A pregnant woman, her partner in the Royal Navy and World War 1 approaching. A dubious mixture for a happy future.

Phil Field loses his job on a fishing boat, and he is desperate for a new beginning to his personal and employment life, but jobs are hard to find in turn-of-the-century Devon and he turns to alcohol to forget his troubles. However, he is attacked and left unconscious on the side of the road. Enid discovers him and kindly nurses him back to health. As they spend time together, they develop a strong friendship. Eventually, Phil enlists in the Royal Navy and Enid promises to write to him. Little does Phil know, Enid has secretly fallen in love with him. As World War 1 looms over their relationship, will Enid find the courage to express her feelings before Phil departs for war? The sailors of that time carried ditty boxes to hold their personal belongings, a detail reflected in the book's title.