While serving in Cyprus with the British Army, Private Potter (Sir Tom Courtenay) and the rest of his platoon is assigned to a night patrol with the intention of capturing a rebel leader. The mission is ruined when Potter screams loudly and gives their position away. His superiors are intent on making an example of him and Potter is brought up on charges. His defense is that the reason he shouted out is that he saw God. His commanders are thrown for something of a loop. The Medical Officer (Ronald Fraser) can find nothing wrong with him, but the minister believes Potter has undergone some type of religious revelation. Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Harry Gunyon (James Maxwell) wishes he could make it all go away, but it's too late for that, with the papers already having been sent up to Brigade. There is little doubt, however, that Potter is having an effect on all of those around him.