A group of army personnel and nurses attempt a dangerous and arduous trek across the deserts of North Africa during the second world war. The leader of the team dreams of his ice cold beer when he reaches Alexandria.

John Mills
as Captain Anson

Sylvia Syms
as Sister Diana Murdoch

Anthony Quayle
as Captain van der Poel

Harry Andrews
as M.S.M. Pugh

Diane Clare
as Sister Denise Norton

Richard Leech
as Captain Crosbie

Liam Redmond
as Brigadier (D.D.M.S.)

Allan Cuthbertson
as Brigadier's Staff Officer

David Lodge
as C.M.P Captain (Tank Trap)

Michael Nightingale
as C.M.P Captain (Check Point)