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The Volunteers
A diverse group of M6B special boat service volunteers--a Canadian lieutenant, a young British naval lieutenant, and former London policeman--fighting in the Mediterranean during World War II experience the utmost in love and war
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
48 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Reeman
139 books178 followersAKA Alexander Kent.
Douglas Edward Reeman was a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars.
Reeman joined the Royal Navy in 1940, at the age of 16, and served during World War II and the Korean War. He eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant. In addition to being an author, Reeman has also taught the art of navigation for yachting and served as a technical advisor for films. Douglas married author Kimberley Jordan Reeman in 1985.
Reeman's debut novel, A Prayer for the Ship was published in 1958. His pseudonym Alexander Kent was the name of a friend and naval officer who died during the Second World War. Reeman is most famous for his series of Napoleonic naval stories, whose central character is Richard Bolitho, and, later, his nephew, Adam. He also wrote a series of novels about several generations of the Blackwood family who served in the Royal Marines from the 1850s to the 1970s, and a non-fiction account of his World War II experiences, D-Day : A Personal Reminiscence (1984).
Series:
* Blackwood Family
Douglas Edward Reeman was a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars.
Reeman joined the Royal Navy in 1940, at the age of 16, and served during World War II and the Korean War. He eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant. In addition to being an author, Reeman has also taught the art of navigation for yachting and served as a technical advisor for films. Douglas married author Kimberley Jordan Reeman in 1985.
Reeman's debut novel, A Prayer for the Ship was published in 1958. His pseudonym Alexander Kent was the name of a friend and naval officer who died during the Second World War. Reeman is most famous for his series of Napoleonic naval stories, whose central character is Richard Bolitho, and, later, his nephew, Adam. He also wrote a series of novels about several generations of the Blackwood family who served in the Royal Marines from the 1850s to the 1970s, and a non-fiction account of his World War II experiences, D-Day : A Personal Reminiscence (1984).
Series:
* Blackwood Family
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 27, 2022
This book features the men and women of the Royal Navy Special Operations units who carried out lightning raids on enemy held coasts, each were hand-picked for their individual skills and courage. These raids were often little more than pinpricks to the enemy but helped bolster morale back at home when successful operations were generally scarce.
This book centres around four missions featuring the same three men, who decided to volunteer for a special marine service group that used MTB and MGB boats on missions or raids upon enemy occupied territory at various locations around Europe and reads almost like four interlinked short stories. One is a Canadian from the Atlantic convoys (Frazer), one is an English bomb disposal man (Allenby), and the last an East End policeman (Ives).
In many respects this is typical Reeman. Our heroes are war damaged men struggling with their own demons, there is the obligatory love interests in the shape of two Wrens and there are some great action scenes as the fast patrol boats confront the enemy in particular. This is undemanding reading that will thrill Reeman's fans but do little to change the views of his detractors. I rather liked it.
This book centres around four missions featuring the same three men, who decided to volunteer for a special marine service group that used MTB and MGB boats on missions or raids upon enemy occupied territory at various locations around Europe and reads almost like four interlinked short stories. One is a Canadian from the Atlantic convoys (Frazer), one is an English bomb disposal man (Allenby), and the last an East End policeman (Ives).
In many respects this is typical Reeman. Our heroes are war damaged men struggling with their own demons, there is the obligatory love interests in the shape of two Wrens and there are some great action scenes as the fast patrol boats confront the enemy in particular. This is undemanding reading that will thrill Reeman's fans but do little to change the views of his detractors. I rather liked it.
February 28, 2016
Although I certainly knew about Reeman when I worked in the library--a great choice for fans of 19th century maritime adventure (writing as Alexander Kent) and WWII maritime adventures as Reeman. Came upon this exploring wonderful narrator David Rintoul--and this is another example of how a narrator can transform and elevate a so-so book. It's a good story of special British navy units that harried the Axis and carried out raids and missions to aid underground forces. Lots of action, breathless pace, naval details and action plans. Of course, there's a lot of sexism here, but it comes as no surprise. This is not a 21st century adventure. Reeman always tells a good action-packed story on the high seas.
