Ron tries to convince Gary to deal in the1940 stock market, in order to make lots of money in 1993. PC Deadman brings news of the King's visit to East London. Gary takes Phoebe for a meal at the Savoy to say goodbye, and secretly books the Imperial Suite.

Wanting to improve their marriage, Yvonne decides to share an interest with Gary. Meanwhile, Gary is distracted by an article in the paper concerning Phoebe Sparrow. Worrying that Phoebe will be waiting for him forever, he goes back to 1940 to end their relationship, telling Yvonne that he's going to a football match in Lithuania with Ron.

Yvonne becomes irritated with Gary and attends an Open University event in Huddersfield. Meanwhile, Gary persuades Ron to forge him the correct World War II identity papers, in exchange for a trip back to 1940.

Gary is thrown into a panic after reading that Phoebe's East-End London neighbourhood got heavily bombed by the Germans exactly 53 years ago that day. After making excuses to Yvonne, Gary quickly darts back to the 1940's to warn Phoebe and the patrons of the Royal Oak.

Ignoring Yvonne's advice, Gary goes for a promotion interview but does not wear a suit. His friend, Ron, hearing Gary's call to a radio phone-in program, is intrigued to know if he really did travel back in time. After another argument with Yvonne, Gary returns to Duckett's Passage to see if he can go back to 1940 again.

After being called out on a television repair, Gary Sparrow stumbles down an alley way called Duckett's Passage and unknowingly finds himself in war-torn London. There he meets Police Constable Deadman, Royal Oak bar owner Eric, and Eric's young married daughter Phoebe. Gary thinks the Royal Oak is just a 1940s theme pub, however after an air raid Gary realises that he has actually travelled back in time.