The first episode of Small Hands in a Big War is called The Attack. The 14-year-old Thierry from France is overwhelmed by patriotic feelings when he sees his country’s glorious armies march through his home town. He lies about his age and, against the will of his parents, signs up for the army. Soon, his romantic ideas of honor and elan are crudely washed away by the realities of modern warfare. During the battle of the Ardennes he panics and runs off – only to be caught shortly after.
