0:00:07 > 0:00:09BIRDSONG
0:00:09 > 0:00:10FAINT CHATTER
0:00:11 > 0:00:13One, two, three.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15Ah!
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Ah, that's equal!
0:00:21 > 0:00:23BOTH: One, two, three.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26That's you! Ah, that's good. What's this here?
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- Uncle Robert! - Making the invisible visible!
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- Lunch is ready. - Ah! Perfect!
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Thank you, Auntie Margaret.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37Ah. What's going on here?
0:00:37 > 0:00:39Making invisible things appear.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42And then disappear, like sandwiches.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47CHANTING
0:00:53 > 0:00:56HE SPEAKS GERMAN
0:02:38 > 0:02:40No-one comes in,
0:02:40 > 0:02:42even if the building's on fire.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44No-one.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51This shows the Germans are working night and day,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53so if tensions should rise and if conflict...
0:02:53 > 0:02:55As I have been saying for some time,
0:02:55 > 0:02:58it's not a question of if, Mr Tizard, it's a question of when.
0:02:58 > 0:02:59I don't think that necessarily...
0:02:59 > 0:03:02We have to work night and day to build up our reserves and weapons.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Even if we had enough money, we'd still never catch up.
0:03:05 > 0:03:06We have to overtake them.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11We have to build a death ray.
0:03:12 > 0:03:13A death ray?
0:03:13 > 0:03:15A ground-based weapons system
0:03:15 > 0:03:17that focuses radio waves on enemy aircraft
0:03:17 > 0:03:20and boils pilots to death in their cockpits in a matter of seconds.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Is such a thing possible?
0:03:24 > 0:03:28I think these things, you pick the right people, then they build it,
0:03:28 > 0:03:29we can make anything happen.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32Let's see who's got some ideas, Sir.
0:03:32 > 0:03:33I'll put out some feelers.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37We'll have to disguise it somehow, keep a lid on it.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38No need to alarm anyone.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41And I will continue to put pressure on the director
0:03:41 > 0:03:45to let me set up a new committee for aerial-weapon development.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47As we know, there is a limited pot of money available.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49If pacifists in the cabinet continue to...
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Sorry, Professor Lindemann,
0:03:52 > 0:03:54I'm afraid that committee already exists.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58- Excuse me?- I'm sorry.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02Who is chairing this committee?
0:04:06 > 0:04:08I see.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13I rather wished I'd done the washing now.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16I was told it was going to rain.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18It does look like there's change in the air.
0:04:18 > 0:04:19How can you tell?
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Studying the clouds,
0:04:22 > 0:04:24watching how they're moving.
0:04:24 > 0:04:25Barometric pressure.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- Excuse me?- Hello, Skip!- Hi.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30Sorry to disturb on your day off an' all.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33We've had a telegram.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39CLOCK CHIMES
0:05:05 > 0:05:06KNOCK AT DOOR
0:05:08 > 0:05:09You asked the impossible.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12By using radio waves only,
0:05:12 > 0:05:15could we raise the temperature of eight pint glasses of water
0:05:15 > 0:05:18to 105-degrees Fahrenheit?
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- You did it?- Indeed.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23We were forced to make slight alterations to the test conditions.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- Very slight alterations. - Such as?
0:05:26 > 0:05:28To achieve the desired outcome,
0:05:28 > 0:05:31we reduced the distance originally proposed.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33And neither did you use radio waves.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Forgive me for being a little...reductive here,
0:05:37 > 0:05:40but would it be fair to say that in your experiment,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43you essentially...boiled a kettle?
0:05:53 > 0:05:56We failed in our objective,
0:05:56 > 0:06:00but we stumbled across something altogether different.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03By transmitting high-energy waves,
0:06:03 > 0:06:05we think it may be possible
0:06:05 > 0:06:09to deafen laboratory rats.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21KNOCK AT DOOR
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Hello. Yes, right, I know what you are up to.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26You're worried about the Germans.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30Eight pints of water equals eight pints of blood.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32The distance and height specified, an aeroplane.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35Ergo, you're wanting some kind of weapon
0:06:35 > 0:06:39that will vaporise pilots in their cockpits, aren't you?
0:06:39 > 0:06:40Sorry.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44I-I haven't slept since I received your telegram.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47Barely stopped work. Goodness knows what my wife must think.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50I'm Robert Watson-Watt.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52You told your wife about this?
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Should I have?
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Will you begin your presentation, please?
0:06:57 > 0:06:59The thing you propose doesn't work.
0:06:59 > 0:07:03It never will work. No-one will ever get it to work.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Probably cause more damage to the operator than the enemy.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- So, you're here to...? - Offer you something that will.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Now, I have an idea for a listening device...
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Listening devices don't work. We've already built sound mirrors.
0:07:16 > 0:07:17This isn't a sound mirror.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19As Baldwin said, the bomber will always get through.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24How exciting would it be...to prove him wrong?
0:07:26 > 0:07:27It is night-time.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29You're in the woods.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33The enemy is out there somewhere, but you don't know exactly where.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38So you tie a length of fishing line...
0:07:38 > 0:07:40between two trees...
0:07:42 > 0:07:45..and then you hang a bell off it.
0:07:45 > 0:07:50Enemy comes along, touches the line, which rings the bell
0:07:50 > 0:07:52and we know where he is.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57So we use fishing line and bells to enable us to hear our enemies.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59Jolly good(!)
0:08:00 > 0:08:02Good. Thank you for your time, Mr...
0:08:02 > 0:08:05But instead of trees...we have antennae.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08And if I may... Thank you very much.
0:08:10 > 0:08:12So we have radio antennae.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16Now, they send out pulses...
0:08:18 > 0:08:21..which are like our fishing line.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25Then, if something...comes along,
0:08:25 > 0:08:29then the waves bounce off.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34And that rings a bell here
0:08:34 > 0:08:37and then we can see them.
0:08:43 > 0:08:44Thank you.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49Yep.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- He's an idiot.- Perhaps.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55But out of all the ideas we've heard today...
0:08:56 > 0:09:00His is the...least idiotic?
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Well, we have to do something.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Get him to give you a field demonstration.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08THUNDERCLAP
0:09:08 > 0:09:10I thought you said it was going to be a clear day.
0:09:10 > 0:09:12That's weather for you.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- Indeed.- We're going again!
0:09:16 > 0:09:18It's not budging!
0:09:28 > 0:09:32This... This is fine.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34Come on, let's get the equipment. We've got 40 minutes!
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- Who are you? - I'm his chief assistant.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53So we're tuned in on the 50-metre wavelength,
0:09:53 > 0:09:56waiting for a six megahertz transmission from Daventry
0:09:56 > 0:09:59with at least 10 kilowatts of power.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03This man appears to be living in cloud cuckoo land.
0:10:03 > 0:10:05You have absolutely no faith in him, have you?
0:10:05 > 0:10:07He's building a washing line...
0:10:08 > 0:10:09..in the rain.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14That's going to terrify the Luftwaffe(!)
0:10:20 > 0:10:22We have two aerials -
0:10:22 > 0:10:23one in front, one behind.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26We have a BBC transmitter sending out -
0:10:26 > 0:10:27Where's the transmitter?
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Over there, in Daventry.
0:10:29 > 0:10:35That's sending out pulses, which get reflected down off an aircraft.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39These pulses are, in effect, like our trap.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- The fishing line in the woods. - Exactly!
0:10:42 > 0:10:44So, now we wait for something to hit it and...
0:10:45 > 0:10:47- ..ring the bell, so to speak?- Yes!
0:10:59 > 0:11:00Nothing.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02The receiver is tuned to Daventry, isn't it?
0:11:06 > 0:11:08- What are you doing?!- Well, if...
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Just leave it, will you?!- Come on!
0:11:10 > 0:11:12- RADIO WAVE - It's there!
0:11:13 > 0:11:16It's actually there!
0:11:20 > 0:11:22We saw you!
0:11:22 > 0:11:24We...saw...you!
0:11:30 > 0:11:33I need to get out of this field and find a telephone.
0:11:35 > 0:11:36BANG!
0:11:42 > 0:11:45We didn't see it till it was right on top of us.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47But we saw it. We saw a plane.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Unfortunately, we can't prove it.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- The trace recorder failed.- Oh, no!
0:11:53 > 0:11:56Well, we'll just have to do it all over again
0:11:56 > 0:11:58and hope it records next time.
0:11:59 > 0:12:01It did work, didn't it?
0:12:01 > 0:12:04I mean, we didn't imagine that, did we?
