Gynecologist Boesman tries to win the favor of both German officers quartered in his home, but junior Gerolf is naturally haughty and senior Hans-Peter sanctimoniously plays him to be treated to good wine and meals, while banishing the family to the kitchen. Resourceful Gauillaume finds a way to crawl in and out of the deserters prison camp to set up a contraband food trade with a local family. Vincent's unit experiences the horrors of disorderly retreat and attempts to stand their ground which prove futile, until the Yser floodgates are opened. Virginie and Marie soon leave grandma's safe Dutch home to return to Ghent, which proves perilous and a foretaste of penury in the occupied homeland.
—KGF Vissers