The might of the British Empire is mobilised for war during 1914 and 1915.

This episode of Pathé's History of the Great War series focuses on troops from across the British Empire. The film seems designed to show the different nations in a very positive light, as you might expect - the Canadian Scots drilling and larking about on Salisbury Plain look good-humoured and efficient, the Indians marching along the quayside at Marseilles are admired by the locals, and the Anzacs' legendary air of informality is well on display in Cairo, with soldiers in slouch hats and shirt sleeves milling around their camp.

A history of the Great War, focussing on troops from the Empire.

An opening title outlines the scenes depicted within the film - 'Canadians to Salisbury Plain, England. Indians to Marseilles, France. New Zealanders and Australians to Egypt' - and opens with shots of Canadian troops in Salisbury holding a regimental flag. This is followed by a long shot over the plains showing a military exercise, as a group of soldiers thrust their guns back and forth. The next sequence shows troops relaxing and performing for the camera - one performs a Scottish dance, while his friends laugh, clap and wave their hats - before the men line up informally for a photograph. The next sequence is in Marseille, as carts and Indian soldiers march through the town. Crowds and children watch as they pass. Finally the film shows scenes from Egypt, with Australian troops riding and marching together in a variety of shots. This is followed by shots of the camp, showing the ambulances and tents, as the men relax and finally prepare food and drink as evening falls.