After being shot down over Germany, Flight Lieutenant Simon Carter is sent to Prisoner of War camp Octenlager II. Caged and impatient to escape, Carter decides to jump the queue.

Lieutenant Colonel Preston, the new Senior British Officer, arrives at Colditz in time to witness an abortive escape attempt. Preston's attitude towards this fiasco suggests to the Kommandant of Colditz that here is a man with whom he could come to terms.