All right, lads? Not really, old man.
One of the bombers over at Heslington didn't make it back
from a training flight last night.
Any word on the crew? North.
Harrington. Jones.
McIlvenny.
All gone. McIlvenny?
Right.
Gentlemen!
Look sharp. This war won't win itself.
At ease, lads, take your seats.
I don't see why we must repeat this nonsense year on year.
Because it's Christmas Day tomorrow...
and it's tradition.
All the children look forward to it.
Why is it always fall to me? It doesn't. It was my dad last year.
That was a one-off. And James the year before that.
I wouldn't ask if it... Wasn't important, yes, yes.
All right, all right. Good.
Oh, and I need you to pick up a goose this afternoon.
Miggins has got hold of some. I'll send Carmody.
He may as well make himself useful while he's here.
Did he say why he didn't go back home for Christmas?
Well, he offered to help with the visits over the festive period.
You don't mind the extra sheets, do you?
No, not at all.
Helen..? Don't you dare, Siegfried Farnon.
Not for one minute, not for one second
are you thinking about asking me.
I was just going to say how radiant you were looking.
Carmody?
That's right. Darrowby two-two-nine-seven.
Darrowby two-two-nine-seven...
James.
Merry Christmas! Helen!
- It's James! - I'll be one minute.
Absolutely not.
I might be more than a minute. Oh!
You'll wear it because I damn well tell you to.
Sorry, James, I'm struggling to hear that.
James, did you say? Herriot? Yeah. On for Helen.
What the hell do you think you're playing at?
Merry Christmas to you too, Siegfried.
The state Helen's in, she shouldn't be going anywhere,
let alone traipsing halfway across the bloody county.
And what state's that, then?
You know, laden, encumbered.
Burdened with child. Burdened? Give it here.
Ooh...
What's wrong? Is it the baby?
No. I ate too much for breakfast, that's all.
Baby's fighting for space wi' t'sausages.
This is exactly what I was worried about.
Would you shut that bloody racket off?!
It's nothing.
Helen, what was that?
Did I hear them say something about the baby?
It's just indigestion.
James, we do have concerns about this plan
for Helen to drive over to you today!
Which you'll keep to yourself.
Love, it's a long drive. Do you mind?!
Sorry about that.
It's like living with two mother hens.
I can't tell you how good it is to hear your voice.
You, too.
I've got a sewing job for you when you arrive.
I'm not coming all that way to darn your socks
over the soup course.
'It's not socks.
'I got my wings this morning.'
They're transferring me to Brize Norton
to start bomber training.
Bombers?
So when you finish your training, you'll be flying... over there?
It wouldn't do much good dropping them over here, would it?
James, far be it from me to stick my beak in,
but I really think you should reconsider this hare-brained scheme
to have Helen drive 30 miles over hill and dale.
Siegfried... We've snow due today.
'If she were to go into labour,
'she could find herself in the middle of nowhere.'
Siegfried Farnon, if you don't put that phone down, I'll throttle you.
All right.
Helen?
I've had a couple of small cramps.
We've got to think...
'I know I need to think about the baby.
'All I've done is think about the baby.'
You don't want me to come? I do.
Of course I do.
But there's how I want things and the way things are.
'I miss you so much.'
I really need to see you.
I'm scared, James.
Helen? Are you still there? Helen?
James? Helen? Damn it!
James? James...
Herriot. You're needed. Now.
Officer Woodham.
Found Georgie on the outer airfield this morning.
Another kestrel must have had a go at her
or she was hit by one of ours.
She's a beautiful bird.
Aye.
Will she fly again?
Not with the feathers broken like that.
You've until Boxing Day to have her sorted.
I'll do my best.
I've had enough of hearing about people's best.
You're a vet, Herriot. OK? Just get it done.
Yes, Sir.
It's just I've never treated a bird like this before.
Usually it's chickens. Maybe the odd budgie.
This is something completely different.
We lost a flight last night. I heard.
Look, I'm not superstitious,
but some of the men think it's a bad omen
having our mascot down.
They won't admit to it, but they're scared.
I understand, Sir. I'll do everything in my power.
Good.
Excuse me, Sir?
