Soldier of the Queen

James Ogilvie #2

by Philip McCutchan

James Ogilvie had emerged from Sandhurst as a young subaltern bound for his baptism of fire in India.

Two generations of Ogilvies have served the 114th Highlanders, the Queen’s Own Royal Strathspeys.

James Ogilvie is the third generation.

But his career as a subaltern with the 114th Highlanders, The Queen's Own Royal Strathspeys, has offered him ample proof of his superior officer's observation that the Queen's service 'isn't a damn bunfight for old ladies'.

Especially when after a severe reprimand for a disastrous patrol, James is sent on another during which, it is hoped, he will redeem himself.

Yet although this results in what is apparently ignominious failure, it brings an unexpected recruit who, in the ultimate confrontation at Fort Gazai, can help make all the difference between defeat and victory.

But only James can make the bold and risky decision to use this man, unorthodox though it may be, to bring victory.

And only success will justify the decision…

‘Lieutenant of the Line’ is the thrilling sequel to ‘Drums Along the Khyber’, a thrilling historical adventure story, rich in period detail.

"His character conflicts are well organised." — Daily Telegraph

Genres: Historical Fiction, India, Military Fiction, Fiction

329 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

aka Robert Conington Galway, Duncan MacNeil

Philip McCutchan (1920-1996) grew up in the naval atmosphere of Portsmouth Dockyard and developed a lifetime's interest in the sea. Military history was an early interest resulting in several fiction books, from amongst his large output, about the British Army and its campaigns, especially in the last 150 years.

Reviews

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lieutenant James Ogilvie's adventures continue in the second of this series following "Drums Along the Khyber." It is the 1890s in India with a new century looming with the various social, organizational, and technological challenges often associated with the dawning of a new century. He is a subaltern in the 114th Highlanders, the Queen's Own Royal Strathspeys stationed on the Hindu Kush frontier.

An execution, his questionable relationship with a fellow officer's wife, the bullying tactics of his Colour-Sergeant, the ineptness and pettiness of superior officers, cousin Hector, plus an uprising lead by Shuja Khan lead James from horse racing at Annandale Plain, to the Black Fort where the stage was set for a momentous decision made during the relief of Fort Gazai. James is challenged on several levels; the personal, moral, and the tactical. The challenges come to a decision moment when these three converge with potentially far reaching results for him and the lives of others.

I enjoyed this book as much as I did the first of the series and look forward to reading "Soldier of the Raj." The pace of the story is brisk but it does not sacrifice plot for character. James is finely drawn with his uncertainties, conflicts, and stubbornness. He is learning how to lead his men and not just to command them. Army life on the frontier of India provides the context and background for the story.

[Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adventure story that covers the experiences of Lieutenant James Ogilvie of the British Army in India in the 1890s. This is the second book in the series that features James Ogilvie. In this book, there is an uprising of the tribes in Northwestern India and a Fort Gazai is under siege. The garrison and their dependents are in grave peril. Lieutenant Ogilvie is with the relief force that must march for days through hostile country to break the siege at Fort Gazai. There are Victorian mores and strictures that inhibit the relief column from being as effective as possible. James helps to cut short some of the formality that gets in the way of effectiveness. And, there are many hostile tribesmen that also attempt to delay the relief column. Action scenes are plentiful and well presented. This is an enjoyable adventure that also provides an insight into the history of Britain in India as well as the social customs of Victorian England and how those customs impacted the British Army.

[Jack Sakalauskas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lieutenant of the Line" is the second in this series. A soldier's life in the 1890 British army in India is a far cry from life at home. The life of the ordinary soldier is one of hardship coupled with cruelty from superiors. The higher the rank, the more the indifference towards the lower ranks. The book is a great description of British aristocracy playing at war.

James Ogilvie lives by the choices he makes. With a combination of bad luck and his own willingness to misinterpret orders, he always seems to be on the edge of ending his career or life. But miracles can happen.

[Sahibzada Naveed Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing historical fiction, with an intricately woven story, rich in period details and excellent characterization

I would like to rate this book as excellent because the book takes you through the plot in such an amazing manner that one starts seeing things happening in front of his eyes. Well-researched details and well-crafted characters linked through a well-written story is what makes this book a great choice for readers with interests in british colonial history and the fiction related to it.

Happy reading!

[Nick Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the series, which sees Ogilvie in action both in an independent patrol and as part of the larger army. The militaristic vibes and atmosphere is almost tangible. Fairly well written although I wasn't a big fan of several plot elements that felt implausible.

It's not Sharpe, but it's a decent hero's military career to follow. 2.5 stars - rounded to 3 as I hadn't found much in this genre that captured the tone I was looking for, and this has the militaristic vibe and life in spades.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures and hardships of the British Army in India....

The author has written this series using his experiences from his time in the British Army serving in India. Certainly the realism has come from his experiences. An excellent book, only one of the many books that the author had written during his lifetime. Selfishly speaking, I only wish that McCutchan had more than his fifty or so books. Definitely one of my favourite authors !

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highlanders All

McGuigan has an action-poo packed series of novels here. Good research, good character development combined with action make for a good read!

[Brian J Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rule Britannia

A thoroughly entertaining and exciting book of adventure and gallantry. I would recommend it to all patriots of the UK!

[Gerald E Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start

This second book in the series has lived up to the promise originating in the first. I look forward to reading the remaining books in the series.

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this one first

I have read several of these stories now. I think this is the first in the series of the adventures of James Ogilvie and his regiment in India. If you like stories of men in war then try these out.

[Kevin Livingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Rousing tale of the Raj

A good and continuing story of a young officer finding his way in the army of the empire. A tale of an independent person who made the right choice and made the difference.