How did Joey show determination in war horse (chapter 6)

As Chapter 6 opens, Joey recalls the stormy crossing into France over the English Channel. During this voyage, Topthorn provides Joey with a source of comfort and reassurance. The British troops encounter another troubling spectacle, wounded soldiers, soon after their arrival on French soil. Fortunately, the regiment's spirits improve once the men and horses reach the open countryside. The hostile German forces, however, prove difficult to locate.

Eventually, the regiment is alerted to the presence of a German infantry battalion, and the officers decide to engage the enemy. Joey is spurred on by Captain Nichols. The horse rushes forward and senses that the weight of Captain Nichols is no longer on his back. While this skirmish ends in a quick victory for the British, it comes at the cost of the lives of both men and horses—including the life of Captain Nichols. Captain Stewart, who is convinced that Captain Nichols would be proud of Joey, briefly takes charge of Joey as well.