The book tells the story of "Doggie" Trevor, who, having been wrapped in cotton wool since babyhood, becomes a snobbish rich dilettante. All this changes as World War I begins and Doggie takes a commission in the Army Ð with near disastrous results. However, he takes stock of his life and later signs on as a simple English Tommy. He fights in France alongside his friends and the book tells of his improving fortunes, his engagement to equally snobbish Peggy, and his adventures amidst the horrors of life in the trenches Ð and the unexpected consequences, as he travels the rough road to a happy conclusion.