A British petroleum executive, Douglas, is assigned to work with the British Army in North Africa handling port duties for incoming fuels, a position that confers the rank of Captain in the British Army. Colonel Masters needs a British officer to accompany his men on a dangerous mission 400 miles behind the German lines and he's saddled with Captain Douglas, who tries to argue his way out of the mission. That doesn't wash with Brigade Commander Blore - Douglas is in a uniform. Captain Leech, the real mission leader doesn't want or need Douglas who will be in nominal charge, but if he gets Douglas back alive, there's £2000 pounds in it for him. Disguised as Italians, they begin the dangerous trek across Rommel's Africa.