0:12:04 > 0:12:05We'll have to build our own transmitter.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07This was just a test.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10There are a million and one things against us.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12And we will overcome them all.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28Despite your lack of appropriate qualifications,
0:12:28 > 0:12:30I've spoken with the Ministry
0:12:30 > 0:12:33and we have recognised the success of the test
0:12:33 > 0:12:36and we would like to proceed to the next stage of development.
0:12:38 > 0:12:39In order to move forward,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42we require you to sign the Official Secrets Act.
0:12:48 > 0:12:49Thank you.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52I trust the idiot boy is still in the dark about all this?
0:12:52 > 0:12:54He's not an idiot.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56He doesn't know what you're doing, though, does he?
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- No.- Good.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00The fewer the better.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04You only need to read that the penalty for even the slightest
0:13:04 > 0:13:06deviation from secrecy is...
0:13:06 > 0:13:09'To be hanged by the neck until life is extinct'.
0:13:09 > 0:13:10Indeed.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Rather a nice pen.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Keep it...
0:13:27 > 0:13:29please.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34MUSIC: # I get no kick from champagne
0:13:34 > 0:13:38# Mere alcohol doesn't thrill me at all
0:13:38 > 0:13:40# So tell me why should it be true? #
0:13:40 > 0:13:42- HE WHISTLES - Someone's cheery.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45# That I get a kick out of you. #
0:13:45 > 0:13:48Why, thank you.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50I take it you had a good day?
0:13:50 > 0:13:54Excellent day, Mag, a thoroughly excellent day.
0:13:54 > 0:13:55I just need to finish this.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I've been struggling with this for quite some time.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Could you hold this while I fasten the clip?
0:14:01 > 0:14:04Can you hold this piece here?
0:14:04 > 0:14:07Got it. OK.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- You genius!- Well, here's hoping.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17So...tell me all about your excellent day.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20You've barely uttered a word about your work lately.
0:14:22 > 0:14:23I'm sorry, I can't.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27It's a secret.
0:14:27 > 0:14:28A secret?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- You're a weatherman! - Not just a weatherman.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Oh, no, no, no. You fix broach clips too.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- And bicycle chains. - The list is endless.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41So pray do tell, what's so secret?
0:14:41 > 0:14:42Are we going to have a hot summer?
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Should we panic-buy sun hats and the like?
0:14:47 > 0:14:49I'm working for the Air Ministry.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51SHE LAUGHS
0:14:51 > 0:14:54No, I am.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56No, I'm not joking, stop.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00There's a threat. I've been asked to help.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03The Government have asked YOU?
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Really?
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- You're serious?- Quite serious.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15What exactly is this threat?
0:15:17 > 0:15:20I'm not allowed to say.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Sorry, Mag.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29I'm sorry.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54HE WHISTLES
0:15:54 > 0:15:56Morning.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Morning, Professor.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00You seem...jolly?
0:16:00 > 0:16:03Perhaps I too should whistle a happy tune?
0:16:03 > 0:16:06After all, we have nothing to worry about,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08aside from Hitler announcing conscription,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11secretly practising war manoeuvres and building aeroplanes.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Or perhaps the lightness of your mood is related to some success
0:16:14 > 0:16:16by your little committee?
0:16:16 > 0:16:19- We're making progress. - With the death ray?
0:16:19 > 0:16:22The system we're developing may help us build a defence that...
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Hitler will crush.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31Yes, you're right. You're absolutely right.
0:16:31 > 0:16:32Good day, Professor.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36HE WHISTLES
0:16:39 > 0:16:41Certainly not, Professor.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Ooh, well, in that case, it's a direct order.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- Tell me who Tizard's committee have met.- That's classified.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01I'm sorry. I apologise for my manner.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04We're all working in very difficult circumstances.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09I feel... May I trouble you for a glass of water?
0:17:11 > 0:17:14Won't be a moment.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42I'm afraid our hands are tied.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44How so?
0:17:44 > 0:17:47The secret nature of the project does prevent us
0:17:47 > 0:17:49from taking out an advertisement in the Times.
0:17:49 > 0:17:54Well, you better tell Mr Tizard that we're going to need more time.
0:17:56 > 0:17:58There's only two of us here.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00Close the door.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03You detected a plane a few hundred yards away in a field -
0:18:03 > 0:18:06that won't protect Britain.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12We need to think bigger.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15I'm going to make some calls to Oxford and Cambridge,
0:18:15 > 0:18:17see who we can drum up.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20No, I'd like to use men from the weather lab.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22My dear man, if we want this to work,
0:18:22 > 0:18:25we require the very best physicists and mathematicians and we find those
0:18:25 > 0:18:29gentlemen not at the weather lab but at our oldest universities.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31You don't think weathermen are good enough
0:18:31 > 0:18:33because they don't wear the right tie and all that?
0:18:33 > 0:18:36Some of your lot don't wear ties at all, do they?
0:18:36 > 0:18:39Look, your little weathermen friends are all well and good,
0:18:39 > 0:18:42and I'm sure they're perfectly harmless, but they simply
0:18:42 > 0:18:45do not have the expertise with this particular technology.
0:18:45 > 0:18:46Our best professors do.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48They'll also do what they're told.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Really?
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Cavendish. Shall we?
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Yes, er, Cambridge 2443, please.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge University.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11They'll do what they're told?
0:19:12 > 0:19:16Is that Sir James Thomson? Yes, sorry to bother you, sir.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20I'm calling from the Post Office. Just a wee check on the line.
0:19:20 > 0:19:24Do you happen to have a container of water near your telephone?
0:19:24 > 0:19:27A sink perhaps or maybe a bucket? A fish-tank!
0:19:27 > 0:19:32Yes, that will suffice. Could you please pop your telephone into it?
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Yes, into the fish tank.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38It's the only way we can fully ensure that your equipment
0:19:38 > 0:19:40is compatible with the new system.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43That's excellent, sir.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49HIGHPITCHED WHITE NOISE
0:19:51 > 0:19:53But most folk call me Taffy. I don't know why,
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Swansea's miles away from the River Taff.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00I was born in Cockett, you see.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02Perhaps as well they call me Taffy, eh?
0:20:05 > 0:20:08I graduated from Swansea University, First Class Honours,
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Msc the year after that
0:20:10 > 0:20:12and completed my doctorate at King's College,
0:20:12 > 0:20:16and I've been at the station in Slough ever since.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20So you're an untried PhD student?
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Can I ask you, will I be working for you or for him?
0:20:23 > 0:20:25Oh, him.
0:20:25 > 0:20:30In that case, thanks for the tie, Rob, and, er, I will take the post.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- Thanks.- Welcome to the team.
0:20:36 > 0:20:40- Are you sure these men are the right ones for the job?- I'm positive.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44We need free-thinkers, rule-breakers, men without ties.
0:20:46 > 0:20:49These men will strive to make this thing work
0:20:49 > 0:20:51DOOR KNOCKS
0:20:51 > 0:20:54Higgy, very pleased you're going to join us.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- Sorry, I knocked but... - It's all right, come on in.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58I'll pop back later if you still want me?
0:20:58 > 0:21:00Mr Tizard is on his way over.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02Since you won't listen to me,
0:21:02 > 0:21:05perhaps you could discuss your team with him?
0:21:06 > 0:21:09Sorry, sir. Sorry.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18I don't want to be fobbed off with a bunch of Oxford academics
0:21:18 > 0:21:20I've never even met.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23These are all people I've worked with before. I trust them.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27It's your team. I'm very happy for you to choose who you want.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Thank you.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55Our intelligence says that Hitler has built 3,000 planes.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57Passenger planes?
0:21:57 > 0:21:58Two-seaters.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01By the time the world wakes up to the noise that's building
0:22:01 > 0:22:04in Germany it will be too late.
0:22:04 > 0:22:09Your theories, experiments, tests, are all well and good, Robert,
0:22:09 > 0:22:13but you need to understand that very soon German planes
0:22:13 > 0:22:16may well be dropping bombs onto our homes.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19There are others at the Ministry who want to channel all our efforts
0:22:19 > 0:22:23into striking Germany hard and fast.
0:22:23 > 0:22:25There's opposition to what we're doing?
0:22:25 > 0:22:27I've managed to get you a little funding,
0:22:27 > 0:22:29a base to test and experiment,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32and I'm backing you every step of the way,
0:22:32 > 0:22:36but we don't yet know if this thing will work.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38It will.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40It has to, Robert.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42It HAS to.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Are you all right, Uncle Robert?
