 In 1915 France, Major Brand commands the 39th Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. The young airmen go up in bullet-riddled "crates" and the casualty rate is appalling, but Brand can t make the "brass hats" at headquarters see reason. Insubordinate air ace Captain Courtney is another thorn in Brand s side...but finds the smile wiped from his face when he rises to command the squadron himself. Everyone keeps a stiff upper lip.