As the Great War begins, Billy and Jack Kelly together with cousin Paddy enlist in the military and are sent to fight in Europe. Billy, known to be a good marksman, is singled out to lead a highly successful sniper team. Journalist Keith Murdoch is attached to Billy's group for press coverage of the front line. With Murdoch's glowing reports, Billy and the boys become celebrated war heroes. As the war drags on, the defeat at Gallipoli leads to more death and carnage in France. Billy's sniping abilities and courage in hand-to-hand combat astound his fellow soldiers, and he is awarded the Legion of Honour. Back home, Billy's parents are confronted with lawless bush rangers who threaten their lives and livelihood, and fearing they will never see their sons again, begin to campaign to oppose the government conscription policy. In Europe, Billy's team is sent forward to harass the enemy prior to a major assault on the infamous and impregnable Hindenburg Line. Through an amazing feat of determination and courage, Billy and Jack survive, but Paddy is killed in action. When Billy returns from the war he discovers the shallow grave of his father and is informed that his sister has been kidnapped by bush rangers. In an explosive climax Billy finds and confronts his father's killer.
