A Finnish Army machine gun company heads east, many of its soldiers seeing battle for the first time.

The Finnish invasion continues, but with heavy losses. The soldiers have now advanced deep into Soviet territory. Corporal Rokka arrives to the front with reinforcements.

The Finns lose their defensive positions one after another against an overpowering enemy force. The chaos of retreat takes its toll on the troops. Finally, peace is declared - but war has left its mark on individuals as well as the nation.

The men occupying Äänislinna are waiting for the war to end so they can go home, but they are ordered instead to advance towards the Svir River.

A protracted bout of trench warfare is wearing on everyone's nerves. Discipline and morale begin to weaken. Snipers watch for even the slightest mistake. Rokka's stubbornness threatens to get him court-martialed.