0:23:02 > 0:23:05What? Er, yes, sorry.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09I just fell asleep with my eyes open.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- It's time I took you home. - I'll get my stuff.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16You look tired.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21I've got to go away for a while.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23Work.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26The secret thing?
0:23:26 > 0:23:28You'll be away from home.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- For how long?- I don't know.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34As long as it takes for me to mess it up and get fired, I expect.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36I'm sure that won't happen.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38I'm not.
0:23:38 > 0:23:43- Is there anything I can do to help? - I don't think so.
0:23:43 > 0:23:45You could visit.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49Not at work, of course, but we could sneak away to a wee hotel?
0:23:49 > 0:23:52We can be together every other weekend or so?
0:23:54 > 0:23:56I'm your wife.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58This is our home.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01You finish work at the same time, every day, you come home,
0:24:01 > 0:24:04we have dinner, we listen to the wireless, we go to bed.
0:24:04 > 0:24:07That's what we do. That's who we are.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09You are not a secret Government employee
0:24:09 > 0:24:12and I am not some girl who visits hotels.
0:24:15 > 0:24:19We'll be together here when you've finish your work.
0:24:21 > 0:24:22OK.
0:24:41 > 0:24:43Professor?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45You're in my office.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48Tell me what Tizard and this weatherman are up to?
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- Tell me. - They're researching a project.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53- That much I know. - These are my private papers!
0:24:53 > 0:24:54What exactly is the project?
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Rowe! What is the project?
0:25:00 > 0:25:02It's weather related hocus-pocus, all very dull.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06Are your loyalties with me or with Henry Tizard?
0:25:06 > 0:25:08Are we not all on the same side, Professor?
0:25:15 > 0:25:18# Beside the sea
0:25:18 > 0:25:21# Oh, I do like to walk along the prom prom prom
0:25:21 > 0:25:25# Where the brass band plays tiddly-om-pom-pom
0:25:25 > 0:25:30# Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside
0:25:30 > 0:25:33# I'll be beside myself with glee
0:25:33 > 0:25:37# And there's lots of girls beside that I'd like to be beside
0:25:37 > 0:25:40# Beside the seaside, beside the sea. #
0:25:46 > 0:25:48This can't be it.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50I've stayed in worse.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54- I've lived in worse. - No, this CAN'T be it.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Right, lads, are we all ready?
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- Oh, come on!- Gently.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33We've got to get the pulses strong enough to detect further away.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35We need more power.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38We need our pulses to go further.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- Pass us that, will you? - Equalise the power.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Keep your fingers crossed.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44We're picking something up.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47- So our new transmitter is working? - I wouldn't call it new.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Our "cobbled together with bits of string" transmitter.
0:27:50 > 0:27:53- But it works?- Barely.
0:27:53 > 0:27:57- We are detecting a plane out there, right?- Estimated a mile away.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01- A mile away, Mr Rowe!- I assume you know this is not good enough?
0:28:02 > 0:28:06Yes, it works, well done.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10Now let's pretend that you've located an enemy bomber.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13One. Two.
0:28:13 > 0:28:17Let's also pretend it's headed in our direction.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21A modern bomber flying at 200 miles an hour
0:28:21 > 0:28:25covers the distance of a mile in what...20 seconds?
0:28:27 > 0:28:30You really think that's enough time to pass on the information
0:28:30 > 0:28:32and get our pilots airborne?
0:28:32 > 0:28:3519. 20.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41Exactly.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05Mags!
0:29:05 > 0:29:07I caught the train. Thought I'd surprise you.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11How nice.
0:29:13 > 0:29:17I struggled to find a little music on the wireless
0:29:17 > 0:29:19with all the talk of Germany.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21Yes.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24It's a nice little place, isn't it?
0:29:25 > 0:29:27The hotel.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29Yes, it is.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34Can you help me with this?
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Right.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45Your nephew's called round almost every day hoping you'd be back.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47He's really missing you...
0:29:47 > 0:29:50as am I.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53It's why I had to come here
0:29:53 > 0:29:55to see you.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Be with you.
0:30:03 > 0:30:05That's got it.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11I'll just pop this away
0:30:11 > 0:30:14and then we can spend some time together.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Yes, erm...
0:30:19 > 0:30:21After I've done this.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25Look, why don't you go downstairs
0:30:25 > 0:30:27and order a spot of dinner?
0:30:27 > 0:30:28What about you?
0:30:28 > 0:30:30You can order for me.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32You know what I like.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34And, er, I'll be with you the moment I've finished.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- And then?- Yes.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39They're sending some supper up for you.
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Oh, sorry.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44So am I.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55This is the future. It's soup warmed with a high-power transmitter.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59Can I have your attention, please?
0:31:59 > 0:32:01Sorry, sir.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07Now, we've shown we can detect a plane
0:32:07 > 0:32:09when it is flying right overhead,
0:32:09 > 0:32:12but we need to go much further.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14How do we do this?
0:32:14 > 0:32:18It's obvious we have to go back to the drawing board.
0:32:20 > 0:32:22This is the drawing board.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25The first obstacle will be...
0:32:25 > 0:32:27power.
0:32:27 > 0:32:29We need more power to transmit our pulses.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32And more power allows us to reach a higher frequency.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Higher frequency improves accuracy.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36To increase frequency and get the range we need,
0:32:36 > 0:32:38we need to increase power.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40It's like inventing chicken and egg at the same time.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42But we solve one and the other will fall into place,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44so concentrate on cracking power.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46- We need better valves. - We haven't got better valves.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49The ones we got aren't up to it. They keep blowing.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- You don't have to put your hand up, Higgy.- Sorry.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54The equipment, if you don't mind me saying, sir,
0:32:54 > 0:32:55it's stuff left over from the Stone Age.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57I think we're going to struggle, that's all.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01We should have been in the navy. They're awash with cash, that lot.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03Boatloads of equipment they never use.
0:33:03 > 0:33:05Well, I'm sorry we haven't got the funding we need,
0:33:05 > 0:33:08but if we show that this can work then that will change.
0:33:08 > 0:33:10But we can't show it will work without the better equipment.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- Chicken and egg. - We have to be canny and clever.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15It's up to us to prove that this can work. No-one else can.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18I have faith in you and if we work together as a team
0:33:18 > 0:33:20we will do this.
0:33:20 > 0:33:24Crack power and let's make the invisible visible.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39I've got a bad feeling about this.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42- Couldn't you just ask them for the equipment?- Oh, yes.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45'Excuse me, we hear you have some much larger valves in your stores
0:33:45 > 0:33:46'than we've got. Please can we have some?'
0:33:46 > 0:33:49We'd have requests in triplicate, have them signed, countersigned.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- We'd be dead by the time they approved it.- IF they approved it.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Why have I got to do all the talking?
0:33:54 > 0:33:56- Nobody would believe a Welshy. - Or a Yorkie.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- Yorkshire men are reliable, unlike the Welsh.- Ridiculous.
0:33:59 > 0:34:00We pronounce it ridiculous.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02I'm going to belt you after this.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06- Evening.- Pass.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10The Ministry have contacted you four times in the last week
0:34:10 > 0:34:12without acknowledgement.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- We don't need a pass.- No, what we need...- No entry without a pass.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18We're here under direct orders from the Ministry
0:34:18 > 0:34:21to find the listening equipment planted by the German agents.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36Stand in our way and I'll have you arrested for treason. Understood?
0:34:40 > 0:34:42Thank you.
0:34:49 > 0:34:50What's the paperwork?
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- Just some old radio transmitter technical plans.- Oh.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03This stuff is amazing!
0:35:03 > 0:35:06We're not out of the woods yet.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16Er, this paperwork...
0:35:16 > 0:35:17Ah, yes. Thank you.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20Ssssh! Don't!
0:35:20 > 0:35:22Just don't.
0:35:24 > 0:35:26OK?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28I think so.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30Fingers crossed.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38- It's working!- What is?
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- Better valves, more power. - New valves.- New valves?
0:35:42 > 0:35:45- New valves that arrived this morning.- From where?
0:35:45 > 0:35:48From friends...in the navy.
0:35:50 > 0:35:52The navy sent us these?
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- They didn't really send them.- No.
0:35:56 > 0:35:57We had to pick them up.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00THEY SNIGGER
0:36:00 > 0:36:02We're building up to 350 kilowatts of peak power!
0:36:02 > 0:36:04I wouldn't celebrate just yet.
0:36:04 > 0:36:05Even with more efficient valves,
0:36:05 > 0:36:09we're still not getting enough power output...
0:36:09 > 0:36:11THEY LAUGH
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Have you not got it yet?
