Danger UXB

It is the beginning of World War II and young lieutenant Brian Ash has just been assigned to a UXB unit. Without any training, Brian is tasked to lead his section in detonating and disposing of unexploded bombs, a job with a very quick turn-over rate.

Brian defuses a bomb recklessly and clashes with Major Lockhurst for his behavior. Brian meets Officer Ken Machin, the newest member of his unit and also, to Brian’s surprise, his roommate. They learn of a new counter-active defense against type 17 fuses using electromagnetic technology.

Brian allows Ken to dismantle a type 17 on his own, while Brian attends to a more pressing matter. Even with the use of the new technology, Ken fails to safely disarm the bomb and it explodes killing Ken. Brian learns that Ken’s mourning fiance is pregnant. Although it is too late, Brian finds anti-handling devices rigged into the type 17 fuses, the likely reason for Ken’s demise.

Brian delivers a defused bomb to Dr. Gillespie who may have a solution for the Zues 40. After a run-in with Susan, Dr. Gillespie's married daughter, Brian feels an immediate attraction to her. Gillespie's method works but not without casualties.

A night club near a bomb in the sewers distracts the section as they spend a night drinking and relaxing. Brian uses a new method to defuse the bomb and enjoys a night out with Susan in London.

Brian's weekend off duty turns into a night with Susan at a hotel in Bromley. Their night is cut short when Brian is called back to help with the 81 Company. Susan is impatient as she waits for Brian and decides to go home where she unexpectedly runs into her husband. The death toll in the 81 company is growing as Brian arrives.

Without Brian's permission, Corporal Salt and a team of men put themselves at risk to help a young woman trapped inside a bomb with a time fuse. Salt embarks on a trip to convince his wife to leave Manchester but a German bomb disrupts their conversation.

Francis cracks down on Brian's section for minor disciplinary infractions because Brian's affair with Susan reminds him of his own wife's infidelity. Susan asks her father to get Major Francis posted elsewhere. Under new leadership, Brian is recommended for a high honor.

Conflict arises in section 347 where Powell and Private Brinckley, a new replacement and conscientious objector, break out into a fight. Corporal Salt ends the dispute but has no patience or sympathy for a pacifist. Brian decides to propose to Susan, but she leaves unexpectedly to tend to her husband who has had a nervous breakdown.

The British countryside is hit hard by the Germans and all of section 347 is sent to assist. Corporal Salt finds himself in grave danger as he helps to save another woman.

Dr. Gillespie invites Brian to join his lab, where Brian awkwardly runs into Susan a year after they have broken up. Brian assists Gillespie in Cambridge using a dangerous, time consuming method to defuse the bombs by freezing them.

Susan and Brian’s relationship progresses as Brian returns to section 347 and relocates to Brighton. Lieutenant Brinckley begins training with Brian to defuse bombs but has an unfortunate accident with an unmarked mine. Even Brian cannot stay out of danger as he attempts to defuse a device by the water.

Brian’s slow recovery causes tension in his relationship with Susan as he worries he may not be able to return to his post. Sergeant James is able to bring up Brian’s spirits and they find a foreboding note while dismantling a bomb.