Autumn 1941: General von Blintoft, a much-decorated veteran of the highly successful Russian campaign, arrives in Belgrade to assume command of the German forces occupying the recently conquered country; accompanying him are his wife and daughter. His orders are to pacify Yugoslavia. However, when his wife is killed by a sniper's bullet meant for himself, von Blintoft is consumed by a hatred for the people who could commit such a crime and is determined to avenge her death. They find out that the assassination squad is commanded by the legendary English officer, Tony Davis, and he and his mistress, Sandrine Fouquet are consequently made the object of a vendetta. When the Germans attack the town of Uzize, Tony and the leader of the Partisans, Croat General Tito, are faced with the daunting task of planning a counter-attack. Amidst an atmosphere of treachery, betrayal and double-dealing, they must now try to save the imprisoned Sandrine from certain torture and death...