War is coming to Europe. After a century of peace, the drums are beating again and the young man may seek honor and glory in service of his King and country.

General Griffin's sons welcome the chance to leave the tedium of Oxford to pursue a manly existence for a few months—not for too long, the war will be over by Christmas.

Two are regulars, the other three join as second lieutenants, using their father's influence to cross the Channel with the very first of the British Expeditionary Force. They are soon at the front of the first, confused probes into Belgium and the scattered action spread piecemeal about the little country . . .