Commander Anson Hitch is a stern and uncompromising leader who has so thoroughly internalised the trencher creed that it might as well be the air he breathes. As a commander in the First Army, he has little interest in politicking or glory seeking. Hitch is a trencher, ready to join his men in the mud and intolerant of cowardice in his brigade or indecisiveness in his officers – or in himself. Soldiers under his command are expected to fight to their last breath, taking no prisoners and relinquishing no ground.