When the incompetent Sir Henry Simmerson (Cochrane) loses most of his men and his regimental flag during battle, Sharpe (Bean), spurred by the memory of a friend who was recently killed sets out for revenge. He is determined to capture the French mascot, a carved golden eagle which is carried into combat. Sharpe is also looking to a settle a personal score with two arrogant officers who have angered him at their mistreatment of the elegant widow Josefina (Katia Caballero).