This book is based on the life and times of a Canadian soldier in World War Two. Other men and women tell their story, too. Stanley George Anderson and his family lived in the small town of St. Laurent, Manitoba. Stan grew up with an older and younger brother and a younger sister. He took his schooling at the only learning place in town, a Roman Catholic Convent. He and his older brother soon tired of schooling and headed out to work at the age of 17. The dirty thirties were crippling the world and money was in short supply. Young Canadian men went out to seek their fame and fortune. Via the railroad. With no cash. The alternate travel was what they called "riding the rails." This meant catching the train outside the urban limits, to avoid the police catching them. As the train passed, the young men grabbed the car ladder and swung up to ride on top of the railcar. Dangerous and sometimes cold.