with your boots off.

That's lovely. Have some more.

The good old white cliffs of Dover.

-Look better with the sun on them.

-Damned lucky to see them at all.

The Navy's put up a fine show, Kinross. We're very grateful.

-Perhaps you'd care to dine with us one night.

-I'd love to.

We'd better get below, Jasper. Start lighting up the troops.

I expect you'll be wanting to push off as soon as possible.

-Well, goodbye for now.

-Goodbye. Forgive me for not coming down with you.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye. Good luck.

-Just ordinary Bovril and sherry?

-Yes.

-Good. Thanks.

Battalion - sling your arms.

Battalion - 'shun!

Move to the left in threes!

Left - turn!

By the right - quick march!

If I wasn't so tired, I'd give 'em a cheer...no error.

-Ready to slip, number one?

-All ready, sir.

Let her go aft. Hold on to your spring, for'ard. Slow ahead starboard, Pilot.

You'd never think there was a war on, would you?

There isn't - not for five days.

Flat-calm...looks like a bit of grey silk, don't it?

My auntie had a dress that colour. She sent it to the cleaners and it came back all spotty.

Funny to think this is such a little island, innit?

Mmm.

He's got France now. And that's only 20 miles from England. Makes you think.

-Mummy, Trafalgar won't eat sausage roll.

-You spoil him.

Look, Bobby, there's a Hurricane.

No, it isn't. It's an ME109 - like the one they brought down last Tuesday.

Don't speak with your mouth full.

What a perfectly lovely day it's been. Lovely for us, I mean. I suppose that's selfish of me.

-Extremely.

-I can't believe it's so dreadfully wrong

to forget the war now and again.

It's very clever of you, with all hell breaking loose over our heads.

I pretended it wasn't real at all.

-They were toys having a mock battle.

-That's sheer escapism.

I don't care. It has been a lovely day. The country looks so green and peaceful.

And you ARE on leave.

Teddy, I wonder where we shall all be this time next year.

A lot might happen between now and this time next year.

WHISTLE BLOWS

-Take care of yourself, darling.

-It was a good honeymoon while it lasted.

"Tweedledee smiled gently and began again.

"The sun was shining on the sea Shining with all his might

"He did his very best to make The billows smooth and bright."

-This cocoa gets thicker every night.

-It lines the stomach anyway.

It's practically porridge.

There goes another lot, sir.

Looks like Plymouth's going to get it again.

That was a nice bit of fish - what there was of it.

Freda gets round Mr Morgan.

This morning, he comes with a chair as if we was royalty.

He's all right. If only he wasn't quite so nosy.

Did Shorty's letter cheer you up?

I wish that ship would get just a little damage - so that he could get leave.

Well, "Men must work and women must weep."

-That sink's stopped up again.

-Better get Mr Luton in.

He was blitzed out last week. Don't know where he is now. Anybody seen my scissors?

-Yes, I've got them.

-Thanks, dear.

AIR RAID SIREN

Not again. A bit later than last night.

I wish you'd go down to the shelter, Freda.

You know I hate being shut up down there. It makes me feel sick.

I'd rather stay up here.

But in your condition...

Leave her alone, Mother.

Well, my nerves won't stand much more of this, night after night.

YOU go down to the shelter, then. Nobody's topping you.

Try as I may, I can't understand why you won't shut up the house and evacuate.

I've told you why!

When you could go somewhere quiet, it seems just plain silly to sit here and ASK for it!

-Where could I go?

-Well, Dorothy's got a spare room.

Thanks for nothing,

-I've slept in it.

-It may be a bit poky, but it's safe.

Mother, will you shut up about this? I've told you how I feel.

This is Walter's home, and he expects to find me in it when he comes back on leave.

What if he turned up unexpected one day and found the house locked up?

Might only have a few hours. That'd be a nice thing, wouldn't it?!

-You could let him know where we were.

-Oh, it's "we" now(!)

How can you say such a thing to your own mother?!

