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James Ogilvie #1
The First Command
James Ogilvie emerges from Sandhurst 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.
Pitchforked with mixed feelings into imperial Britain’s elite military academy, Sandhurst, and then into the family regiment, he finds himself in 1894 a subaltern en route to India – a torrid journey out that teaches him the first lessons of military life and the command of men.
His initiation is made more difficult by the vindictive attentions of the adjutant, Captain Black, and by the high expectations placed on him by his own irascible father, his Divisional Commander on the North West Frontier of India.
Ogilvie gets his first taste of action when the Royal Strathspeys are sent through the Khyber Pass to contain the rebel Ahmed Khan outside Jalalabad.
Fighting the border tribesmen brings brushes with death, but also many opportunities for the kind of glory that can forge a distinguished military career.
But as the campaign goes on, Ogilvie also starts to doubt the entire Imperial project.
‘Drums Along the Khyber’ is a thrilling historical adventure story, rich in period detail. It is the first in the Ogilvie series of novels by Philip McCutchan.
‘The adventure-writer succeeds who makes you read faster than you really can…Drums Along the Khyber has something of this quality’ – The Sunday Times
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.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
Two generations of Ogilvies have served the 114th Highlanders, the Queen’s Own Royal Strathspeys.
James Ogilvie is the third generation.
Pitchforked with mixed feelings into imperial Britain’s elite military academy, Sandhurst, and then into the family regiment, he finds himself in 1894 a subaltern en route to India – a torrid journey out that teaches him the first lessons of military life and the command of men.
His initiation is made more difficult by the vindictive attentions of the adjutant, Captain Black, and by the high expectations placed on him by his own irascible father, his Divisional Commander on the North West Frontier of India.
Ogilvie gets his first taste of action when the Royal Strathspeys are sent through the Khyber Pass to contain the rebel Ahmed Khan outside Jalalabad.
Fighting the border tribesmen brings brushes with death, but also many opportunities for the kind of glory that can forge a distinguished military career.
But as the campaign goes on, Ogilvie also starts to doubt the entire Imperial project.
‘Drums Along the Khyber’ is a thrilling historical adventure story, rich in period detail. It is the first in the Ogilvie series of novels by Philip McCutchan.
‘The adventure-writer succeeds who makes you read faster than you really can…Drums Along the Khyber has something of this quality’ – The Sunday Times
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.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
315 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
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95 people want to read
About the author
Philip McCutchan
180 books35 followersaka 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 8, 2016
The start of the adventures
This is the first book in the James Ogilvie books. This was a good introduction to the series. I wish I had read it first as it really set the stage for series. Some may be put off by the way the native Afghanis are portrayed in the book and how the British looked on them. However this is a work of historical fiction and the views of late 19th Century British have to be dealt with. You have to remember this was the era of Western Civilization having to save its little brown brothers from themselves. Yes the British are the good guys and yes the bad guys are the native population, but you can read this and get a good idea of what was wrong with 19th Century Imperialism. Plus it is a great adventure story. Now some may be offended by the language used in this story, but it should be taken in context that this was the prevailing attitude at the time and look at it as story of clashing civilization, social classes and lifestyles. I would recommend this book to those, who want to see a bit of history and the issues present at the time.
This is the first book in the James Ogilvie books. This was a good introduction to the series. I wish I had read it first as it really set the stage for series. Some may be put off by the way the native Afghanis are portrayed in the book and how the British looked on them. However this is a work of historical fiction and the views of late 19th Century British have to be dealt with. You have to remember this was the era of Western Civilization having to save its little brown brothers from themselves. Yes the British are the good guys and yes the bad guys are the native population, but you can read this and get a good idea of what was wrong with 19th Century Imperialism. Plus it is a great adventure story. Now some may be offended by the language used in this story, but it should be taken in context that this was the prevailing attitude at the time and look at it as story of clashing civilization, social classes and lifestyles. I would recommend this book to those, who want to see a bit of history and the issues present at the time.
August 24, 2025
I think the first thing that hits you is that this book is dated. Granted it's portraying views from another time, but the language is painfully racist. Obviously there's the aim of reflecting a certain time period and world outlook, and it was written quite a while ago when racial sensitivity was less prevalent, but even with these caveats reading in 2025 is somewhat uncomfortable. Some readers may struggle to get past this issue with the book.
Outside of that though it's a good read. The hero is likeable and not too great or green, the book has a solid plot, is fairly well written (above issues aside) and is well paced with plenty of action. It really evokes a militaristic feel and satisfies that gunpowder novel craving. It's not Sharpe or Flashman - the latter perhaps being the more appropriate comparison - but it still does the job in providing a great gateway into a military adventure from that time period.
3 stars, which with a bit of a change in language would be higher.
Outside of that though it's a good read. The hero is likeable and not too great or green, the book has a solid plot, is fairly well written (above issues aside) and is well paced with plenty of action. It really evokes a militaristic feel and satisfies that gunpowder novel craving. It's not Sharpe or Flashman - the latter perhaps being the more appropriate comparison - but it still does the job in providing a great gateway into a military adventure from that time period.
3 stars, which with a bit of a change in language would be higher.
