[September 1-3, 1939] War is looming and poses very special threats to the Sullivans and their friends. Grace sees tension between her husband Dave and their oldest son, John, who is anti-war. For Dave this war is a reminder of the last one he proudly fought in. John sees only suffering ahead for his love Anna, the daughter of a German-Jew and local storekeeper. Meanwhile 13-year-old Kitty Sullivan embarks on an innocent relationship with a lonely man - much to the consternation of the Sullivan's nosy neighbour Mrs. Jessup. John and Anna learn of a phone threat made to Hans. John suspects Bert Duggan. Mrs. Jessup phones S.C. Smith to tell him that she has seen Kitty with Jarvis. Dave and his brother Harry talk about Dave's past and his relationship with Maggie. The radio broadcast from England announces 'England is at war with Germany', and Menzies broadcast follows announcing that Australia is at war
[October 17-22, 1939] It's Tom's last week at home. News of German air raids in Europe worries Hans. He suffers from a troubling mixture of paranoia and national pride. Anna tells Tom about her father's keepsake from his time in the German army. Hans is furious. John visits Mrs. J. and Lil to 'check on Lil's health'. He has quite a personal impact on Lil already. Tom's day to depart comes - his room seems overly quiet and empty when he's gone.
