Several of Sodor's engines volunteer to support the Allies' campaign in Africa, where they would get their first taste of combat.
This episode provides examples of:
- An Aesop: Heroic Sacrifices aren't worthless. Mr. Zorro's brother died in the First World War while saving the LMS director's own.
- Speak Ill of the Dead: Benson says that Colin is not a hero for sacrificing himself to save Knapford because he didn't live to brag about it and do it again. Mr. Zorro is not amused and tells him off.