November 18, 2021
Cu toate că docurile şi cheiurile încă mai luceau de pe urma ruperii de nori din timpul nopţii, aceştia se îmbulzeau deasupra portului Liverpool spre o nouă răbufnire.
O dimineaţă tipică pentru Liverpool, ar fi putut să obiecteze cineva; în câteva zile urma să sosească luna aprilie, însă mai curând se simţea o atmosferă de iarnă. Gladstone Dock era ticsit, ca de obicei, cu nave de război, de toate categoriile şi mărimile. Dragoare care să cureţe creasta, mici corvete şifonate rău, fregate, iar ici şi acolo, coca alungită şi ceva mai stilată a câte unui distrugător.
Căci acesta era oraşul Liverpool al anului 1943, sediul Comandamentului pentru Europa de Vest, locul de unde, în fiecare săptămână, plecau convoaie către toate colţurile lumii în care războiul era purtat cu o nepotolită ferocitate. Iar ieri, un convoi ce revenea acasă trecuse de Bar Light Vessel, după ce străbătuse furcile caudine ale Atlanticului, ale „câmpului ucigaş”, cum era cunoscut acesta majorităţii marinarilor.
Navele de război, înghesuite din cauza lipsei de spaţiu, păreau să se sprijine unele pe altele după calvarul prin care trecuseră. Escorte ale convoaielor, prin al căror efort rutele erau menţinute deschise pentru anchilozatele linii de mărfuri. Hrană, combustibil, arme, muniţie şi, cea mai preţioasă dintre toate încărcăturile, oameni. Fără acestea. Marea Britanie n-ar fi putut supravieţui mai mult de două-trei săptămâni.
Alături de două distrugătoare mai vechi, veterane ale Marelui Război, şedea un al treilea, mai mare şi părând să se detaşeze de toate celelalte. HMS[1] Levant fusese şeful de escortă al acestui ultim convoi revenit acasă. Avea doar optsprezece luni. Era mare şi bine înarmat, iar în afară de câteva zgârieturi în jurul prorei brăzdate, nu arăta prin câte trecuse în mulţimea de convoaie pe care le păzise, le protejase şi le urmărise din clipa în care chila lui atinsese apa, la nici trei kilometri de-aici, la Birkenhead.
O dimineaţă tipică pentru Liverpool, ar fi putut să obiecteze cineva; în câteva zile urma să sosească luna aprilie, însă mai curând se simţea o atmosferă de iarnă. Gladstone Dock era ticsit, ca de obicei, cu nave de război, de toate categoriile şi mărimile. Dragoare care să cureţe creasta, mici corvete şifonate rău, fregate, iar ici şi acolo, coca alungită şi ceva mai stilată a câte unui distrugător.
Căci acesta era oraşul Liverpool al anului 1943, sediul Comandamentului pentru Europa de Vest, locul de unde, în fiecare săptămână, plecau convoaie către toate colţurile lumii în care războiul era purtat cu o nepotolită ferocitate. Iar ieri, un convoi ce revenea acasă trecuse de Bar Light Vessel, după ce străbătuse furcile caudine ale Atlanticului, ale „câmpului ucigaş”, cum era cunoscut acesta majorităţii marinarilor.
Navele de război, înghesuite din cauza lipsei de spaţiu, păreau să se sprijine unele pe altele după calvarul prin care trecuseră. Escorte ale convoaielor, prin al căror efort rutele erau menţinute deschise pentru anchilozatele linii de mărfuri. Hrană, combustibil, arme, muniţie şi, cea mai preţioasă dintre toate încărcăturile, oameni. Fără acestea. Marea Britanie n-ar fi putut supravieţui mai mult de două-trei săptămâni.
Alături de două distrugătoare mai vechi, veterane ale Marelui Război, şedea un al treilea, mai mare şi părând să se detaşeze de toate celelalte. HMS[1] Levant fusese şeful de escortă al acestui ultim convoi revenit acasă. Avea doar optsprezece luni. Era mare şi bine înarmat, iar în afară de câteva zgârieturi în jurul prorei brăzdate, nu arăta prin câte trecuse în mulţimea de convoaie pe care le păzise, le protejase şi le urmărise din clipa în care chila lui atinsese apa, la nici trei kilometri de-aici, la Birkenhead.