0:36:15 > 0:36:17You've not realised what's at stake here?
0:36:17 > 0:36:20Tizard and the committee are coming at the end of the week
0:36:20 > 0:36:21and we have to show progress.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25- Hey, we're flogging our guts out here...- Looks like it.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28..all day, everyday on something that'll probably never work anyway!
0:36:28 > 0:36:31Well, if that's what you think you may as well go.
0:36:31 > 0:36:33I mean it, go. Go on!
0:36:33 > 0:36:36That applies to all of you.
0:36:46 > 0:36:48Robert.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Robert Watson-Watt!
0:36:50 > 0:36:53You're happy to talk, aren't you, but not as happy to listen?
0:36:53 > 0:36:55That bunch of men back there are working till they drop.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57- Do...?- No! You don't get to speak here.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59You've done enough talking. You listen!
0:36:59 > 0:37:04You said we're working together and we are. You're not. We are.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05We're not YOUR team.
0:37:05 > 0:37:08You're part of it and it's high time you rolled up your sleeves
0:37:08 > 0:37:10- and mucked in instead of... - You think I'm not working?
0:37:10 > 0:37:13You think I am not rolling up my sleeves and getting to work? I am!
0:37:13 > 0:37:16From upstairs maybe, behind closed doors, away from the shop floor!
0:37:16 > 0:37:18I'm dealing with everything else -
0:37:18 > 0:37:20the Ministry, Tizard, Rowe - all this strife.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23They're trying to get me to magic a giant rabbit out of a tiny wee hat!
0:37:23 > 0:37:25They are going to come down here, the Ministry,
0:37:25 > 0:37:27ask what's going on, what progress we're making?
0:37:27 > 0:37:30I'm going mad with it and I can't tell Margaret or anyone because
0:37:30 > 0:37:33I am supposed to be in charge of the unit and know what I'm doing!
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Talk to me. Talk to me, Rob. We are all in the same boat.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40You can't do this on your own.
0:37:40 > 0:37:42You're part of a team, OUR team.
0:38:05 > 0:38:10I'd like...to apologise to you...
0:38:12 > 0:38:14..to everybody.
0:38:15 > 0:38:17And...I'm sorry.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Taff?
0:38:50 > 0:38:53What's that game called?
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- Yes!- Catch it!
0:38:58 > 0:39:00Jesus, he couldn't catch a cold, that one!
0:39:01 > 0:39:05- Here you are, Rob. - # Feed me now and ever more. #
0:39:10 > 0:39:13- You trying to take my head off? - If I wanted to I would have done.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- Oh, yeah?- Yeah.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Howzat!
0:39:19 > 0:39:21- No, no.- Come on, Taffy.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Come on, Taffy, back to the valleys!
0:39:23 > 0:39:25# Hi-ho! #
0:39:25 > 0:39:27- Come on. - I'm going to bloody kill you!
0:39:27 > 0:39:30I am going to bloody kill you!
0:39:30 > 0:39:33Lads! Lads!
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Taff, calm down.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40Where you going to go, Bell? Where you going to go?
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Maybe we should start a sweep?
0:39:44 > 0:39:46Come on.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Pace yourself, Taff.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55You all right there, Taff?
0:39:58 > 0:40:01What's he doing?
0:40:01 > 0:40:03Bell! Bell!
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- Bell!- Come on.- Bell!
0:40:10 > 0:40:13- Our transmitters are 5,000 volts, yeah?- Aye.
0:40:13 > 0:40:17- It produces 350 kilowatts of peak power?- Aye.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19I've never understood cricket.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- We can't exceed that... - It blows the valves.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24..cos it's constantly running, it's constantly in use,
0:40:24 > 0:40:27but if we do quick bursts,
0:40:27 > 0:40:29like sprinting...
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- Recover.- Sprint.- Recover.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34The valves have time to recover, don't they?
0:40:36 > 0:40:38Aye. Yes!
0:40:41 > 0:40:44Oh, let's get to it!
0:40:58 > 0:41:01The PM will never spend enough to catch up.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04We have to invest all our resources in building a death-ray
0:41:04 > 0:41:06and take the fight to them.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09That's not going to happen while Tizard's radio-locator
0:41:09 > 0:41:12is being considered.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15We may be able to push for our own defence committee.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19- Above Tizard?- Naturally.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Will Baldwin listen to you?
0:41:22 > 0:41:24He will.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27He certainly will when you tell him
0:41:27 > 0:41:31what Tizard's merry band of weathermen are actually doing.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I have a man on the inside, Winston,
0:41:34 > 0:41:35one of the weatherman's team.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37A saboteur?
0:41:37 > 0:41:42No, he simply reports back what developments they've made.
0:41:42 > 0:41:43And?
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Precious few, Winston.
0:41:49 > 0:41:52I'll call Baldwin...
0:41:54 > 0:41:58..and you keep talking to your mole.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Ah, Bell's secret recipe.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06I call it Problem Solver. It sparks the mind, you see.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- It is strong that.- It's got to be strong to keep the chill off.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12Well, if you just wear normal clothes, like me.
0:42:14 > 0:42:16WATT SPLUTTERS
0:42:16 > 0:42:18THEY LAUGH
0:42:18 > 0:42:21Take it off him.
0:42:21 > 0:42:24WATT COUGHS
0:42:27 > 0:42:29No more for you.
0:42:29 > 0:42:30Mr Rowe?
0:42:30 > 0:42:32# Row, row, row your boat
0:42:32 > 0:42:35# Gently down the stream
0:42:35 > 0:42:38# Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily life is but a dream. #
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Mr Rowe, what are you doing here?
0:42:40 > 0:42:43I've been sent to ensure that everything will be in place
0:42:43 > 0:42:45for the demonstration.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47- What, may I ask, are you celebrating?- Life!
0:42:47 > 0:42:50Progress, Mr Rowe, progress!
0:42:50 > 0:42:52So you've built the thing? It works?
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- Not exactly. - But we're well on the way.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57- Oh, yes.- Any minute now.
0:42:57 > 0:43:01And power. We've solved the power.
0:43:01 > 0:43:05Although we've still got the range to deal with.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10So there's no improvement in how far you can send your pulses?
0:43:10 > 0:43:12There's quite a large team heading up from Whitehall
0:43:12 > 0:43:16who need convincing of the worthiness of the radio locator.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18If they don't have proof it works they will pull the plug.
0:43:18 > 0:43:23- I think we should call it a night. - I agree.- Gentlemen, good night.
0:43:24 > 0:43:27- Taff.- Come on, big boy.
0:43:30 > 0:43:32You can not let this Whitehall...
0:43:32 > 0:43:34- Here you go.- I don't want it.
0:43:37 > 0:43:41You cannot allow the Whitehall lot to see this backstage nonsense,
0:43:41 > 0:43:44the strings, the smoke and mirrors.
0:43:44 > 0:43:48They need to be dazzled with magic.
0:43:48 > 0:43:50Right.
0:44:13 > 0:44:18MUSIC: "Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman
0:44:39 > 0:44:42PHONE RINGS
0:44:44 > 0:44:45Yes?
0:44:45 > 0:44:46Robert, it's me.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48Wha...?
0:44:48 > 0:44:50Oh, are you in the middle of something?
0:44:50 > 0:44:52Er, yes, erm...
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- Is everything all right? - Yes, sorry I won't keep you.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59- I just wanted to talk to you about the weekend.- The weekend?
0:44:59 > 0:45:01You are still planning on coming home, aren't you?
0:45:01 > 0:45:04Oh, I'm sorry, Mag, I can't.
0:45:05 > 0:45:09Well...would you like me to come to the hotel?
0:45:09 > 0:45:12Look, I'm really tied up with work.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15'I don't think it's, erm... I've got some important people coming down'
0:45:15 > 0:45:18to see a demonstration of something I cannot do.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21'What should I do, Mags?'
0:45:22 > 0:45:24Look to the sky.
0:45:24 > 0:45:27Isn't that what you always do, when you're struggling?
0:45:27 > 0:45:30Look to the sky, Robert.
0:45:30 > 0:45:31I'd better go.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34Yes.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36Goodbye.
0:45:37 > 0:45:39Bye.
0:45:41 > 0:45:43I love you.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06- The ionosphere?- It's a layer of the Earth's atmosphere,
0:47:06 > 0:47:11- a band of charged electrons and... - I know what it is.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14- I named it, you know. - Yes, yes, what about it?
0:47:14 > 0:47:16We're going to use it.
0:47:16 > 0:47:18OK, imagine... Excuse me.