October 29, 2020
This is a classic adventure story revolving around the British Army’s battles in Afghanistan, probably during the Second Anglo-Afghan War of 1878. It is not specifically identified as such in this fictional account, but it seems probable because it fits the time period. The main character is James Ogilvie, a Subaltern (second lieutenant) in the Scottish Highland division. James is fresh out of Sandhurst (basically England’s version of West Point). His regiment is assigned to reinforce a siege army attempting to break a rebel stronghold in Jalalabad. James confronts his fears and performs well in battle. It is a classic look at British stiff upper lips when facing danger and unfavorable odds. Bravery and heroism are on display here and it is a very good adventure story. The class system in England is also a featured part of this story as well as society’s expectations of behavior and honor during Victorian times. I enjoyed this adventure story very much.
April 28, 2019
British Military Action from days of old...1800’s Afghanistan
The series starts of simple enough and builds up into a near defeat save for the actions of but a few men led by a freshly minted second lieutenant....... a great read, shows much of the British ‘stiff upper lip’ from a bygone era. Characters are dimensional, the plot and sub plots are exquisitely well written. 5 stars well earned !
The series starts of simple enough and builds up into a near defeat save for the actions of but a few men led by a freshly minted second lieutenant....... a great read, shows much of the British ‘stiff upper lip’ from a bygone era. Characters are dimensional, the plot and sub plots are exquisitely well written. 5 stars well earned !
March 31, 2021
Action-packed book on the British on the NW frontier of India in the 1890s. A young fresh lieutenant James Ogilvie is posted with the 114th Queen’s Own Royal Strathspreys as they are being sent to India.
Ogilvie gets his first taste of action when the Royal Strathspeys are sent through the Khyber Pass to contain the rebel Ahmed Khan outside Jalalabad. This is the first of 13 volumes in this series.
Ogilvie gets his first taste of action when the Royal Strathspeys are sent through the Khyber Pass to contain the rebel Ahmed Khan outside Jalalabad. This is the first of 13 volumes in this series.
February 11, 2020
"Drums Along the Khyber" is the first of an historical series set in 1897. It is the story of a young Lt. sent to India on his first deployment. It goes along at a good pace, not plagued by pages of description about scenery etc. It is well written. Some may be offended by the language, but it is the attitude of the times. Five stars for me.
July 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book although of course the language used at times caused me to wince especially during the current climate, I know it is used for effect and is as they say of the time but it is somewhat uncomfortable however that aside this is a good yarn of imperial derring-do and an easy read to while away a summer's afternoon I'll certainly continue with the series.
July 13, 2018
Prime Historical Fiction
Well researched, well written with very well developed characters make this an excellent beginning for a new series! Action, interesting plot combined with a storyline of intrique!
Well researched, well written with very well developed characters make this an excellent beginning for a new series! Action, interesting plot combined with a storyline of intrique!
March 14, 2019
First book in Ogilvie Victorian British Army in India
Life of a new Lieutenant seeing his first action on the frontier of India and Pakistan in the 19th century. It’s the first in the series. This is historical fiction at it’s best with plenty of action.
Life of a new Lieutenant seeing his first action on the frontier of India and Pakistan in the 19th century. It’s the first in the series. This is historical fiction at it’s best with plenty of action.
June 10, 2019
Philip McCutchen's military history fiction is interesting and realistic. I've read much of his work, but he's so prolific, I can't keep up.
December 27, 2019
Really enjoyable read.
Well written and the author puts you there, action pieces are well described and you get a good idea what the conditions were like.
Well written and the author puts you there, action pieces are well described and you get a good idea what the conditions were like.
January 11, 2017
Entertaining book - sort of mild version of Sharpes Rifles.
March 9, 2016
This is the first volume in a a series of nine stories about the Victorian era British Army and their battles on the frontier of India and Pakistan in the nineteenth century. They follow the life and adventures of a young Lieutenant fresh out of Sandhurst and coming of age in one of the line Scottish infantry regiments as they fight to maintain the Raj at the height of the expansionist British Empire. In the process, he battles the equally talented and brutal hill tribes with the help of his own enlisted men. I think the author goes a little bit overboard and painting virtually every British politician and senior officer as arrogant and stupid. Many may have been, but I doubt they they all were. What is true is that while the Brits were able to steamroller most the locals in country after country they conquered, they were badly bloodied when they took on the hill tribes in Afghanistan. That's a lesson that every invading army from Alexander the Great through the British, the Russians, and now the United States learned to their regret. Basically, the Afghans are able fighters who don't like anyone invading their country and telling them what to do. Never did. If our own leadership in Washington and the Pentagon had read a little they might've understood that. As far as good, historic period pieces go, the books by C Northcoat Parkinson, Alexander Kent, Patrick O'Brien, and especially Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharp novels are much better than this one.
September 1, 2015
Age-old war
This story moved a little slow in spots but the characters were able to keep the reader's interest. Time hasn't changed Afghanistan much nor has the British army changed its spots.
This story moved a little slow in spots but the characters were able to keep the reader's interest. Time hasn't changed Afghanistan much nor has the British army changed its spots.
January 30, 2015
I'm not sure which is worse: the one-dimensional characters spouting wooden, unbelievable dialogue or the contrived plot.
March 16, 2015
Need for more
The book was a good read as far as it went.....seems that the story was incomplete. Too many things left me hanging. This book could have used a few more chapters.
The book was a good read as far as it went.....seems that the story was incomplete. Too many things left me hanging. This book could have used a few more chapters.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews