Boy Seaman Russell Purchas is stationed on HMNZS Taupo. It's 1952, and the frigate has just entered hostile waters off the coast of Korea. Russell is determined to prove he is a hero, to shake off the shadow of his spineless uncle who died in the Second World War. Russell doesn't have to wait long to be tested. Never far from enemy fire, the waters are swarming not only with battleships and mines, but also with fleeing Korean refugees, whom Russell dismisses as too cowardly to stay and fight. But when Russell and an orphaned Korean boy are trapped in the middle of a land battle he begins to think differently. Courage isn't just about being a conquering hero and often civilians' bold actions can save lives.
