When We Go to War

Synopsis

A historical saga, it tells the story of six young men and women who, in 1914, are full of plans and dreams for the future. Cutting between life at home, Gallipoli and Egypt, this spectacular drama begins in a time of optimism and hope, on the eve of war.

First Air Date: 2015-04-26

Last Air Date: 2015-05-24

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 6

Networks: TV One

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Esther Stephens as Bea Smith
Shavaughn Ruakere as Awa Kokiri
Ido Drent as Charles Smith
Freya Milner as Cissy Smith
Tom O'Sullivan as Dr William Chambers
Leith Towers as James Smith
Andrew Grainger as John Smith
Sylvia Rands as Hettie Smith
Gareth Williams as Richard Smith
Sophia Huybens as Violet Penrose

Seasons

Season 1 (2015)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Bea's Letter (2015-04-26)

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.
Ep. 2: Manaaki's Letter (2015-04-26)

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.
Ep. 3: Harry's Letter (2015-05-03)

Charles clashes with Harry when he returns to Gallipoli. Cissy is seduced by an admirer. George breaks James' heart. Manaaki and Harry go over the top' with tragic results.
Ep. 4: Awa's Letter (2015-05-10)

Manaaki fights a recurring nightmare. John takes his guilt out on James. Richard finds an unlikely ally in Awa.
Ep. 5: Charles' Letter (2015-05-17)

Charles is shaken by the horror and stupidity of war and entrusts Violet with a letter exposing the truth. Meanwhile, returned war hero Manaaki is questioned in relation to murder.
Ep. 6: Cissy's Letter (2015-05-24)

As rumours of a Gallipoli evacuation spread, Charles, Manaaki and Bea start making plans for the future. Meanwhile back home, Awa and Cissy find their circumstances are changed forever.