With World War II underway, Siegfried takes up the slack at the surgery. James faces an uncertain future when he is grounded at the RAF. Mrs Hall and Helen consider their contribution within the community, and Carmody is eager to step up.

James needs a crash course for fatherhood. Mrs Hall referees between Siegfried and her new boss, Mr Bosworth, as they fall out over some of Mr Bosworth's safety tactics. Helen is concerned about the influence of Jenny's new friend Doris.

It's baby Jimmy's Christening Day. There's a surprise announcement from Tristan, and Siegfried makes a promise to himself that he might struggle to keep.

Tristan and Carmody can't see eye to eye, but a quest to Pumphrey Manor might just bring them together. Helen tries to support James when unresolved feelings resurface.

Carmody gets outstanding exam results and is offered a position in a research program in London but he wants to turn it down so that he can stay at Skeldale where he can support the war efforts as a vet. Siegfried is relieved but worries that he might be holding Carmody back.

James starts to behave very out of character whilst examining Tricki and his health takes a turn for the worst. Helen rushes him to bed, leaving Jimmy with Mrs Pumphrey and an already overburdened Mrs Hall, who is making strawberry jam for the WI. Meanwhile, Siegfried, needing an extra hand in Carmody's absence, recruits a reluctant Tristan to help.

As Christmas approaches, Mrs Hall is shaken when bad news arrives about Edward's ship. Tristan struggles to convince a cantankerous pigeon fancier to help him with a special wartime mission, and the house readies to celebrate Jimmy's birthday.