November 1944. A force of tirailleurs from all over French West Africa, who has fought in North Africa and Europe, is transferred to Camp Thiaroye. Waiting for repatriation, the soldiers live almost like prisoners of war. The living quarters are cramped and the food inedible, which causes the first conflict with the French officers. Later a mutiny breaks out when the bankrupt authorities refuse to pay the men at the full normal rate. The General in charge who visits the camp is taken hostage. The General ultimately capitulates and is cheered by the men. Yet at 3:00 a.m. on December 1, motorized artillery surrounds the camp and opens fire on the unsuspecting soldiers. By dawn the massacre is over and the dead are being buried.