A trio of Americans arrive at Colditz to join the solitary US inmate, Jim Phipps – but his suspicions are aroused when he sees the newcomers getting access to American newspapers and better provisions and despite the fact that there is a familiar face, the British wonder if in fact they are housing a German trained fifth column.

For the first time gunfire can be heard near Colditz. Lieutenant Colonel Dodd is dozed up with the flu and Phil Carrington acts as senior American Officer and he – with Colonel Preston has to handle a crisis when the Germans plan on moving the promenenti prisoners from Colditz – and there is bad news for the kommandant as the SS take an interest in Colditz.

Even though the war is reaching a close with the sound of gunfire and bombing being heard, there are tensions in Colditz. The British prisoners become suspicious of Major Mohn's new attitude towards them and his trips to the town reveal problems that will cause him to make a big decision.

The allied armies get closer to Colditz and there is unrest when a death sentence is passed against one of the prisoners. Colonel Preston starts to mobilise the British in preparation for a possible revolt. The kommandant receives some terrible news – and a visit from the SS.