About this season
During the second world war, the Pathfinder squadrons of RAF Bomber Command were the elite. All volunteers, their dangerous task was to fly in advance of bombing raids over occupied Europe and Nazi Germany and "light up" the target with flares and incendiaries.
Episodes (13)
1. Into the Fire
Aired 27 September 1972 • 50 min
As the Pathfinder crews train, they are called upon to attack vital U-Boat pens.
2. For Better, for Worse
Aired 4 October 1972 • 50 min
A joint operation with British commandos brings unforeseen complications.
3. Fog
Aired 11 October 1972 • 50 min
A hazardous, low level mission against a Navy base brings the threat of heavy casualties.
4. Fly There, Walk Back
Aired 18 October 1972 • 50 min
After being shot down, a bomber crew desperately tries to evade capture.
5. Jonah Man
Aired 1 November 1972 • 50 min
The RAF Bomber Command men are much less than impressed to discover that they are flying with a bible-hugging 'Jonah' joining their crew...despised as very bad luck.
6. One Man's Lancaster
Aired 8 November 1972 • 50 min
Flight Officer Stanton, a tough and demanding ace, is stretched to his limits as he has to fly his Lancaster back home from a mission without any crew.
7. Sitting Ducks
Aired 15 November 1972 • 50 min
Two spies are dropped into enemy occupied Netherlands, to prepare for a bombing raid on German radar sites.
8. Our Daffodils Are Better Than Your Daffodils
Aired 6 December 1972 • 50 min
9. Codename Gomorrah
Aired 13 December 1972 • 50 min
Bad weather makes bombing raids on Germany impossible. Scientists are under pressure to come up with a navigational aid.
10. Sweets from a Stranger
Aired 3 January 1973 • 50 min
A small boy assists the crew of a Lancaster bomber in their attempts to delay the devastating German fighters.
11. Operation Pickpocket
Aired 10 January 1973 • 50 min
A Lancaster crashes in the heart of Nazi Germany - with top secret technology on board.
12. Nightmare
Aired 17 January 1973 • 50 min
A badly damaged Lancaster limps back to base - with a live bomb jammed in its bomb bay.
13. In the Face of the Enemy
Aired 25 January 1973 • 50 min
The son of a famous RAF Air Marshall refuse to fly Pathfinder missions, prompting accusations of cowardice.