Catherine Cookson's The Cinder Path

After a foolish misunderstanding, young farmhand Arthur Benton kills the older MacFell. Edward's son, Charlie McFell, helps to cover up the killing, but Ginger Slater witnesses the whole scene.

Charlie and Victoria are married, but not happily. When conscription comes in, Charlie is drafted into the army as a private. His sergeant turns out to be Ginger Slater, and the tables are turned.

Amid the mud and chaos of the Western front, Charlie really earns his spurs. He is a good leader and popular with the men. But a confrontation with a shell-shocked Ginger Slater leaves Slater lying dead.