The story takes place on board the Breadwinner, an old battered fishing boat, contributing to the war effort by carrying out a routine patrol of a particular stretch of coast in the English Channel.

The main character, a young boy called Snowy, has volunteered to help and spends much of his time dreaming about the pair of binoculars that the boat's skipper, Mr Gregson, has promised him.

Upon arriving at the source of the distress signal, they find a young English RAF pilot who has been shot down but is not injured.

Whilst Gregson goes on deck to hoist the sails, Snowy discovers that the German pilot has left his binoculars unattended.

The emphasised youth and common nature of the two pilots demonstrates the author's notions of equality and also provides a general criticism of war and racism.