There was something I wanted to ask you.
My wife, she's pregnant.
I was due to meet her in the village
for dinner this evening.
She's in no fit state to travel.
I wondered if I could go back?
Go back? Just for an evening.
I'm worried about her, and...
Yeah, we all have people we're worried about, Herriot,
but we have a job to do.
I appreciate that. No, I don't think that you do.
Otherwise, you wouldn't be asking me.
Or should I just let every man who gets a woman knocked up
run gallivanting across the country?
I didn't get anyone knocked up. Helen's my wife.
She's having our baby. I want to be there for her.
What exactly do you plan on doing?
Are you going to birth the child yourself?
No. No. Will you deliver it?
Sir? I wouldn't ask unless I was genuinely concerned.
I want to be there, and I want to support her.
Where you need to be is in the air, dropping bombs on your enemy.
That is the support that your family needs.
You need to be strong.
That is how you protect them. Is that understood?
Yes, Sir. Your job is to get that bird flying again.
Not for me, but for your fellow officers.
And I'll try and forget we ever had this conversation.
Now, I know it's hard, but you need to rest.
I just feel like I've let him down. You haven't.
No-one thinks that.
Certainly not James.
Human beings are something of an anomaly
of the natural world, aren't they?
In the mother and child are rendered incapacitated,
practically useless in the lead up to, during and after birth.
Whereas lots of animals are perfectly capable
of carrying on as usual.
Take horses, for example, a mare and her foal.
That didn't come out as I hoped.
I'll just be...
I'll just be somewhere else.
It would have been irresponsible
for us not to say something to Helen.
Oh, love.
Christmas don't make it any easier.
It's time to be with your loved ones.
Indeed.
That's from Gerald.
No need for that look. I'm perfectly all right.
Any news from Triss?
No. He'll be enjoying Christmas in his own inimitable way,
I imagine.
When were the last time you two didn't spend it together?
Oh, gosh, I'd have to think.
Before father died, probably.
Still... at least you've got Carmody around.
Nice for you to have some male company.
Are you suggesting I only invited him to stay
because I'm lonely?
It's the time of year when you miss people the most.
I'm not missing anybody. I'm counting my lucky stars.
He's only here so I don't have to answer the telephone
in the middle of the night.
It seems I may have put my foot in it with Helen.
Just the one?! Progress at last.
I was trying to offer her comfort. Lord help us.
Lord help her, more like. Uh-uh-uh-uh!
Would the pair of you make yourself useful
and go and fetch the goose?
Go on. Be gone.
Oh, and when you're back,
could you help me take these plates over to the Drovers for tomorrow?
Right-o.
Helen?
It's all right. They've gone.
You know, you could still make it home for Christmas
if you set out this afternoon.
My family don't really celebrate Christmas.
For one thing, they're atheists.
Right.
Well, don't let Mrs Hall know
she's under the same roof as a heretic.
She'll come out in hives.
And don't get too comfortable in that bedroom.
Temporary situation only.
Understood.
Should we try again?
We? You.
Nope. Still there.
Perhaps we should call it a day. Absolutely not.
Mrs Hall has sacrificed a great deal for us this year.
We're not gonna let her down.
Are you ready? For what?
Shh, shh. Here, boy.
Here, boy. Here, boy. That's it.
Here you go. That's it. Good lad.
No...
Oh, Carmody. Whatever you do, don't run!
Run! You fool, run! You're gonna make it!
Argh!
Look what a lovely, plump, juicy one we've got ourselves this year.
No, no. Thank you, Mrs Hall! Oh, my goodness.
Apologies, Mr Carmody.
Oh, that does look sore.
I'll go. I think that would be best.
Lovely, though. The goose.
Thank you, Mr Carmody.
Not at all. Now, then.
You may feel a little prick.
All right!
Have you lost your plane?
Er, no. On leave.
Sort of.
What's your address? I'll drop by some money for petrol.
I live at White Cottage over by Ecclesbridge.
Michael Collins.
James Herriot. Pleased to meet you.
Where are you heading?
Looking for a cat. Right.
Any particular cat?
Me daughter's. Trying to find him.
