Montgomery and Hitler: two WWII leaders who participated in the start of the conflict that would define the first half of the 20th century – WWI. Like so many others, they go into the battles of the “Great War” in high spirits – still oblivious to the real meaning of the advance of modern military technology: random and merciless killing on a scale previously unheard of and hitherto technically impossible. It is a turning point in the history of the world. Eventually, Hitler will use his wartime experiences to bait the German people with the promise to make amends for the results of the First World War.

In August and September 1918 the German Army suffers defeat after defeat, overwhelmed by Allied superiority in supplies, men and machinery – a crushing experience for a devout nationalist like the young Walter Model. The emerging American tank troops have been trained by Lieutenant Colonel George S. Patton. At the end of September 1918, he leads some tanks into battle and is wounded. Recovering from his wounds he witnesses the end of World War One. Germany has been brought to its knees. But could the bitter pill of defeat have created a generation of young Germans, ready to avenge the humiliation of WWI?