Shepherd 2022

On Christmas Eve, 1957, Flying Officer Freddie Hook finds himself disheartened at being unable to visit his family due to a denied leave at RAF Celle. However, when he learns that his wingman—who had been granted leave—is unable to fly because of an arm injury sustained during a playful snowball fight, Freddie seizes this unexpected chance. He takes his wingman’s place and persuades his commanding officer to allow him to fly home overnight, despite having only recently acquired his night flying certification. With favorable weather conditions for the night, he sets his course for RAF Lakenheath.

As he takes off in his Vampire, he receives instructions to head 265° at a flight level of 280 over the North Sea. However, shortly after clearing the coast, he encounters a critical issue: multiple instrument failures leave him without navigational guidance. After failing to establish radio contact with Lakenheath for a guided approach, he decides to divert to RAF Miriam St. George, located near the coast. Unfortunately, fog rapidly sets in, compelling Freddie to execute a triangular flight pattern in hopes of being detected on radar.

Running low on fuel and realizing a ditching into the sea seems inevitable, Freddie reflects on cherished memories with his girlfriend, Lizzie, and writes a final note to her expressing his love. In a moment of desperation, he spots a nearby Mosquito flying below him and attempts to signal it. The Mosquito pilot, after successfully establishing radio contact, graciously offers assistance. Freddie, using hand signals, communicates his need for help. The pilot guides him down through the fog, leading to a safe landing at an unexpected destination.

Upon touching down, Freddie is greeted by Sergeant Joe Marks, the only officer present at the now-deserted RAF Minton, just ten miles short of his intended base. As they share stories, Marks reveals that Minton used to be a key site for fighter missions during World War II. Freddie notices an old photograph of the Mosquito pilot, who Marks identifies as John Kavanagh, a notable Canadian Pathfinder pilot known for helping stranded pilots. Intrigued, Freddie learns that Kavanagh went missing in action on Christmas Eve in 1943, creating an eerie connection.

Freddie’s astonishment grows when two officers from Miriam St. George arrive after spotting his Vampire on radar. They inform him that Minton had been unoccupied for many years, deepening the mystery of his arrival there. Confused yet relieved, Freddie gazes into the clear sky, a stark contrast to the fog he just navigated.

In a poignant closing shot, Kavanagh is seen continuing his noble work of guiding another stranded pilot through the twilight, emphasizing the heroic efforts of guide-pilots who rescued many lives during perilous missions in the war.