0:47:19 > 0:47:23..that this is the ionosphere, right...
0:47:23 > 0:47:24And if you can you hold that.
0:47:24 > 0:47:26..and my head is the Earth.
0:47:26 > 0:47:30So instead of sending pulses from the Earth that go up
0:47:30 > 0:47:34and across the Earth, we're sending pulses up from the Earth
0:47:34 > 0:47:37and bouncing them off the ionosphere back to Earth.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39Ionosphere, Earth, ionosphere.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41Bouncing makes our pulses go further,
0:47:41 > 0:47:44like skimming stones across water,
0:47:44 > 0:47:47a water with a ceiling.
0:47:47 > 0:47:49A swimming pool.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53A swimming pool with a low ceiling or throwing a bottle across wet grass
0:47:53 > 0:47:55or a ping-pong ball.
0:47:55 > 0:47:58Anyway, that, in a nutshell, is what we're planning to do today.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01- Send a pulse up to the ionosphere? - We did it yesterday.
0:48:01 > 0:48:03We bounced it off the ionosphere 60 miles.
0:48:03 > 0:48:06- 60 miles! Can you imagine that? - And your pulse hit something?
0:48:06 > 0:48:11- You detected aircraft? - Not exactly, no.- Exactly?
0:48:11 > 0:48:13- At all.- Right.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16But there may not have been anything in the air at that particular
0:48:16 > 0:48:18frequency at a particular time.
0:48:18 > 0:48:20Don't worry, I've arranged for an aeroplane to be flying
0:48:20 > 0:48:23through our net today, so fingers crossed this works.
0:48:23 > 0:48:24Fingers crossed?
0:48:24 > 0:48:28THUNDER RUMBLES
0:48:36 > 0:48:39Er, gentlemen.
0:48:39 > 0:48:43Apologies for the condition of this hut.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46We have built a new transmitter,
0:48:46 > 0:48:50which has given us increased power and efficiency,
0:48:50 > 0:48:53and also increases our potential of detecting aircraft
0:48:53 > 0:48:55at greater distances.
0:48:55 > 0:48:58We've also used our extensive knowledge of weather systems
0:48:58 > 0:49:03to send a radio pulse further than science could ever have imagined,
0:49:03 > 0:49:05all this on a shoestring budget.
0:49:07 > 0:49:08So...
0:49:08 > 0:49:09(Where's the plane?)
0:49:09 > 0:49:11(I don't know.)
0:49:11 > 0:49:14Any of your Oxbridge chums know anything about weather systems?
0:49:14 > 0:49:16God no!
0:49:16 > 0:49:19They do know how to mix a decent martini.
0:49:19 > 0:49:22This bunch of barbarians think a martini is a Greek island.
0:49:22 > 0:49:25Funding, always a tricky thing.
0:49:25 > 0:49:29I understand the pressures but it's chicken...chicken and egg.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33Chicken and egg. If we want more eggs, we need more chickens...
0:49:35 > 0:49:38..which is funding.
0:49:40 > 0:49:44It's better not talking about the chickens and the eggs.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48So this is quite a thing. Erm...
0:49:48 > 0:49:50(Just do something.)
0:49:50 > 0:49:52(You do something!)
0:49:52 > 0:49:53OK.
0:49:53 > 0:49:57Erm, so...
0:49:57 > 0:49:59Ah, ah, can you see this?
0:50:00 > 0:50:04If I could just listen there. Thank you, Higgy.
0:50:04 > 0:50:06That is a bounce.
0:50:08 > 0:50:11Yes, that... That is a bounce.
0:50:11 > 0:50:13Thank you. That's a bounce.
0:50:13 > 0:50:16We are detecting a bounce of our pulse.
0:50:18 > 0:50:22That is bouncing of the ionosphere and back across the Earth!
0:50:22 > 0:50:24How many miles away is that?
0:50:24 > 0:50:27Err... 60 miles.
0:50:27 > 0:50:2960 miles! 60 miles!
0:50:30 > 0:50:34If that was an enemy aircraft, that would give us
0:50:34 > 0:50:37about a 20-minute warning.
0:50:37 > 0:50:41So, there, as you can see...
0:50:41 > 0:50:43Help me out.
0:50:43 > 0:50:44This is astonishing!
0:50:44 > 0:50:46Please, come.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48Do, yes. Absolutely...
0:50:48 > 0:50:51Higgy, punch it up on the oscilloscope, will you?
0:50:51 > 0:50:54- Come for a closer look. - Punch it up?
0:50:54 > 0:50:57It's not the most attractive of set ups,
0:50:57 > 0:51:00but there's a lot of substance, a lot of sophistication...
0:51:00 > 0:51:03THEY TALK OVER ONE ANOTHER
0:51:16 > 0:51:18Thank you.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26They all seemed suitably impressed with your theatrics.
0:51:26 > 0:51:27So we'll get the money?
0:51:27 > 0:51:30Getting money for this project was hard enough
0:51:30 > 0:51:33- when MacDonald was Prime Minister. - And now Baldwin's PM?
0:51:33 > 0:51:36What's going on, Henry?
0:51:36 > 0:51:37I mean, something's going on
0:51:37 > 0:51:41otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation.
0:51:41 > 0:51:44Churchill's clawing his way in from the back benches.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47He's persuaded the PM to let him chair a new research group
0:51:47 > 0:51:50and has installed his main advisor, Professor Lindemann,
0:51:50 > 0:51:53on a sub-committee, above us.
0:51:53 > 0:51:55Lindemann wants to direct our funding to build
0:51:55 > 0:51:57a strike force to hit Germany.
0:51:57 > 0:52:02It's early days for Churchill and Lindemann but they'll be waiting.
0:52:02 > 0:52:06The slightest of hiccups, they'll seize on it and shut us down.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08TELEPHONE RINGS
0:52:08 > 0:52:10Hello?
0:52:13 > 0:52:14Yes.
0:52:16 > 0:52:18The Air Ministry were impressed.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25It would appear that Watson-Watt has a cunning streak of his own.
0:52:27 > 0:52:28Yes, thank you.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31- Keep me informed of any further developments.- Sir.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36But yesterday wasn't a success.
0:52:37 > 0:52:41We proved we can bounce a signal over long distances,
0:52:41 > 0:52:43but we failed to detect
0:52:43 > 0:52:47an aeroplane flying right over our heads, and why?
0:52:47 > 0:52:50- Calculation error? - Not a chance.
0:52:50 > 0:52:53- Range and target? - We've got something now.- What?
0:52:55 > 0:52:57Aircraft.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00- Why couldn't we see this yesterday? - The equipment's not good enough.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02It's the same as it was yesterday.
0:53:02 > 0:53:04But now it's working.
0:53:06 > 0:53:08Thank you.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10Thank you very much.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21The Air Station have confirmed our blip is one of their aircraft.
0:53:21 > 0:53:26We have a moving target and it was 17 miles away!
0:53:26 > 0:53:28We could tell where it's going and how fast.
0:53:28 > 0:53:29We've got to celebrate!
0:53:29 > 0:53:32Before we get too carried away with our success,
0:53:32 > 0:53:35we have to get this working all the time, every time,
0:53:35 > 0:53:38whenever the Germans fly their planes through our pulses.
0:53:38 > 0:53:41That's the problem, right there, isn't it?
0:53:41 > 0:53:44Our pulse works in a range of 17 miles,
0:53:44 > 0:53:48but we've got thousands of miles of coastline, not just 17.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51One station can't protect the entire country.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18Are you all right? You look awful.
0:54:22 > 0:54:24We're ready for you.
0:54:28 > 0:54:33The Nazis have passed a law for 'the protection of German blood.'
0:54:36 > 0:54:38It is the act of a megalomaniac...
0:54:41 > 0:54:43..a man who will wage war
0:54:43 > 0:54:47and systematically destroy everyone and everything in his path.
0:54:48 > 0:54:53They are churning out planes day and night whilst you lot...
0:54:55 > 0:54:57..are sat with your thumbs up your arses
0:54:57 > 0:55:00building a castle in the bloody sky!
0:55:00 > 0:55:02That may or may not work.
0:55:02 > 0:55:08And now, you tell us that one castle is not enough.
0:55:08 > 0:55:12I've been entrusted with overseeing your operation.
0:55:13 > 0:55:16It is my neck on the block here.
0:55:18 > 0:55:22You've had the money to develop this thing and now,
0:55:22 > 0:55:26you would like a lot more money
0:55:26 > 0:55:28to build a lot more things
0:55:28 > 0:55:30that may or may not work.