How long has he been missing? A couple of months now.
Lad said he saw him up this way a few week ago.
Been up here most days looking.
Haven't got much to give her this Christmas.
We've got a cat. Well, he's my wife's, really.
His name's Oscar.
Have you tried putting some food out at his favourite spots?
He had too many.
He liked to roam, you see.
Tiger used to take himself down to our local pub, drank the stout.
As a vet, I have to say that won't do him much good.
Yeah. Then one night, he didn't come back.
So I'd hazard a guess you don't have any children of your own.
I've got one on the way.
You'll soon find out, then. Find out what?
What you'll do for them.
The moment you hold 'em in your arms changes something in you.
Changes everything.
Have you heard from Arthur? Not since he went over to France.
We'll get through it. That's what we do.
Course it is.
Afternoon, sis. All right, love?
Hello. Christ.
Don't get any smaller, do you?
I'm pregnant. What's your excuse?
Oh, in that sort of mood, are we?
Pint, ta, Maggie.
Make it two. Keep it one.
I, er...
I thought you might want this.
He fixed it himself.
I can tell. Hey. Good enough for you, pet,
It'll be good enough for Princess Herriot there.
How's your thumb? It's bloody sore.
Thought I best bring it down. It won't be long.
Thanks, Dad. You're welcome, love.
We don't know who's coming.
Better to have too many than too few.
I think the problem will be filling the plates,
not finding enough mouths to empty them.
Unless you've got a few loaves, a couple of fishes
and divine power I don't know anything about.
Might just be that I have.
What a charming little place. Mrs Pumphrey.
Hello. Thank you so much for doing this.
It'll make the world of difference. Not at all.
No, I've got a hamper in the back of the car.
It's parked just in front.
Come on, then, Carmody. Hop to it. Hop to what?
Hop to the hamper, man! Mrs Pumphrey's hamper in the car.
I managed to get a few little titbits and treats,
some cold meats and the like
that I hope everyone will enjoy tomorrow.
Oh, they'll be very happy, I'm sure.
Times like this is about people coming together, isn't it?
I think it's wonderful, everyone pitching in.
I'm sure you're going to have a great deal of fun.
You're coming too, aren't you, Mrs Pumphrey?
Me? In here?
Might be a little rowdy for Tricky.
Can be very sensitive in crowds.
Come and join us, Mrs Pumphrey.
Oh! See? He wants one.
Look. This is perfect for you.
Dad...
What do you fly, then?
I'm about to start training on bombers.
You're brave lads. We're all behind you.
Aye, by about 500 miles.
Because we're flying over there and you're back...
Sorry. It's just a joke we have amongst the lads.
I'd fight if I could.
Knee's gone. Back's broke.
People don't see, though. Think you're a coward.
I'm not on leave.
I left base without permission.
My wife's pregnant. I haven't seen her in months.
You've gone AWOL.
I miss my wife. I miss my home.
People might say I'm a coward as well.
You're going back to fight? I will.
Then you're not a coward.
When your children grow up,
you'll be able to tell them what you did.
What will I tell mine? Went out looking for a cat?
Now, you need to head down there,
keep going north, you'll let hit the Brawton Road eventually.
Thank you. Merry Christmas.
Hang on. Thank you.
You're doing it for all of us others who can't.
Is that Triss?
Siegfried. It's got his nose.
Don't let him hear you say that, for goodness sake.
That meant to be me?
It ain't meant to be anyone.
James makes one every year, so I'm doing it for him.
Was he all right about you not coming for dinner?
We got cut off.
He wouldn't have wanted you to risk anything.
Aye. Bit late in the day for that sort of carry on.
James is going on bombers.
Oh, aye?
He'll finish his training...
and then he'll be flying missions.
He's fine. And he will be.
He's gonna be all right.
Mm.
And we'll get through it, cos that's what you do, in't it?
And I'll have the baby, so I'll be all right.
And then James will be back, and we'll be back together again.
Get in. Sir, just a few hours.
Please. You're lucky that it's me that's come looking for you
and not the military police.
Now, get in.
Merry Christmas, James.
Merry Christmas.
Christmas will be over by the time you get down the stairs.
