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Rory Bremner didn't know his father very well, remembering him as a somewhat distant figure who died when his son was 18. Rory knew he was an infantry officer in the Second World War, but thought he had seen little action.

At his brother's house Rory discovers some of their father's wartime letters, which refer to a battle for the Dutch city of 's-Hertogenbosch. Rory travels to Holland, where he meets a man who served alongside his father and discovers the pivotal role Major Bremner played in this crucial battle. Next Rory moves on to Germany, learning about the part his father played in the post-war reconstruction, as well as finding out how he managed to find time to get to know the locals.

Further delving in his brother's treasure trove of family memorabilia uncovers a painting of Surgeon General John Ogilvy, Rory's great-grandfather. Investigations reveal that John Ogilvy was an army medical surgeon during the Crimean War and was on the front line at all of the major infantry engagements.

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