From the brutality of World War One springs a conflict between two officers so deadly that all horrors of the Western Front are pushed to one side. Captain Sebastian Windward, the only son and heir of Lord Windward stands accused of cowardice in the face of the enemy by one of his junior officers, Lt Richard Finch. During a heated argument Windward attempts to kill Finch hopeful of keeping his cowardice hidden. When Finch survives Windward orders his arrest for attacking a senior officer. Aware it his word against his senior officer Finch is confined and awaits a court martial. But others, also familiar with Windward's cowardice help Finch escape. Dressed as a private and swearing revenge Finch makes his way back to England. Skulking in the shadows of the East End of London, Finch is forced into a number of unsavoury jobs to earn a living and keep from the clutches of authority. Soon his personal conflict becomes enmeshed with guilt and a burning desire for revenge begins to prey on his mind and the death of Windward becomes an obsession. When their paths cross once more it is Windward who strikes the first blow, and Finch is dealt a shattering blow and teetering on the edge of insanity fears he is about to lose his mind