Since my altercation with that hound, I'm rather incapacitated.
It's quite a bit worse today.
Mr Carmody, are you not dressing for Christmas?
Why don't you put on a nice jacket and tie?
Oh, I don't really celebrate it.
And yet I noticed yesterday you knew every word of that carol,
belting it out like nobody's business.
I'll get back up and get changed. Jolly good.
Sorry about last night.
I think it all just got the better of me.
You've nothing to be sorry for.
I mean, you don't have to pretend you're not terrified
of what's to come.
I certainly was.
I am. I don't think I'm ready.
I don't know how anyone can be.
Well, neither did any of the women who came before you,
and yet here we all are.
Try to take comfort in that.
Oh, that's better.
Here you are. Sherry.
I really shouldn't, and we could get a call out.
It's Christmas Day, man.
You've poured Triss a sherry.
Force of habit.
Well, merry bloody Christmas.
Merry bloody Christmas. Merry Christmas.
Now, shall we start opening some presents?
Youngest First. Mr Carmody.
For me? Of course.
Erm, thank you.
Because you like your bow ties.
Audrey, that weren't indigestion.
Think it's started.
You know, going absent without leave is a court martial offense.
If I hadn't have come looking for you and found you when I did,
I'd have had to have you locked up.
Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.
I want this whole place spotless.
She any better?
The feathers are certainly broken. May be best to remove them entirely.
Would that mean she could fly?
We would have to wait for new feathers to push through.
You know, you're not the first to miss home,
and you'll not be the last.
No, I suppose not.
We have to stick together, Herriot.
It's no good for anyone to hear that one of their pals
has abandoned them.
Especially not when we've important work to do.
Yes, Sir.
It's just, erm... I knew McIlvenny.
One of the men we lost.
Not well. He was just leaving us when I joined.
But we were the same age.
He had a wife...
a little boy he'll never see again.
It got me.
I trained all of the men who went down on that plane.
Known them... knew them for over a year.
Countless hours of training them.
And they're not the first. Far from it.
But if we allow ourselves to be controlled by our emotions...
..none of us would be here.
We have a job to do,
or who knows what world our children will grow up in.
Forgive me for saying, but you don't seem old enough to have children.
Aye. Two little girls.
Twins. Eight months old.
I've seen them twice in their entire lives.
I can't not feel anything.
I can't not want to be with my wife and unborn child.
In a few months, you're gonna be in a plane fighting the enemy.
And if your mind is not on the job, it'll only end one way.
But you have to trust your brothers.
More importantly, they need to know that they can trust you.
So harden your heart so you can live through this war.
Who knows? We might even win it.
Then you'll have all the time in the world to spend with your family.
It would mean a lot to everyone if I could get her flying again?
Aye. It really would.
Let's take another look at you, then.
Thank you.
I understand it's Christmas Day.
Yes.
I will.
Bye now.
What are they saying?
Are they on their way? Should we be on our way?
They told us we should stay where we are.
There was snow up in the Dales last night.
The roads are difficult.
They'll get a midwife to us as soon as they can.
Oh, dear, Carmody, still a bit sore? Him?
Well, it's obviously not in the realm of your predicament,
but it was a nasty bite.
The fangs did go rather deep. Half an inch, I'd say.
If not three quarters.
Squeeze as hard as you like.
That wasn't a contraction.
Why don't you two take the lunch over to the Drovers?
Everyone will be waiting.
Don't you think it would be wise for me to stay around?
If worse came to the worst, I'd be on hand to step into the breach.
The breach?
I think what he means is that should the midwife not arrive in time,
he could deliver the baby. Mm.
No, no, no, no. Absolutely not. Not one of your best ideas.
Why not? I've delivered hundreds of animals.
Most of them have four legs.
In theory, it should be easier when there's only two.
It will have arms, though. Good point, hadn't thought of that.
Hadn't thought he'd have arms? Well, we can muddle through.
Muddle through? How different from a sow can it be?
All right. I think that's enough.
I'll be here to assist. Fear not, I'll stay away from the business end
if it makes you feel uncomfortable.
I'll give you the blooming business end.
You really must learn more tact, Carmody.
