Eric shares his regret about war and what it's meant for their love - 'I used to think I was your knight and I was going to fight for you...'.

Eric describes what it's like at the front, with the trenches set alight with shell bursts and rockets.

Eric recounts the latest action at the front - 'This place is never quiet now; even at nights there is someone firing'.

Eric's hope of leave to see Phyllis is dashed. 'A message came in and what do you think it said? All leave is stopped.'.

As another period of leave seems certain, Eric dreams of meeting Phyllis again in her home town of Athlone.

Cold and harsh conditions on the front line begin to take their toll on Eric.

'I have just been looking at the army list and I find that I am 122nd on it; that isn't much when there are about 2,000 second lieutenants'.

Eric leaves the trenches and ventures into a nearby village, where he is appalled by the devastation wreaked by war.

Amid unrelenting anti-aircraft fire, Eric reflects on the meaning of a piece of paper which Phyllis has kissed.

Eric and Phyllis reflect on an uncertain future - 'Do you know that, low down in me, I have a horrible idea that it will go on for years and years?'.