Alan Bleasdale provides the script for this drama based on actual events during the First World War. After leading a rebellion at the Etaples training camp in northern France just prior to the Battle of Passchendaele, Private Percy Toplis (Paul McGann) adopts a monocle, disguises himself as an officer and escapes. He begins an affair with Dorothy (Cheri Lunghi), a beautiful young widow, but it is not long before the army are on his trail.