EXPLOSIONS

-I'm sorry, but you make me tired sometimes.

-I'm only being sensible.

Who'd look after the garden and Walter's bulbs?

Bulbs don't need lookin' after.

BOMBS FALLS QUITE CLOSE

-Come on, Freda, under the stairs you go.

-I'm fine here, Kath...

Just do as you're told, there's a good girl.

We'll leave the door open like we did before.

Come on, I'll bring your sewing. Light's quite good in the hall.

-LOUDER EXPLOSION

-Oh, dear! That sounds like a land mine!

No, just an ordinary HE.

-I don't like it, Kathleen.

-Nobody does, Mother. But there's no use making a fuss.

Cheer up. Are you all right, Freda?

-Yes, thanks.

-Not cold, are you?

-I'm quite warm.

We'll have some tea in a minute.

BOMB WHISTLE

DEAFENING EXPLOSION

Right you are...back. Whoa!

Tell Walter... Tell him I didn't want to leave the house.

Nurse...

Nurse...

-Is it all over?

-Yes, dear. It's all over.

Don't worry. Mother and child are doing well.

This is the fourth time in three months we've put in to this dead-and-alive hole.

I'm choc-a-bloc with this place.

Where could you go if you COULD get ashore? Nought but sheep and seagulls.

-What do you expect in the north of Scotland?

-There must be one bottle of beer...!

Here comes Posty.

Edgecombe... Shorty...

-Hollett...

-Stick it on the table. I expect it's a bill from my tailor.

-Only one?

-That's right.

After months in the North ruddy Sea, all I get is a letter from me young sister.

-Cheer up.

-Oh, dear. More trouble.

My old woman fell down the coal hole.

THEY LAUGH

Joey! Joey! It's come! The baby's come! It weighs 7lb. It's a boy!

"It was born in the middle of a blitz..."

What's the matter?

Kath Hardy... Kath and her mother. The whole house went and they got killed.

My missus was living with them, you know.

I wonder if anybody's told him.

-They hadn't got any kids, had they?

-No. They ain't got no kids.

Well...

..I suppose I'd better go and see...if I can find him.

Hello, Shorty.

I...er...just popped along to see if you had any news from home.

Not so much as a postcard. I've never known Kath get a post right yet.

-You heard from Freda?

-Yeah.

-How's she doing?

She's all right.

What's the matter?

It's Kath, Walter.

She and Mrs Lemon... You see...

They was all in the house together, and...it got blitzed.

What do you mean?

Kath got killed. Both of them did.

Freda was all right. She...she was under the stairs.

Oh... I see.

So...I thought I'd better come along and tell you, seeing that...

Thanks, son. I'm much obliged. I'm much obliged.

I think I'll just go out on deck for a bit.

Righto.

-I'm glad Freda's all right.

-Yes - she's fine.

We...we got a son.

I'm glad. Congratulations.

She's going, sir.

-Three cheers for the ship! Hip...hip...

-HOORAY!

-Hip...hip...

-HOORAY!

Hip...hip... Look out! They're coming again!

GUNFIRE

Dark object floating off starboard bow, sir. Looks like a raft.

You're right. Stand by to pick up survivors.

Keep up your spirits. I believe they've arrived at last.

LOUD CHEERS

Looks like one of the old flotilla!

# Roll out the barrel We've got a barrel of fun

# Roll out the barrel We've got the blues on the run. #

MORE LOUD CHEERS

DESTROYER SIREN BLOWS

Thank you.

I'm damned glad to see you, sir. Captain sends his compliments and hopes you're all right.

I'm fine. He won't get command of this flotilla yet.

It was lucky we found you, sir.

-How many of my men have you picked up?

-90, sir.

-Where are they?

-Between the decks.

-ALARM SOUNDS

-'Ere we go again. Anybody got any Flit?

-Where are we going?

-Alexandria. Join the Navy and see the world.

The next world(!)

All right. Don't move.

BOMB WHISTLES

-Glad you're OK, sir.

