Conscientious objectors during the First World War are forced to either join the army or face death by firing squad. We follow Philip, one such case as he receives a particularly brutal treatment and is forcibly removed to France.
One of Philips's comrades, Ben now deserts from the army and hides out in a small town where the miners and their families are fighting for their livelihood. It is not long before the army are back in Ben's life again, together with the police.
Coal miners' pay is reduced while at the same time they are told to work longer hours, which results in a massive strike. Their differing approaches drives a wedge between Phillip, his wife Sarah, and her brother Ben.
