
The Fourth Arm
Starring Paul Shelley in a role reminiscent of his Secret Army character in all but name, this 12-part serial follows a team of secret agents parachuted into occupied Europe during World War II, exploring their recruitment, training, and first mission behind enemy lines.
Cast: Paul Shelley
Series 1
12 episodes
- 1. Part OneThe French Resistance spot a new German weapons base being developed near Calais. Their sabotage attempt goes badly wrong while a Bomber Command mission also proved unsuccessful. SOE decide this needs a trained unit.12CC50minJan 7, 1983
- 2. Part TwoReturning from France, Gallagher begins to compile a team of specialists to train for a one-off mission behind enemy lines. Not everybody is convinced that some can be trusted to follow orders.12CC50minJan 14, 1983
- 3. Part ThreeGallagher hands over his new unit to Lt. Col. Squires to begin their training. Scientist Stephen Lovell might be the most vital person on the mission but the army intend to play hardball with him.12CC50minJan 21, 1983
- 4. Part FourTraining intensifies with the unit put under extreme interrogation methods to see how they fare. Macaulay's attempted night out becomes a cropper.12CC50minJan 28, 1983
- 5. Part FiveThe date of the mission is pushed forward when SOE receives new intelligence that the Germans could have up to 14,000 rockets. Final selection is held before paratroop training begins in earnest.12CC50minFeb 4, 1983
- 6. Part SixMacaulay's position is in doubt when he struggles to overcome his fear on his first parachute. Rohr is informed that she will go into France as reconnaissance before the main group.12CC50minFeb 11, 1983
- 7. Part SevenFollowing a nighttime jump, the unit rendezvous at Pierre de Grouchy's farmhouse. Meanwhile, Gallagher discovers a traitor in the Resistance while former nightclub singer Simone could be recognised.12CC50minFeb 18, 1983
- 8. Part EightAfter a successful first mission, the unit get debriefed; McKenzie is carpeted for his actions while Gallagher has to inform Simone's mother of her tragic death. Tightrope walker Soltysyk 'Warsaw' is recruited.12CC50minFeb 25, 1983
- 9. Part NineGallagher wants to be relieved of duty due to attrition rates among the recruits. Lovell starts playing up, causing friction within the group. Meanwhile, Merle and Ferdy start planning a future together if they survive.12CC50minMar 4, 1983
- 10. Part TenThe unit has now been reduced to six specialists who will participate in the raid. Lovell is determined to quit but no replacement can be found. His superior Professor Evans is brought in to help change his mind.12CC50minMar 11, 1983
- 11. Part ElevenThe unit enters France and discover, from Pierre, that the invasion is a mere two days away. The group head to the German rocket base in Deauville. An RAF bomber raid causes the power to go out, allowing the unit to get in.12CC50minMar 18, 1983
- 12. Part TwelveThe unit have reached the heart of the rocket site. The German kommandant has been made aware that at least three men are on the premises. The group find the documents and plant their bomb but have just sixteen minutes to escape.12CC50minMar 25, 1983
The Fourth Arm
Starring Paul Shelley in a role reminiscent of his Secret Army character in all but name, this 12-part serial follows a team of secret agents parachuted into occupied Europe during World War II, exploring their recruitment, training, and first mission behind enemy lines.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Gerard Glaister, John Brason
- Cast
- Paul Shelley
- Studio
- BBC
Maturity rating
12Check the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.

















