The Western Front, 1916. Nervous tensions linger on the faces of young British soldiers as they prepare to charge the German lines ahead of an artillery offensive push`. Sgt. Major Wilkins stands at the helm, inspiring courage in the face of certain defeat. He locks eyes with his best friend, Cpl. Jennings on the other side of the trench and nods affectionately, for this may be the last they'll ever see of each other.