November 4, 2019
I have read many many novels by Douglas Reeman. They are guaranteed entertainment and you can put your brain to rest while reading. Simple adventures for boys and men. I usually buy these from the second-hand bookshops. More value for the money that way.
Once again, this was very fluent and easy to read Second World War naval escapade, or rather four separate missions tied together with same heroes. In Reeman's books heroes are really heroes, men are men and women are... usually just beautiful side characters. Romance is obviously not his home ground.
As said this was quite a normal D.R. adventure on high seas, not spectacularly original or different from many novels by him or other WWII writers. Excellent for filling in time without much need for thinking or remembering.
Very often the cover illustration of Reeman's novels have been splendid and first-rate. Luring to buy. Not this time; the commando fighting scene on the cover was like a painting by a schoolboy, lot of action but not that much talent.
Iskujoukko
Gummerus 1988
Once again, this was very fluent and easy to read Second World War naval escapade, or rather four separate missions tied together with same heroes. In Reeman's books heroes are really heroes, men are men and women are... usually just beautiful side characters. Romance is obviously not his home ground.
As said this was quite a normal D.R. adventure on high seas, not spectacularly original or different from many novels by him or other WWII writers. Excellent for filling in time without much need for thinking or remembering.
Very often the cover illustration of Reeman's novels have been splendid and first-rate. Luring to buy. Not this time; the commando fighting scene on the cover was like a painting by a schoolboy, lot of action but not that much talent.
Iskujoukko
Gummerus 1988
August 26, 2019
An excellent read from Reeman as always. A bit different than usual Reeman tales in that it relates to Special Operations, a fashionable theme now but less well known during the 1980s when this was written.
Reeman knows his stuff and served in WW2 in MTBs. The action is intense and graphic with more shorebound action than usual. The characters are believable and deep but the romance themes are a bit clunky and trying to appeal to a female audience in a male-centred genre.
The book could be three 'Battle' comics in novel format only geared to adults.
The ending was a bit sudden and the Ives sub-plot was left hanging (about his German female hostage). Otherwise excellent...!
Reeman knows his stuff and served in WW2 in MTBs. The action is intense and graphic with more shorebound action than usual. The characters are believable and deep but the romance themes are a bit clunky and trying to appeal to a female audience in a male-centred genre.
The book could be three 'Battle' comics in novel format only geared to adults.
The ending was a bit sudden and the Ives sub-plot was left hanging (about his German female hostage). Otherwise excellent...!
November 11, 2020
The story was ok if implausible at times. What bored me to tears was the romance. Flawed. Boy meets boy. Boy dies. Boy meets girl. Girl is former lover of dead boy (how many times have we seen this?) instant love after 1 tea and one meal. Tragedy ensues.
This really was intrusive. Once they got going it consumed the story. I found myself fast forwarding past her white breasts and his angst. I was glad when it ended.
Others said this was Reemans best. I wont be reading any more. Not my cup of warfare tea.
This really was intrusive. Once they got going it consumed the story. I found myself fast forwarding past her white breasts and his angst. I was glad when it ended.
Others said this was Reemans best. I wont be reading any more. Not my cup of warfare tea.
March 19, 2021
Het eerste boek dat ik van hem heb gelezen. Niet helemaal mijn ding. Het speelt zich af gedurende de oorlogsjaren, 2de wereld oorlog. De mannen en vrouwen van de Royal Navy Special Operations hebben diverse gevaarlijke missies gedaan. Het mooie van dit boek is dat niet alleen de missies worden beschreven maar ook het prive leven van de mensen. Vaak gaat het alleen over de stoere mannen/ missies maar wordt het prive leven achterwege gelaten.
February 19, 2023
Having not read any "Douglas Reeman" books for many years I'd forgotten just how good his stories usually are ,and "The Volunteers" certainly did not disappoint .
