Told to stand down after another failed operation, Lt David Stirling, an eccentric young officer, is frustrated with the military authorities' strategy. Stirling, along with fellow officer Lewes, plans to parachute men behind enemy lines.

The newly recruited members of the SAS carry out a disastrous and devastating first mission. Determined to prove their strategy will work, they prepare to try again.

As the SAS's reputation spreads among the Axis Italian and German forces, another daring mission results in a shocking and devastating loss to the team.