Cairo, 1915. Soldiers in the Australian army set fire to a brothel in the red light district in retribution for venereal diseases and overpricing. Charles Bean, Australian war correspondent, is appalled by the brash attitude of the volunteer soldiers but he has more pressing concerns.

Trench warfare is brutal. The numbers of wounded and dead soldiers continue to mount. The invasion has failed - the Turks have steadfastly defended their lines. General Birdwood's calls for an immediate retreat have been left unanswered.