It is 1941 and Able Seaman Hawkins is deeply proud of belonging to the crew of the HMS Warspite. She is an indomitable ship and inspires loyalty and pride in her sailors and fear and in her enemies. When they are attacked by the Black Devils Torpedo Squadron with the newly-invented pig boats, still the Warspite lives up to her reputation and survives. However, Italian/German soldier, Breitmeyer, who is taken prisoner after this failed attack, is determined to change the fortunes of the ship, and swears to avenge the loss of his arm during his imprisonment on the Warspite. Throughout the rest of the war, Breitmeyer follows the fortunes of HMS Warspite and her crew in his relentless desire to fulfil his threat. Even after the Italians surrender to the Allies, Breitmeyer continues in his pursuit for revenge, becomes a spy for the Germans and helps to mastermind a massive attack on the ship which precipitates the release of the deadly new poison, mustard gas. Breitmeyer's hatred is still not satiated and unwittingly, Hawkins becomes involved in the final planned destruction for the illustrious ship. However, is HMS Warspite really as impenetrable as she seems, and can or does she eventually become the ashes of a deranged man's ambition?