The book is a work of fiction set during the time 1909 to 1918. The story revolves around Victor Leslie a young boy compelled to work underground in the pit which he hates. He works underground with his uncle Tom from the age of 14. The family needs him to earn money. Victor is a gifted musician with aspirations to pursue a musical career. One day when the mine owner, an Earl, is inspecting the mine there is an explosion. Victor his uncle and a neighbour rescues the Earl. Victor is burned which prevents him developing his musical ability. As a reward for his rescue the Earl enables Victor to work in his Newport Shipping office, where he is ostracised by the firm's senior and middle management because he is a common Pit Boy. He works hard and with the Earl's patronage advances through the firm. He courts Naomi the daughter of the master of the firm. The father disapproves but they marry. Victor is falsely accused of stealing money from the firm. He is found guilty on the day the first world war breaks out. He is given the choice of five years jail or joining the Army. He enlists in the 2nd Monmouthshire regiment. He proves to be a well-disciplined able solder who advances though the ranks until the war ends and he returns home a decorated war hero.