Merry Christmas, old man.
You know, I'm really not that much older than you.
How is she, then?
She's got a couple of broken feathers that are stopping her fly.
But you'll have her flying by tomorrow.
Everyone's feeling a bit jittery about going up.
I, erm...
Well, I've started her treatment.
I told you, lads. Woodham said he wouldn't let us down.
Woodham? Aye.
He's been singing your praises.
Told us we were blessed to have the best vet
in all Yorkshire with our squadron.
I suppose we could imp them.
That would give the wings some support
till the new feathers push through.
Hold still.
I'm just going to slide this in.
Merry Christmas to you, too.
You know, Richard, I'm sure no-one would mind if he went over.
There's no point me being there.
Couldn't bear to hear my daughter going through all that.
And you'll only be in the way.
Best keep out of it. Aye.
Cracking spread, Mr Farnon.
Absolutely marvellous.
Tricki quite agrees.
I can't take the credit.
Mrs Hall organised it, all down to her. And, of course...
No, no, no.
That's the last of it. I hope you enjoy your meal.
Oh, Uncle Carmody,
would you mind keeping Tricki company?
He saved a spot for you.
And I know Helen won't want you over there.
Sit down, Carmody. I promise you won't catch God.
Oh, well, I really shouldn't have all that.
I don't often... Get it down you and get stuck in.
May I thank everyone for making us feel so welcome.
And may I raise a toast to Mr Farnon for bringing us all together.
The credit must go to Mrs Hall, as it nearly always should.
To the remarkable Mrs Hall.
And Jesus, surely?
Isn't that what this whole carry on's about?
Here, here. Well said, Mr Carmody.
All right, then, to the remarkable Mrs Hall,
and I suppose Jesus, too.
To the remarkable Mrs Hall, and I suppose Jesus, too.
How's Dad coping with it all?
He's doing that thing where he doesn't say owt,
drinks whisky and sort of stares.
Normal day out for him, then? Pretty much.
Here.
You'll need to keep your strength up.
Oh, thank you.
Still nothing doing?
No, it's all gone quiet.
I don't know whether to be pleased or disappointed
not to be getting on with it.
I'll be grateful for the rest.
I'll telephone the midwife again, see if I can't chivvy them along.
Oh, God. Me and my big mouth.
How'd you get on, James?
We'll have to see tomorrow. But she's got a good shot.
A drink for this man.
Enjoying yourself?
I admit it.
I like the singing...
the eating...
the joy of Christmas.
I was always jealous of the other children growing up.
You must think that makes me a hypocrite.
I think it makes you human.
If you wanted to stay,
erm, you could always have Tristan's old room.
He shan't be using it for a while.
You're inviting me to stay at Skeldale... in your home?
Because it's convenient.
You can answer the night calls.
Yes, Sir. But keep your hands off my whisky.
Especially the good stuff.
Absolutely. Of course. Understood.
Ready to unleash the hordes?
As ready as I'll ever be.
Good luck.
Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Come on, come on. Last one's a pickled walnut.
Come and sit by the fire with me, children.
'In days of peace,
'the Feast of Christmas is a time...
'..when we all gather together in our homes,
'the young and old,
'to enjoy the happy festivity and goodwill
'which the Christmas message brings.
'To the older people here and throughout the world,
'I would say in the last Great War,
'the flower of our youth was destroyed,
'and the rest of the people saw but little of the battle.
'This time, we are all in the front line and the danger together.
'Remember this - if war brings its separations,
'it brings a new unity also.'
Let's get you up to bed. Yeah.
'To be good comrades and good neighbours in trouble
'is one of the finest opportunities of the civilian population.
'Not only do they do their own duty,
'but they play their part in helping the fighting services
'to win the war.'
Mr Carmody.
The children must have been thrilled.
You really shouldn't have got me this.
Oh, no. Is it that bad?
No, it's not that. It's...
This... is my first ever Christmas present.
Your first? Goodness me.
Mother and father...
..we're not that sort of family.
Well, here at Skeldale, we are.
So you'd best get used to it.
Did you enjoy yourself at the Drovers?
Everybody was so kind.
