Continuing from Shadow of War, this book follows the terrible trials of life in the trenches of the Western Front and the horrors of Gallipoli. The Thomases are scattered across Europe and the Mediterranean. The Stewart-Murrays try to continue the heritage of noblesse oblige, but realize that that world has gone forever. The miners and mill-workers of Burnley are still preparing to contribute to the cause, while their wives confront the reality of war head-on. Londoners Maurice and Harry, two Old Contemptibles from the Royal Fusiliers, fight on.