Phoebe's husband Donald, who has escaped from a prisoner of war camp in Italy, returns home to a hero's welcome, forcing Gary and Phoebe to re-evaluate their relationship. In 1996, Yvonne wants Gary to get a sensible job and arranges an interview for him with her company.

With America now in the war, her soldiers are in London and visiting the Royal Oak. Despite risking discovery of his imaginary life, when a racist American corporal tries to ban the black soldiers from the pub, Gary takes drastic action. Meanwhile, in 1996 Ron badgers Gary to get the parts he needs to build his own jeep, and Yvonne starts to see potential in Gary's memorabilia shop.