John O'Brien is the eldest son of a family, a big man, but good hearted, he is out of place in the brawling, drinking world inhabited by his father and brother. He knows there is more to life than the daily drudgery of the docks. John adores his talented little sister, Katie, but the hatred between him and his brother unleashes tragic events which tear the O'Briens apart. It is a chance meeting with Katie's teacher, Mary, which changes John's destiny.

Now he has a job, and with Dick in school, Abel feels that things are beginning to go his way. Until six months later when Peter Maxwell dies and his young widow surprises Abel by professing her love for him and proposing marriage.

Now he has a job, and with Dick in school, Abel feels that things are beginning to go his way. Until six months later when Peter Maxwell dies and his young widow surprises Abel by professing her love for him and proposing marriage. Abel sees marrying Hilda as the only way to secure his future even though already married. It is a decision which has repercussions for all their lives, as his past life catches up with him.

It is September 1913 on Moor Burn Farm, which Edward MacFell rules with an iron fist. After a foolish misunderstanding, young farmhand Arthur Benton kills the older MacFell. Edward's son Charlie McFell helps to cover up the killing, but the whole scene is witnessed by Ginger Slater. Charlie begins to court spoilt local beauty Victoria Chapman and, despite his affection for her younger sister Nellie, a marriage is arranged.

Charlie and Victoria are married, but not happily. When conscription comes in, Charlie is drafted into the army as a private. His sergeant turns out to be Ginger Slater, and the tables are turned. Some months later Charlie is commissioned as an officer after Victoria has an affair with his company major. It is a pay-off Charlie knows nothing about. Meanwhile, Charlie realises he is becoming emotionally involved with Nellie and they declare their love for each other.

Amid the mud and chaos of the Western front, Charlie really earns his spurs. He is a good leader and popular with the men. But a confrontation with a shell-shocked Ginger Slater leaves Slater lying dead. During brief home leave he tells Victoria that he is going to divorce her, but soon he too is close to death. One piece of shrapnel is wedged firmly next to Charlie's heart one move could mean death. On his return to the farm, his love for Nellie is fulfilled - and the shrapnel makes its move.