In Alan Plater’s last screenplay for TV, Tyneside shipyard worker Joe finds himself at a crossroads as Britain declares war on Germany in 1939. Days after his daughter’s marriage, Joe’s wife unexpectedly leaves him, and for the first time in his life he’s totally alone.

A veteran of the last war but too old to serve again, Joe and his friend Harry reluctantly volunteer to join the Home Guard, where he begins a journey of self-discovery, heroism, friendship and love.