In Which We Serve is a 1942 British patriotic war film directed by Noël Coward and David Lean. It was made during the Second World War with the assistance of the Ministry of Information.[3] The screenplay by Coward was inspired by the exploits of Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was in command of the destroyerHMS Kelly when it was sunk during the Battle of Crete. Coward composed the film's music as well as starring in the film as the ship's captain. The film also starred John Mills, Bernard Miles, Celia Johnson, and Richard Attenborough in his first screen role.