-Thanks, Fisher.

-We were worried about you, sir.

-I like a good swim before breakfast.

Snotty, give me a piece of paper and a pencil.

Right.

It's number 17...

Just as you turn... turn out of the High Street.

All right. I've got the address. I'll let her know.

Thank you, sir.

Try it a little louder, son. I can't quite hear.

24...

..Greek Street.

All right. Don't worry. I'll write and tell them they can be proud of you.

BOMBS FALLING

Of all the persistent bastards! You'd think they'd get tired.

I'll tell you something. I'm scared stiff and it's no use pretending I'm not.

This sittin' about and asking for it is beginning to get me down.

-Remember Nelson.

-Yeah - look what happened to him!

BARREL ORGAN PLAYING: "If You Were The Only Girl In The World"

DOORBELL RINGS

Oh, all right!

-Name of Blake?

-Yes, name of Blake.

-Here you are then.

Oh! There's no answer!

Freda! Dad! Freda! May! He's safe, he's all right!

Freda! He's all right! He's safe!

-What is it? It's not...

-It's from him! He sent a telegram.

It's from him himself.

-My boy's all right!

-But the ship went down. It said so in the papers.

Look!

"OK... Love..."

SHE SOBS

There, there, dear. There isn't nothing to cry about no more.

-Shall I wait for an answer?

-Just a minute, I'll see.

Can we go down to the village after tea, Mummy?

-On my bicycle?

-I want to go on mine, too.

-You've got a flat tyre!

The girl's waiting for an answer, ma'am.

There's no answer. Tell Mrs Bates and John, it's from the Captain and everything's all right.

I'm so glad, ma'am.

Darlings, it's from Daddy. He was picked up and taken to Alexandria.

He's quite safe.

BOTH: Oh, Mummy! Mummy! Mummy!

Ship's company - 'shun!

-Ship's company present, sir.

-Thank you, Torps. Stand them easy.

Stand at...ease!

Stand easy.

Come a little closer.

I have come to say goodbye to the few of you who are left.

We've had so many talks, and this is our last.

I've always tried to crack a joke or two before...

but today, I'm afraid I've run out of jokes.

I don't suppose any of us feels much like laughing.

The Torrin has been in one scrap after another,

but even when we had men killed, we've brought the old ship back.

Now she lies in 1,500 fathoms and, with her, more than half our shipmates.

If they HAD to die, what a grand way to go...

for now they lie all together with the ship we loved.

We've lost her, but they are still with her.

There may be less than half the Torrin left,

but I feel we shall all take up the battle with even stronger heart.

Each of us knows twice as much about fighting,

and each of us has twice as good a reason to fight.

You will replace men who have been killed in other ships,

and the next time you're in action, remember the Torrin.

I should like to add that there isn't one of you

that I wouldn't be proud and honoured to serve with again.

Goodbye. Good luck.

And thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye, Rawlings.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye.

-Best of luck, sir.

-Thanks, Harris. Goodbye.

-Best of luck, sir.

-Thanks.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Thank you.

-Good luck, sir.

-Thanks. Goodbye.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye.

Goodbye, sir.

Thanks, Reg. Goodbye.

-Very best of luck, sir.

-Thanks, Milne. Goodbye.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye, Fisher.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye, Moran.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye, Hollett.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye, Edgecombe.

-Goodbye, sir. Bon voyage.

-Thanks.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye.

-Good luck, sir.

-Thanks, Blake. Goodbye.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye, sir.

-Goodbye, Hardy.

'Here ends the story of a ship, but there will always be other ships.

'For we are an island race.

'Through all our centuries, the sea has ruled our destiny.

'There will always be other ships, and men to sail in them.

'It is these men, in peace or war, to whom we owe so much.

'Above all victories, beyond all loss,

'in spite of changing values in a changing world,

'they give to us, their countrymen, eternal and indomitable pride.'

CHEERING

Open fire!

'God bless our ships and all who sail in them.'