When Germany invades Holland in May 1940, 13-year-old Samuel De Souza is given a forged passport, put on a ship in the care of two elderly strangers and smuggled out from under the nose of the Nazis. Arriving in England, the young Jewish boy has the prospect of seeing out the war in relative safety, surrounded by newfound friends and with the love of Jannie, one of the older men who has become Sam's mentor and guide. When Sam meets and falls in love with Annie, it would seem his life is finally set fair, but, enraged by what is happening to his homeland, his people and by the death of Annie's mother when a German aircraft casually attacks their farm, he lies about his age and joins the Royal Navy.

Staying in touch with Jannie, he discovers how much he is sustained by the love of this old man, a powerful force of humanity across cultures.

Fair winds and calm seas are soon replaced by the heat of battle in dangerous waters as Sam De Souza takes a stand against the regime intent on exterminating him and his kind.

A story of love, honour, duty and bravery inspired by real events.

The love of an old man is like a flower in winter

Portuguese proverb