0:55:33 > 0:55:36You wouldn't try to protect an entire country
0:55:36 > 0:55:39with just one castle, would you?
0:55:44 > 0:55:46One castle.
0:55:46 > 0:55:50Our enemies, they would side-step it, go around it.
0:55:50 > 0:55:54So what I am proposing, if I may...
0:55:56 > 0:56:00..are a series of castles,
0:56:00 > 0:56:0320 miles apart, stretched out along the coastline.
0:56:05 > 0:56:07Now each...
0:56:09 > 0:56:14Each castle sends out a fishing line,
0:56:14 > 0:56:17which individually is not that effective,
0:56:17 > 0:56:20but together is like casting a net,
0:56:20 > 0:56:26all working together as a group to identify enemy aircraft,
0:56:26 > 0:56:29pin-pointing where they are and where they're heading.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31This gives us time...
0:56:31 > 0:56:38time to prepare our men, deploy our planes and build our defence.
0:56:38 > 0:56:41I suggest we abandon this project
0:56:41 > 0:56:44and channel our resources into attack.
0:56:44 > 0:56:46We must build more bombers.
0:56:46 > 0:56:49We'll never match the Luftwaffe in terms of numbers.
0:56:49 > 0:56:52I think we're all agreed our resources are limited.
0:56:52 > 0:56:56So limited in fact that some of your men took it upon themselves
0:56:56 > 0:56:59to steal equipment from a naval base.
0:56:59 > 0:57:01Or were they following your orders?
0:57:01 > 0:57:04- I know nothing about that. - Of course not.
0:57:04 > 0:57:08I believe that we should use our limited funds on defence.
0:57:08 > 0:57:11- Attack is our best form of defence. - But people will die.
0:57:11 > 0:57:13That's what happens in war!
0:57:13 > 0:57:15People die!
0:57:15 > 0:57:19You can't reasonably think to wage a war when no-one dies, Henry.
0:57:19 > 0:57:23Given...recent history...
0:57:23 > 0:57:26and what each and every one of us here in this room have witnessed...
0:57:28 > 0:57:30..what would be so wrong in trying?
0:57:33 > 0:57:36We are already building as many more new planes
0:57:36 > 0:57:39as the government will stomach.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46We can try to build a few more still...
0:57:48 > 0:57:51..or we build this.
0:57:54 > 0:57:58If this thing works, the planes we do have will become
0:57:58 > 0:58:01much more effective.
0:58:02 > 0:58:05It will give us a huge advantage over the Germans,
0:58:05 > 0:58:08a crucial advantage.
0:58:08 > 0:58:10But what if it doesn't?
0:58:12 > 0:58:17For the time being, we will invest our money,
0:58:17 > 0:58:21our faith and our prayers...
0:58:24 > 0:58:27..in your castles in the sky.
0:58:31 > 0:58:33Now...
0:58:33 > 0:58:36go and see if you can get the bloody thing to work.
0:58:38 > 0:58:42Lindemann knew about the navy equipment.
0:58:42 > 0:58:44- How?!- I don't know.
0:58:52 > 0:58:54Careful with that, lads.
0:59:10 > 0:59:12Well, this is a step up.
0:59:17 > 0:59:20Gentlemen, welcome to Bawdsey Manor!
0:59:20 > 0:59:22APPLAUSE
0:59:30 > 0:59:32We're starting again?
0:59:35 > 0:59:38We have a whole new set of challenges.
0:59:38 > 0:59:41We need to develop five stations,
0:59:41 > 0:59:46a chain of stations stretching from here all the way down to Sussex,
0:59:46 > 0:59:49- covering the approach to London. - Five stations?- To begin with.
0:59:49 > 0:59:51But we haven't got one working consistently.
0:59:51 > 0:59:54- You know that one is not enough. - But it won't work,
0:59:54 > 0:59:56not unless all of the stations are in synch,
0:59:56 > 1:00:00- communicating with each other, sending out the same pulses.- OK.
1:00:05 > 1:00:07No. We're not ready for all that!
1:00:07 > 1:00:09We've got to be.
1:00:09 > 1:00:12People are depending upon us, not just Ministry people,
1:00:12 > 1:00:15our people. I mean, our loved ones.
1:00:15 > 1:00:18Hitler is creating a force that will vastly outnumber ours.
1:00:18 > 1:00:21And if Britain is ever attacked our system,
1:00:21 > 1:00:24may be the only chance of levelling the playing field.
1:00:24 > 1:00:29This is real. I mean, this is very real. We few in this room may
1:00:29 > 1:00:33be the only people in the country who could do something about this.
1:00:35 > 1:00:36Scale.
1:00:36 > 1:00:40- You've got to put scale up there. - Scale...
1:00:40 > 1:00:43And range. You think you've solved range but you haven't.
1:00:43 > 1:00:47And what happens if the aircraft flies perpendicular to our pulses?
1:00:47 > 1:00:49What if there is a formation of small planes?
1:00:49 > 1:00:51How do we identify the target
1:00:51 > 1:00:53if we have spiky noise returns on the display?
1:01:22 > 1:01:24Robert!
1:01:24 > 1:01:26The first round is on me but that's your lot.
1:01:26 > 1:01:29I wasn't going to ask you that.
1:01:29 > 1:01:31Just after you left, your wife called.
1:01:31 > 1:01:33She said to wish you a happy anniversary.
1:01:38 > 1:01:40SEAGULLS CRY
1:01:47 > 1:01:52RADIO: ..in such a way as to threaten Polish independence.
1:01:52 > 1:01:54Come on...
1:01:54 > 1:01:57That would inevitably start a general conflagration.
1:01:57 > 1:02:01In which this country would be involved.
1:02:01 > 1:02:03He's going... He's going well.
1:02:04 > 1:02:06CHEERING
1:02:06 > 1:02:09You know what you have to do! Come on, Taff, here we go, come on.
1:02:09 > 1:02:11Come on.
1:02:11 > 1:02:12CHEERING
1:02:12 > 1:02:15Fellas...keep it down!
1:02:15 > 1:02:20RADIO: The distribution of gas masks began tonight in all areas.
1:02:20 > 1:02:22Where's Rob?
1:02:22 > 1:02:23He's in the doghouse.
1:02:23 > 1:02:26- His wife called, he missed their anniversary.- Oh...!
1:02:26 > 1:02:28PHONE RINGS
1:02:43 > 1:02:45Did you make it up to Margaret?
1:02:45 > 1:02:47I don't know where she is.
1:02:48 > 1:02:52I should be there, at home, not here.
1:02:54 > 1:02:56This is a waste of time.
1:02:57 > 1:03:00Not for them it's not. Their first night out in weeks,
1:03:00 > 1:03:02a couple of pints...
1:03:02 > 1:03:04Not this here tonight, all of it.
1:03:06 > 1:03:10Rowe was right - they should have professors tasking all this,
1:03:10 > 1:03:14not us. I should be at home with Margaret and eating dinner,
1:03:14 > 1:03:17listening to the wireless and going to bed...
1:03:17 > 1:03:18Waiting for the bombs to drop?
1:03:18 > 1:03:22But we can't do this and people will die. People will die because of us
1:03:22 > 1:03:27and our bloody-minded pride, and our ineptitude and our stupidity!
1:03:27 > 1:03:29This will not work!
1:03:29 > 1:03:32- Don't say this won't work! - Don't push me!
1:03:35 > 1:03:38You are not allowed to give up!
1:03:38 > 1:03:40We are - you're not!
1:03:41 > 1:03:43Something will shift, something will happen
1:03:43 > 1:03:46and we'll get our answers.
1:03:46 > 1:03:47Don't you ever give up.
1:03:54 > 1:03:55We just don't have time.
1:03:55 > 1:04:00It's like trying to catch a shoal of fish with one line.
1:04:00 > 1:04:04We need a net, a big net, multiple stations,
1:04:04 > 1:04:06and that way we will solve range.
1:04:08 > 1:04:10That will solve range.
1:04:12 > 1:04:15We need to cover every inch of coastline.
1:04:15 > 1:04:17Am I building two, for now?
1:04:19 > 1:04:20Then five.
1:04:20 > 1:04:22If we can make two work...
1:04:23 > 1:04:25Five will be easy?
1:04:27 > 1:04:28Easy?
1:04:30 > 1:04:31Easier...
1:04:35 > 1:04:37CLEARS THROAT
1:04:37 > 1:04:39You are bloody annoying, you know?
1:04:39 > 1:04:41Margaret always says that.
