September 1, 1939 to February 17, 1940 War is looming and it poses very special threats to the Sullivans and their friends. Dave is a veteran of WWI and Grace, his wife, fears that he will enlist to fight again - but it is their son Tom who is the first to go off to war. Local German shopkeepers, the Kauffmans, face discrimination and risk internment while amidst the turmoil is John Sullivan’s love for their daughter Anna. With the war preoccupying the adults, 13-year-old Kitty Sullivan embarks on an innocent relationship with a lonely man – much to the consternation of Mrs. Jessup their nosey neighbour.

February 17, 1940 – September 30, 1940 Grace faces the inevitable – her second son Tom will soon be leaving for the Middle East. As Tom departs he fears Christine may not wait for him to return? Dave Sullivan continues to struggle with indecision – will he re-enlist to fight in this war? Meanwhile Grace suspects that Dave is not telling her everything about his past with Maggie. The arrival of evacuee children from London disrupt home life for Jarvis and the Sullivan family. Newlyweds John and Anna face difficult times while in Palestine Bert Duggan awaits news from Lil. Is he a father yet?

September 30, 1940 – February 1, 1941 With a court case pending and the risk of a jail sentence, Uncle Harry needs all the support he can get. The shop is in financial trouble but there is a greater tragedy ahead for the newlyweds John and Anna. Grace re-discovers her faith and returns to the Catholic church while Dave thinks it’s such mumbo-jumbo. Both Kitty and Terry have their young hearts broken as they grow up and discover the opposite sex. The North African campaign begins in earnest when Tom, Norm and Bert go into battle in Bardia, Tobruk and Derna.

February 2, 1941 - May 5, 1941 The tension remains between Dave and Grace. Dave isn’t being totally honest. John’s anti-war sentiments lead him to join the Communist party – creating a massive rift throughout the Sullivan family. Lil returns from Sydney and travels back to Burrabri to reconcile with her family while Harry and Rose’s marriage appears to be on the rocks. Dave resists seeing the doctor when his health fails. With the war in North Africa going badly, Tom, Norm and Bert’s unit is evacuated to Greece and then sent to Crete to face the Germans.

May 6, 1941 - August 29, 1941 John makes a surprising and crucial decision about his future when his relationship with Sue ends. Maggie’s secret past is revealed when her daughter, Alice, makes contact. Mrs. Jessup also has an unexpected visit from her nephew Michael. When the navy evacuation of allied troops from German occupied Crete is abandoned, the boys of the 2/7th must fend for themselves. They are forced to seek refuge in the hills and caves - relying on the help the local villagers. Dave risks his health through overwork while Grace suffers nightmares about her sons at war. Her fears are realised when they receive an ominous telegram from the Army.