When We Go To War

In 1914, Bea Smith is an opinionated medical student having an affair with the handsome Dr William Chambers. By 1915, her romance over, she is a nurse in Alexandria Hospital tending the most horrific of war wounds. When family friend Manaaki Kokiri arrives seriously wounded, Bea swings into action to save him.

Charles Smith is wounded at the Gallipoli landing and is sent to hospital. Bea finds nursing deeply frustrating and she is grateful for William's support. Awa persuades Mannaki to help her, but tragedy ensues. Harry persuades him to sign up for the big adventure and both end up at Gallipoli where we learn Manaaki has a deadly talent.

Harry clashes with Charles when he returns to Gallipoli. Cissy is competing as carnival queen and is thrilled by the attentions of Guy Featherstone who sets out to seduce her. George is bullied for being German and runs away to enlist, breaking James' heart. Manaaki and Harry go 'over the top' with tragic results.

Bea is concerned for Manaaki and diagnoses shell shock but William doesn't agree. Richard has a business opportunity and finds an unlikely ally in Awa, who seduces him. Bertie Mueller is arrested for sedition and John blames James but it's Richard who profits. Bea is thrilled Manaaki is to be sent home a hero, and she has William to thank.

Charles is shaken by the horror and stupidity of war and entrusts Violet with a letter exposing the truth. A detective questions Manaaki for murder but Awa warns him to say nothing. Cissy and Manaaki consummate their attraction but he returns to Gallipoli, leaving her distraught.

Cissy is desperate to marry Arthur but he has other plans. Richard's wife regains her health and Awa finds her circumstances changed. She makes a deal with Richard while James and George are reunited. Gallipoli is finally evacuated and William and Bea finally admit the truth to each other. Hettie has the last say to Violet.