- The ANZACs continue to struggle with the dangers and boredom of trench warfare in France during the Somme Winter of 1916-17, which leads on the following year their battles of, The Hindenburg Line, Bullecourt, and Blighty Leave. The Third Battle of Ypres begins in July 1917 leading to more carnage and bravery at Menin Road and Broodseinde Ridge.—Larry B.
- The platoon is sent back into the Somme sector, now bogged down in the cold and mud of winter of 1916-17.
Back in Australia, the debate over whether to introduce conscription causes bitter political and social divisions which will resonate for decades to come. Reverend Lonsdale draws the ire of his parish for daring to question the conscription proposal and the conduct of the war. Pompous Australian politician Cyril Earnshaw pressures his timid son Max into enlisting.
In 1917, after the failure of the Somme Offensive, the Allied High Command plan new offensives to break the new German Hindenburg line. Max Earnshaw arrives as a new Lieutenant and proves to be a less-than-inspiring officer. The war-weary platoon takes part in the Allied offensives at Arras which soon bogs down in confusion. Sgt McArthur is killed, sacrificing himself to hold off a German assault whilst the rest of the platoon reaches safety. Injured by shellfire, Pudden deserts.
The men are given a spell of leave in Britain. Kaiser Schmidt is self-conscious of his German heritage but Bill Harris invites him to stay with his family.
Back in France, his nerves at breaking point, Armstrong is sent home as a psychiatric casualty and is replaced by pompous and unpopular Captain Young. Pudden is later found hiding out amongst a group of deserters led by an Australian calling himself 'Captain Kelly' and the former agrees to return to his unit.
The platoon takes part in the new offensive at Passchendaele which is bogged down in the Autumn rains. Captain Young proves to be a complete incompetent and nincompoop and Flanagan knocks him unconscious whilst Martin assumes command. Whilst attacking an enemy bunker, Martin is badly wounded and Dingo Gordon later deserts after murdering several German prisoners. Lt. Earnshaw, just as he is showing signs of being a competent officer, is wounded and blinded by a shell.
Prime Minister Lloyd George has lost all faith in Haig and yearns to have him removed from his command.
At a field-hospital, acting on her own accord, Kate Baker manages to save a desperately wounded Martin.
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