Chapter 8 summary

Chapter 8 depicts the regiment's charge into the war zone between the British and German trenches. To his horror, Trooper Warren sees that the horses may find themselves running up against barbed wire as they move forward. The only option is to jump over this obstacle. Both Joey and Topthorn, who is carrying Captain Stewart, achieve this feat. However, the two horses and their riders soon find that they have all been cut off from the regiment, and are surrounded by Germans.

Trooper Warren and Captain Stewart both surrender; for his part, Captain Stewart surveys what remains of his regiment, and sees wounded, riderless horses caught in the barbed wire. Yet Captain Stewart is convinced that the Germans will take good care of Joey and Topthorn, now that they have changed hands. The two soldiers are led away, and Joey observes Captain Stewart putting his arm over Trooper Warren's shoulder before the two men disappear from view.