They made me feel completely at home.
Well, I'm glad it went well.
You really are...
the most remarkable woman, Mrs Hall.
Oh, I don't know about that.
It don't take much to pick out a bow tie, a bit a wrapping paper.
But thank you, Mr Carmody.
Mr Farnon was right.
You really are quite, quite remarkable.
I think that's enough.
Perhaps it might be time to take yourself to bed.
I suspect you're right.
I've imbibed far too readily.
Good night, Mrs Hall.
Good night. Oh.
All right.
There we go, then.
I'm not sure he's used to drinking quite so much.
Certainly seemed like the wine were doing the talking for him.
I've decided that Carmody should stay with us at Skeldale
for the foreseeable.
For purely practical reasons, obviously.
Obviously.
How's Helen?
Soldering on.
Just making her a tea and taking up some fresh towels.
You are remarkable. Oh, stop it, Mr Farnon.
Oh, let me do that.
You're not about to attempt to wash up, are you?
I can do it.
Just... make sure you change the water, it'll end up greasy else.
Yes. I'll be perfectly... There's no plug.
Well, what's it doing all the way up there?
That's where it lives.
Erm, you forgot this.
I didn't forget.
Merry Christmas, Mrs Hall.
Merry Christmas, Mr Farnon.
She's here, Helen.
We're coming up.
All right there, now, love.
Oh, you picked a day for it, didn't you?
Let's see how we're getting on, shall we?
Oh, at this stage, I just want it to be over.
You can do it. We're right here with you.
All right, Georgie. Let's see about that wing of yours.
Good job, Herriot. Thank you, Sir.
Bring her in. Meet me in my car.
You've two days, then you're to return to base for transfer.
Yes, Sir. And thank you.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, youngins! Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Helen? Helen!
James, what are you doing here?
Helen! Helen.
Is she upstairs? She is.
Helen? James?
Oh, God, I've missed you.
I've missed you so much.
I needed to see you. I tried to get to you.
Oh. Be careful with me, James.
You can let go now.
What's wrong? Has something happened?
What are you still doing in bed?
Oh.
Yes. When?
Last night.
I'd like you to meet your son.
You gave me a little boy.
Hello there, wee man.
Funny looking thing, isn't he?
And I suppose every foal that's born's a beauty.
Near enough.
And how are you? How was it?
Awful.
I wish I could have been here.
We managed.
And there's a reason why I don't have the men around.
What are we going to call him?
I thought we'd name him after his dad.
You all right?
Michael was right.
My God, he was right.
Who was?
I'm coming back to you.
No matter what they throw us,
I promise you, I will get back to you both.
Nothing will keep me away. I will always, always be with you.
I know you will.
And we'll cope just fine until then.
By God, he's got a right grip on him, hey?
You got that from your mother's side of t'family, lad.
Alderson hand is that, look.
He's smiling at you, Dad.
Aye.
I doubt that's the case, actually.
It's a reflex response.
The baby can't actually see. Thank you, Richard.
Audrey, would you like to...? Yes.
Here you are.
Hello. Hey.
Look at you.
Aren't you handsome?
Yes.
Do you want to come and say hello to your Uncle Siegfried?
You'll frighten him. I'm not going to frighten him.
I'm not in the least bit frightening.
You'll have your turn in a minute.
Hold on. Is that stout?
Aye. Midwife said it were good to keep my strength up.
It's not him.
Are you sure? He likes stout.
Positive. Thanks for calling, anyroad.
Wait.
Look, I'm sure your daughter won't mind.
And more than anything, I expect she just wants her dad around.
We've all got our battles to fight.
Whether we're away fighting or back home.
None of it's easy... in the end.
We're all in it together.
Easy for you to say.
One thing I do know is that you're not doing anyone any good
punishing yourself out in the moors every night.
You should be with your family.
Good man.
So are you.
Take him. Your daughter will love him.
And she'll love having her dad back, too.
They're going to look after you now.
You'll be all right, won't you?
Course he will. Bye, Oscar.
You can visit anytime.
Don't worry, we will.
You all right?
I am now.
I love you so much.
I love you, too.
Right, let's get you in before you get cold.