Centred around three main characters : Frazer , Allenby and Ives , who all volunteer to join the "Royal Navy Special Forces " during World War two, this story is packed with adventure , drama, and emotion and was hard to put down. It's certainly a "must read" for all lovers of Naval fiction.
Centred around three main characters : Frazer , Allenby and Ives , who all volunteer to join the "Royal Navy Special Forces " during World War two, this story is packed with adventure , drama, and emotion and was hard to put down. It's certainly a "must read" for all lovers of Naval fiction.
August 4, 2017
In my mind’s eye, I could see this as something like a black and white matinee flick that one might have seen in the fifties. The story takes place from 1943 to 1944 with an epilogue etc in 1945.
Three men decided to put in for a marine service special ops group. They are on MTB and MGB boats doing missions or raids upon enemy occupied territory at various locations. One is a Canadian from the Atlantic convoys who is called Frazer, another is an English bomb disposal man (Allenby) and the final is an east end policeman. (Ives) They are recruited to replace others that have been killed in action.
As the saga develops we are introduced to some excellent characters and two wrens that are love interests to Frazer and Allenby. There are some great action scenes throughout the story as the fast patrol boats confront the enemy. The way the book is written gives a feeling of actually being there in those times of WWII when the people were said to be at their finest.
Great action and lots of wonderful characters – a read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys Naval stories and WWII based thriller.
The Last Days of Thunder Child
Three men decided to put in for a marine service special ops group. They are on MTB and MGB boats doing missions or raids upon enemy occupied territory at various locations. One is a Canadian from the Atlantic convoys who is called Frazer, another is an English bomb disposal man (Allenby) and the final is an east end policeman. (Ives) They are recruited to replace others that have been killed in action.
As the saga develops we are introduced to some excellent characters and two wrens that are love interests to Frazer and Allenby. There are some great action scenes throughout the story as the fast patrol boats confront the enemy. The way the book is written gives a feeling of actually being there in those times of WWII when the people were said to be at their finest.
Great action and lots of wonderful characters – a read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys Naval stories and WWII based thriller.
The Last Days of Thunder Child
December 26, 2014
I apologise for the depth of my ignorance to all those Goodreaders who already know of the work of Douglas Reeman, but despite his massive output (34 million copies sold to date) I had somehow failed to discover this ex-WW2 naval officer turned author until now. Reeman (he also writes an entirely different series of sailing-ship era adventures under the pen name Alexander Kent) joined the Royal Navy at 16, was later commissioned and continued to serve through the Korean War. Thank heavens for e-books - for it was a promotion for the digital release of this novel from the 1980s which inspired me to buy it. The man is now 90-odd and - so far as I can find out from his website and other on-line sources - he's still actively writing. The Volunteers is damned good and closed out an interesting year's reading.
September 16, 2012
They were the men and women of the Royal Navy's Special Operations units. . . Carrying out lightening raids on hostile coasts, they became a navy within a navy - each hand picked for their individual skills, and all of them courageous. Against the backdrop of World War II they per-formed their small but deadly operations - living often beyond hope, sometimes beyond mercy. This is the dramatic story of a handful of such people. . . THE VOLUNTEERS
May 25, 2016
Douglas Reeman is one of my go-to authors for entertaining military adventure, especially set in World War II but not limited to that. This book about the WWII British Special Operations Forces of the Royal Navy is entertaining and the characters interesting even though the topic limits the combat actions to small boats and small parties - not the big heavy metal of the Royal Navy versus the Kriegsmarine.
October 18, 2014
The action takes place in a British World War II small boat section. These boats conduct raids on the enemy. The men are asked to perform hazardous duties that are almost suicidal. The Volunteers gives a feel for real life naval warfare.
April 28, 2015
More about the men - than any particular ship. A sad ending too.
August 28, 2015
read this from the library.....was pretty much reading everything I could get my hands on of a similar ilk
February 17, 2016
Another sea yarn by my favorite British navy writer. It was OK, but lacked some of the drama of his best books.
April 1, 2016
The Royal Navy had Special Operations units during the World War II. The units were made up of volunteers and some of their deadly operations are chronicled here.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews