James serves in World War I , is seriously injured in a trench battle and brought home , amid much difficulty , to recover . He is nursed by his step-cousin Georgina , who now volunteers as a VAD Nurse and serves in France during the war . Georgina and James develop a close understanding and affection during the war but do not go so far as to become lovers . Downstairs , Edward signs up and fights in the trenches , Hudson serves as a Special Constable , Rose works as a bus conductress , and Ruby leaves Eaton Place to work in a munitions factory in Silvertown , returning to service after the Silvertown explosion . Hazel , unknowingly echoing her late mother-in-law Lady Marjorie , has a brief affair with an RFC Lieutenant named Jack Dyson who , like herself , has risen from the ranks of the middle classes . He is killed while James is at home on leave . Rose meets up with Gregory Wilmot again . After overcoming their emotional and practical hurdles , she finally agrees to marry him on his return from the war and follow him to Australia . Unfortunately he is killed in action . Rose is heartbroken but Gregory has left her £ 1275 in his will , enough to make her independent in her retirement . Edward returns , and while not physically wounded , suffers badly from shell shock and goes into hospital . He speaks to Richard , who comforts him as if he were his own son , assuring him that mental wounds are as real as physical , and no mark on his character
Silvertown explosion
Silvertown explosion
Upstairs, Downstairs (1971 TV series)