For the 12 young RAF pilots of Hornet Squadron, September 1939 is the moment they have been waiting for. Flying beautiful aircraft in perfect formation, they face an enemy better trained, better armed and better experienced than they are.

It's Autumn and Hornet Squadron are billeted with their Spitfires in France, near the German border. For most of the young pilots, their posting to France is the first time they have left the shores of England. They spend the initial lazy days of 'the phoney war' billeted in an idyllic French chateau pampered by their charismatic Squadron Leader, but straining for real action and dreaming of romance.

It is December 1939 and Hornet Squadron are billeted with their Spitfires in France, near the German border. But like all young men away from home for the first time, the pilots find ways to amuse themselves with all the delights that France ha to offer. Squadron Leader Rex is determined not to let efficiency slip and decides to test his pilots.

It is March 1940 and Hornet Squadron are billeted with their Spitfires in France, near the German border. As the young squadron pilots bore of the phoney war, they enjoy the delights of the local village and two of the pilots decide to take local brides.

It is August 1940 and Hornet Squadron regroup at a cliff-top air station on the South Coast of England. Morale has been low but fresh aircraft and pilots are arriving to prepare for the mighty attack that the Luftwaffe are suspected to be planning. The new boys are ribbed by the 'old hands' and, with the tension of constant readiness, simple pranks can easily get out of hand. But the glorious days of high summer mean that the enemy come over in endless waves, and Squadron Leader Barton has his hands full keeping the hard-pressed pilots at their sharpest.