This narrative describes a dramatic historical scenario set in 1943 along the Mediterranean coast during World War II. Following Italian Prime Minister Pietro Badoglio's radio announcement on September 8th declaring an armistice with the Allies, Italian soldiers and officers believe the war has ended. However, German forces immediately turn on their former allies, attacking and capturing them. Lieutenant Innocenzi and his platoon, unaware of these developments while en route to a guard duty shift, come under German fire and are forced to flee.
The story follows these soldiers as they escape, joined by a civilian named Ceccarelli who is traveling to Naples while dealing with a stomach ulcer. This sets the stage for a tense journey as the group navigates the chaos and danger of the Italian campaign during this pivotal moment in World War II history.