Biggles and the team take on the new Communist masters of China to rescue a group of missionaries from the heart of the Gobi Desert.

In a major turnaround (so major Capt Johns explains why in a foreword) Algy takes the centre-stage, with Biggles relegated to the backup team. Algy and Ginger manage to pull off the rescue, including recruiting some Kirghiz horsemen to help spring a few of the rescuees from their Chinese captives.