In 1914, World War One also reaches Turkey. Through the Russian attack in november and the onset of the Sarikamis Battle, the war expands and parts of the Ottoman army quickly lack of ammunition. Süleyman, officer serving at the boarder, finds himself constrained to send a telegram to the city of Van, to warn the inhabitants and ask for help. But a common transport of supplies from the snowbound city is impossible, due to the fact that the route is impassable for vehicles and pack animals. In addition, most of the city's men are gone to fight in the war and the remaining ones as well as women and old people have to stay to defend the city and fulfil their other tasks. The only possibility is to send the children volunteering to help the army. Finally, 120 heavily loaded boys between twelve and seventeen set off, guided by the veteran Musa and accompained by some gendarmes. Despite the dangerous journey of the children through inhospitable territory, the movie also shows the life of the worried mothers and sisters left behind in Van.