"I had never been as scared as I was just then. As I stumbled towards a ladder I felt a sense of dread take hold of me.[..] I knew that any second the whistle would blow. You could've heard a bullet drop. Everyone was just standing petrified, waiting. And then, it came."

When World War 1 breaks out, 17-year-old Alfie Tuck signs up to the army along with his two brothers to defend his country. In the muddy trenches of the Western Front, Alfie sees horrible suffering and lives through extreme hardship. Slowly, his hope and pride turn to despair and grief.

But Alfie has an enduring spirit and is surrounded by loyal friends and family. Together, they navigate the ordeal with humour and camaraderie. Alfie shows us the best of humanity. This is a story of friendship, bravery and hope. It reminds us what life is really all about.