The War of 1812 is raging: America has declared war on Britain, and American troops have invaded Canada. Tom Roberts, fourteen and too young for army service, wants nothing more than to be a part of the action – a wish that comes true when he stumbles upon some American soldiers attempting to rob the local store.

His bravery in thwarting the robbery attracts the attention of Lieutenant James FitzGibbon, and Tom soon finds himself fighting for his country alongside FitzGibbon and his notorious band of soldiers… the Bully Boys.