1:04:45 > 1:04:47Ta.
1:04:47 > 1:04:51Something shifts. Something happens.
1:04:53 > 1:04:55So, we're almost there...
1:05:14 > 1:05:17They've come to see five stations working together.
1:05:17 > 1:05:18And we only have two.
1:05:18 > 1:05:20- They don't know that.- Exactly.
1:05:34 > 1:05:37- You think this will work? - I hope so, sir.
1:05:37 > 1:05:38All five stations?
1:05:40 > 1:05:42There are five? Correct?
1:05:50 > 1:05:54We will show you how two stations communicating together can
1:05:54 > 1:05:58detect planes at greater distances.
1:05:58 > 1:06:01The planes for today's demonstration are already in the air.
1:06:01 > 1:06:04Due to the obvious time constraints, gentlemen,
1:06:04 > 1:06:09we have decided to go for quality rather than quantity.
1:06:09 > 1:06:13All our energies are being thrown into showing
1:06:13 > 1:06:17and demonstrating the capabilities of this particular station
1:06:17 > 1:06:22linked to a second station just along the coast.
1:06:22 > 1:06:25So I think the time is just about right.
1:06:27 > 1:06:34Our two stations are now sending out pulses across the coast, like so...
1:06:37 > 1:06:40..and waiting for an echo back...
1:06:41 > 1:06:44..from something out there.
1:06:44 > 1:06:46Something out there.
1:06:46 > 1:06:49A formation of aircraft are right now just turning towards us
1:06:49 > 1:06:51and heading back in our direction.
1:06:51 > 1:06:54They will be called the Invading Force -
1:06:54 > 1:06:56bombers, gentlemen,
1:06:56 > 1:06:57which we shall detect,
1:06:57 > 1:07:03heading our way, ready to drop their deadly cargo upon our heads.
1:07:10 > 1:07:12Just waiting here...
1:07:15 > 1:07:19The invasionary force should be due any minute...
1:07:21 > 1:07:22AIRCRAFT DRONE
1:07:24 > 1:07:26PILOT: Red leader, we are in position.
1:07:31 > 1:07:32We've got them.
1:07:32 > 1:07:36We've already heard them, with our ears.
1:07:36 > 1:07:40The Invading Force have dropped their deadly cargo.
1:07:40 > 1:07:41We are all dead.
1:07:48 > 1:07:52As you can see, gentlemen, we're having a slight technical
1:07:52 > 1:07:54issue with our first demonstration.
1:07:54 > 1:07:55So, if you'd like to avail yourself
1:07:55 > 1:07:59of the light refreshments we've laid on and we'll commence
1:07:59 > 1:08:02with the second demonstration in 45 minutes.
1:08:02 > 1:08:03Thank you.
1:08:08 > 1:08:10Second demonstration?
1:08:10 > 1:08:12I couldn't leave you hanging there, I had to say something.
1:08:12 > 1:08:15- We're going to fail twice. - I've got a plan.
1:08:16 > 1:08:18CHATTER
1:08:24 > 1:08:27I've had concerns for some time about this radio locator.
1:08:27 > 1:08:30Yes, of course, of course there are benefits
1:08:30 > 1:08:34if it is proven to work, but as we've just seen...
1:08:34 > 1:08:37We didn't have time to test our beautiful new receiver.
1:08:37 > 1:08:40- I don't think it works. - What are we doing?
1:08:42 > 1:08:45- Old faithful! - Shouldn't take long.
1:08:45 > 1:08:47- Will it work? - Honest answer...?
1:08:52 > 1:08:55How is that Lindemann up to speed on everything we do?
1:08:55 > 1:08:58He asked about the five stations, straightaway,
1:08:58 > 1:09:00the moment he arrived.
1:09:00 > 1:09:04Lindemann has been up to speed on every problem we have ever had.
1:09:06 > 1:09:09And why is it that the first person to point out
1:09:09 > 1:09:14the flaws in whatever we are doing...always Higgy?
1:09:17 > 1:09:19It's like he's looking for problems.
1:09:24 > 1:09:27Do us a favour will you, lad? Go fetch a roll of cable,
1:09:27 > 1:09:30might as well wire up the new one just in case.
1:09:30 > 1:09:33- Covering all bases? - Aye.
1:09:45 > 1:09:47We know.
1:09:47 > 1:09:48What?
1:09:49 > 1:09:51You've been spying on us.
1:09:52 > 1:09:55II don't know what you're talking about.
1:09:55 > 1:09:56It's treason.
1:09:57 > 1:09:59They will hang you!
1:10:01 > 1:10:04Lindemann said nothing would happen!
1:10:04 > 1:10:06He said I had to do it,
1:10:06 > 1:10:09that the safety of the nation depended on it!
1:10:09 > 1:10:11You compromised the safety of the nation!
1:10:11 > 1:10:13Sh, Rob. They're only in there.
1:10:13 > 1:10:14I trusted you!
1:10:14 > 1:10:16- I want this to work as much as you. - No, you don't!
1:10:16 > 1:10:19You go on about the problems, how it's not going to work...
1:10:19 > 1:10:22And if I hadn't we may not have found the faults with it until it was too late.
1:10:22 > 1:10:24I want to help you build it, Rob!
1:10:24 > 1:10:26You report everything back to Lindemann.
1:10:26 > 1:10:27You promised the impossible.
1:10:27 > 1:10:29DOOR OPENS
1:10:29 > 1:10:32Did you really think they'd just leave you to get on with it?
1:10:32 > 1:10:34What is going on? We can all hear a row.
1:10:34 > 1:10:36Did you put a spy in my camp?!
1:10:36 > 1:10:37Excuse me?
1:10:37 > 1:10:40Is this just Lindemann or are you in on it too?!
1:10:40 > 1:10:42I have no idea what you're talking about.
1:10:42 > 1:10:46How much longer do you expect the Air Chief Marshall to wait?
1:10:46 > 1:10:49I'm sorry, sir. We'll be with you in just a moment.
1:10:49 > 1:10:51Two minutes.
1:10:55 > 1:10:57Let us make this thing work!
1:10:57 > 1:10:59Not you!
1:10:59 > 1:11:01Your time is over!
1:11:02 > 1:11:04Goodbye.
1:11:07 > 1:11:09Chaps?
1:11:26 > 1:11:28I am in favour of anything that helps us win this war -
1:11:28 > 1:11:31your failure helps no-one.
1:12:17 > 1:12:18MACHINE CLICKS
1:12:20 > 1:12:21HE EXHALES
1:12:27 > 1:12:31If you'll excuse us, gentlemen, it's time we were heading back to London.
1:12:33 > 1:12:36- We've got a trace. - Basic on the visual display.
1:12:36 > 1:12:39What range? How far away are the aircraft?
1:12:39 > 1:12:4063 miles.
1:12:41 > 1:12:44- It's working? - It's working.
1:12:44 > 1:12:46We can see them 63 miles away.
1:12:46 > 1:12:48Our sister base have confirmed the sighting,
1:12:48 > 1:12:51five aircraft, 63 miles out heading in our direction.
1:12:51 > 1:12:54That gives us 21 minutes to scramble aircraft and intercept!
1:12:54 > 1:13:00Gentlemen, we have a castle in the sky.
1:13:00 > 1:13:02LAUGHTER
1:13:07 > 1:13:08Air Chief Marshall...
1:13:13 > 1:13:14You must be very pleased?
1:13:14 > 1:13:18I am indeed. Overwhelmed...indeed.
1:13:18 > 1:13:21Thank you, Swingate, track 165. Five aircraft heading north.
1:13:21 > 1:13:23Congratulations.
1:13:23 > 1:13:26Track 165. Range 58 miles and closing.
1:13:30 > 1:13:32Robert...
1:13:32 > 1:13:36We are rather pleased your radio locator is working.
1:13:36 > 1:13:39Despite your efforts gathering information against us?
1:13:40 > 1:13:44Your mole...Higgy.
1:13:44 > 1:13:45We don't need him any more.
1:13:45 > 1:13:47Neither do I. He's quite dispensable.
1:13:51 > 1:13:55Our radio locator is imperfect, as you know...
1:13:55 > 1:13:58It's range is limited and unreliable,
1:13:58 > 1:14:01and the system's not yet proven at low altitude.
1:14:01 > 1:14:02We're working on that.
1:14:02 > 1:14:05Germany is building new aeroplanes - smaller,
1:14:05 > 1:14:08lighter aircraft that can fly lower -
1:14:08 > 1:14:12they might just get under your net.
1:14:12 > 1:14:14You have to prepare for such eventualities.
