When We Go to War

Season

2015

6.9

The story follows a New Zealand family at the outbreak of WWI, from optimism to despair as war's toll mounts. It chronicles their experiences on the homefront and battlefields of Gallipoli and Egypt.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Bea's Letter

We meet nurse Bea Smith at a military hospital in Alexandria. At the same hospital is her lecturer from Otago Medical School where she was studying to become a doctor. A scandal ended her chance to become a doctor and she became a nurse and then off to war.

S1 • E2

Manaaki's Letter

This episode begins in Egypt with Manaaki writing his letter and moves to the landings at Gallipoli. Flashbacks to Auckland touch on tribal lands and the feelings of the Maori about the war.

S1 • E3

Harry's Letter

Charles clashes with Harry when he returns to Gallipoli, Cissy is seduced by an admirer, and Manaaki and Harry go 'over the top' with tragic results.

S1 • E4

Awa's Letter

Manaaki fights a recurring nightmare, John takes his guilt out on James, and Richard finds an unlikely ally in Awa.

S1 • E5

Charles' Letter

Charles is shaken by the horror of war and entrusts Violet with a letter exposing the truth. Meanwhile, war hero Manaaki is questioned in relation to a murder.