1:14:14 > 1:14:19If you don't feel quite up to it we can call in the right people.
1:14:19 > 1:14:22There's no shame in handing it over...
1:14:22 > 1:14:24for the good of the country.
1:14:27 > 1:14:29You have done your bit, Robert.
1:14:32 > 1:14:33Have a think.
1:14:40 > 1:14:42BIRDS SING
1:14:58 > 1:15:00Robert?
1:15:01 > 1:15:03We have to develop equipment
1:15:03 > 1:15:08that could detect aircraft at lower altitudes,
1:15:08 > 1:15:11equipment that's smaller, small enough to be mobile.
1:15:11 > 1:15:14You've seen what we're working with - it's the size of a kitchen.
1:15:14 > 1:15:16We have to shrink it, there's no other way.
1:15:16 > 1:15:19We can't shrink it. Just look at the size of the valves we're using.
1:15:19 > 1:15:23We'll have to build smaller valves.
1:15:23 > 1:15:24How?
1:15:26 > 1:15:28I don't know yet.
1:15:44 > 1:15:47MUSIC PLAYS FROM WIRELESS
1:15:47 > 1:15:50MUSIC: "Close Your Eyes" by Al Bowlly
1:15:50 > 1:15:54# Close your eyes... #
1:15:54 > 1:15:57PHONE RINGS
1:15:57 > 1:16:00# Close your eyes... #
1:16:00 > 1:16:03- Hello? - 'Robert?'
1:16:03 > 1:16:04Is everything all right?
1:16:04 > 1:16:06Everything's fine, yes.
1:16:06 > 1:16:12I'm calling because I'm alone, listening to the wireless,
1:16:12 > 1:16:15'and Al Bowlly just came on'
1:16:15 > 1:16:19and the you-not-being-here-ness just hit me like a wave.
1:16:19 > 1:16:21I'm listening to it.
1:16:21 > 1:16:24- You can hear it too? - 'Yes, my darling.'
1:16:24 > 1:16:26Dance with me.
1:16:26 > 1:16:28Dance with you?
1:16:28 > 1:16:30Yes.
1:16:30 > 1:16:34'It'll feel like we're together again.'
1:16:34 > 1:16:35Come on.
1:16:35 > 1:16:37'Close your eyes...'
1:16:37 > 1:16:39and imagine.
1:16:42 > 1:16:45'You're a magician, aren't you?
1:16:45 > 1:16:48'Make the invisible visible?'
1:16:51 > 1:16:55'I remember dancing with you like this once - our wedding.
1:16:55 > 1:16:58'All of them around us in a circle.
1:16:58 > 1:17:02'All of them there yet none of them there, just you and me.'
1:17:05 > 1:17:09'I need you to hold me, Robert.
1:17:09 > 1:17:12'I need you with me.'
1:17:12 > 1:17:14Come home.
1:17:17 > 1:17:19'Please.
1:17:19 > 1:17:22'When all of this is over, when all your work is done,'
1:17:22 > 1:17:25come home, Robert.
1:17:26 > 1:17:28Yes.
1:17:28 > 1:17:30'I promise, Mags.'
1:17:32 > 1:17:35WIRELESS: 'The BBC will soon be broadcasting the world's first
1:17:35 > 1:17:37'high-definition television service,
1:17:37 > 1:17:40'their dual-system service.
1:17:40 > 1:17:44'EMI's new high-frequency 405-line television system
1:17:44 > 1:17:48'and Baird's new 240-lined standard will be transmitting directly
1:17:48 > 1:17:52'from London's Alexandra Palace to your businesses and your customers.'
1:17:56 > 1:17:57'Operator.'
1:17:57 > 1:17:59Oxford 143, please.
1:17:59 > 1:18:02PHONE RINGS
1:18:02 > 1:18:04- Yes? - 'Professor...
1:18:04 > 1:18:07I need your help.'
1:18:07 > 1:18:08Yes.
1:18:30 > 1:18:32What's this about?
1:18:32 > 1:18:33I don't know.
1:18:45 > 1:18:49- Hello? - Now, last night...
1:18:49 > 1:18:52I was thinking of walking away,
1:18:52 > 1:18:55handing the whole project over to Lindemann and just going home.
1:18:55 > 1:19:00And then I heard on the wireless an advertisement
1:19:00 > 1:19:05for these very expensive, but wondrous televisions.
1:19:06 > 1:19:08And...
1:19:08 > 1:19:13METALLIC CLINKING
1:19:13 > 1:19:22..they have engineered, for television, very small valves.
1:19:22 > 1:19:25Smaller valves means smaller equipment,
1:19:25 > 1:19:28and they've also been designed for a higher frequency
1:19:28 > 1:19:30on a shorter wavelength,
1:19:30 > 1:19:35which means we'll be able to stop planes flying underneath our net.
1:19:36 > 1:19:38Take a look.
1:19:40 > 1:19:42Don't drop it.
1:19:45 > 1:19:4760MHz.
1:19:48 > 1:19:50That's 100MHz.
1:19:52 > 1:19:54130MHz.
1:19:57 > 1:20:00We are now transmitting at a frequency of 200MHz.
1:20:00 > 1:20:03Yes, yes, yes! Yes!
1:20:05 > 1:20:0620 stations?
1:20:06 > 1:20:08To begin with.
1:20:08 > 1:20:10We'd best get started then.
1:20:18 > 1:20:20I want to go home.
1:20:20 > 1:20:23Not yet, Rob.
1:20:23 > 1:20:25Not yet.
1:20:52 > 1:20:55- NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN ON WIRELESS: - I have to tell you now
1:20:55 > 1:20:58that no such undertaking has been received.
1:20:58 > 1:21:04And that consequently, this country is at war with Germany.
1:21:54 > 1:21:57THUNDER CRACKS
1:22:03 > 1:22:04Mags!
1:22:07 > 1:22:08I'm home!
1:22:11 > 1:22:13Mags!
1:22:46 > 1:22:48Mags.
1:23:44 > 1:23:48Robert WW has arrived and this is a restricted area.
1:23:48 > 1:23:52It's our show now. Get rid of him, please.
1:23:55 > 1:23:57You're still here?
1:24:02 > 1:24:04Your work here is finished now, Robert.
1:24:04 > 1:24:07You're free to go.
1:24:07 > 1:24:12Yes, thank you. I just need to see if the system works.
1:24:12 > 1:24:14My pen, isn't it?
1:24:15 > 1:24:17Now, if you wouldn't mind.
1:24:17 > 1:24:21No, I do have to see if the system actually works.
1:24:21 > 1:24:22And I need you to leave.
1:25:35 > 1:25:38German bomber group, 85 miles out, south-southwest.
1:25:38 > 1:25:41Track 167 WN8554.
1:25:41 > 1:25:43Go ahead, Swingate.
1:25:43 > 1:25:46Swingate have detected a group of aircraft approaching the channel.
1:25:46 > 1:25:48Track 167 are German.
1:25:48 > 1:25:51'Track 167 WN8554.'
1:25:51 > 1:25:53That's them, RAF Debden. Scramble fighters to intercept.
1:25:53 > 1:25:57'Calling red section, blue section, scramble east.'
1:26:10 > 1:26:14Six Hurricanes heading east and climbing.
1:26:14 > 1:26:16'Branscombe calling Filter Operations.'
1:26:16 > 1:26:18- Go ahead, Branscombe. - 'Roger. Track 167'
1:26:18 > 1:26:20Branscombe have detected aircraft.
1:26:20 > 1:26:24Make 167 a German bomber, scramble fighters to intercept.
1:26:26 > 1:26:30Darsham have picked up aircraft leaving the French coast.
1:26:30 > 1:26:31My new track is 171.
1:26:31 > 1:26:33'Red section, blue section,
1:26:33 > 1:26:35'enemy bombers heading towards Lowestoft.'
1:26:38 > 1:26:40'Red leader. Maintain angels 18.
1:26:40 > 1:26:43'Your target 15 plus now at one o'clock and slightly below.'
1:26:43 > 1:26:46'Red leader to red and blue section, bandits at one o'clock low,
1:26:46 > 1:26:48'coming in fast. Tally ho!'
1:26:50 > 1:26:52GUNFIRE
1:28:15 > 1:28:18If you've been inspired by this story and would like to learn more,
1:28:18 > 1:28:21the Open University explores radar
1:28:21 > 1:28:25and other innovations which overcame the odds.
1:28:25 > 1:28:28To find out more, go to...
1:28:30 > 1:28:33..and follow the links to the Open University.