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The Flag Captain

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In 1797 Richard Bolitho is back in the Mediterranean after his recent foray to the West Indies. He is now captain of the flag-ship of an inflexible and rule-bound Admiral whose approach is totally unsuited to a fluid strategic situation in which initiative and imagination are essential. The need for acquiring a base inside the Mediterranean prompts an expedition to capture a North-African fortress, giving Bolitho once more the opportunity to engage in the land-attack operations in which he excels. There is however plenty of action afloat as well, the most exciting part of which is the defence of an already shattered and half-sinking transport against a swarm of oared-galleys manned by ferocious Barbary corsairs. Apart from the hazards ashore and afloat, and the frustrations represented by his superior, Bolitho has to cope with an admirable but dangerous French enemy agent and a British political representative whose motives and objectives are unclear to say the least. It's also satisfying to see Bolitho's protégée Inch, whose self-confidence and capabilities he so carefully nurtured in earlier years, now coming into his own as the very effective commander of a bomb vessel. The story ends with the British position in the Mediterranean still weak - but there is light on the horizon, and the following year will see Nelson turning the tables - and there will be a role for Bolitho. In summary, a thoroughly enjoyable naval yarn.

Newly in harbor, Capt. Bolitho is approached by a mutineer for his intercession in the vast British fleet mutinies of 1797. Being the preternaturally fair man he is, Bolitho must become involved, a choice that will dog him through the rest of his time with the crusty admiral whose ship he now captains. (Oddly enough, Kent never mentions the grievances and demands of the mutinous crews and how they were satisfied-and it was not just by hanging the ringleaders as the admiral mentions here.) Kent again challenges Bolitho with a less than stellar superior for a bold incursion back into the Mediterranean (abandoned the year before). With his admiral's head stuck in the strategic clouds of yesteryear, we get to see our Bolitho growing in command to excercise (Lord Nelson's) new more flexible and break-the-line squadron tactics. He also has to contend with a spy, a shifty spymaster, and the usual impossible assignments. A study in proper subordination, Bolitho manages to get his brilliant ideas put into effect by, or despite, his closely attending and rigidly doctrinaire admiral. Uniquely in this book we see explicit discussion of the evolving tactics of sea warfare rather than just the usual literary ploy of conflicting personalities or command styles.

Kent uses flashbacks to re-view later the routine or tedious intervals in the plot while skipping ahead towards the next action. (Conversely, Dudley Pope uses interpolated instructional pieces in his Ramage series to slow the action and build anticipation). Kent also shows here one oddity of Bolitho (as contrasted with Pope's series): Bolitho often misses the really big true actions, like Cape St. Vincent, in favor of minor, peripheral, or perhaps fictitious actions. While there is still much swashbuckling action on view, we are also treated to the cerebrations and considerations of more exalted command levels than before, as we follow Bolitho's rise in rank and breadth of responsibilities.

Once more, Mr Kent has propelled the reader into the turbulent and dangerous waters of adventure. Richard Bolitho is once again locked in mortal combat with not only the French but ruthless Barbary pirates. Some terrific actions sequences as Bolitho is in a battered Spanish vessel that he just captured. The ship is beset by the pirates and one of the most thrilling sea fights you can read about takes place. Great high adventure. Many characters people this novel, some new and dangerous and many others that prove more friendly. Great old friendships are rekindled, some tragic events and some heroic actions. Plenty of toppling foremasts, upturned 32 pounders, flashing and thundering broadsides and flaming hulks. Nautical fiction at it's finest.
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This is the 10th volume in the series that follows Richard Bolitho's adventures and career in the British Navy during the Napoleonic wars. This one starts as Bolitho brings his ship (the Euryalus) back to England to deposit his dying Admiral at his home and receive a new Admiral to command him and the squadron. This happens two years after the last book's ending and it is kind of sad that Kent has written nothing about his adventures as a blockader over the two year period. But I digress...

As is usual in these books, Bolitho is immediately embroiled in hair raising personal adventures. In this case, the famous mutinies that swept through portions of the British Navy affect a frigate that is supposed to be a part of the squadron and the mutineers turn to Bolitho for help. Once that issue is dealt with, we are introduced to the new Admiral and away goes the squadron to the Mediterranean to pursue some hare brained scheme that a mysterious civilian with lots of important connections has hatched. This civilian knows much about Bolitho's family situation including his brother's and nephew's names and positions which make for very creepy situations.

One thing leads to another and one sea and land battle follows another and always Bolitho is in the vanguard of his troops. In a way, it is kind of formulaic as Bolitho gives advice to his Admiral about how to treat his men; Then Bolitho is the one who figures out what is going on behind the scenes and convinces his betters that he is right; Then Bolitho is the one who comes up with a creative way to fight a battle against seemingly overwhelming odds that presages what Nelson will use in Trafalgar; etc. These parts of the story are somewhat annoying but are part and parcel of this writing genre, so I suppose there is no help for it.

Following the climatic battle, Bolitho and entourage return to England where he is rewarded for his part while his Admiral is consigned to oblivion. Which leads me to ask how it is that the commander of the successful squadron is punished while three of the underlings are rewarded? This does not make sense in any way except for as a way for the writer to eliminate the Admiral from the future of the series. I think it would have been better had the Admiral been given some accolades and honors and moved to a bigger command as well as Bolitho, Herrick, Pascoe, and Keverne.

Other slightly annoying aspects of this volume include: the fourth woman who spends a few days with Bolitho and then cannot wait to shed her clothing and practically rape him - in the late 1700's!!; Bolitho's constant need to be involved in every hand to hand battle that takes place - he is now a Flag Captain and is getting older; And the little side stories that attempt to show how his various subordinates adore him.

Even with all these little annoyances, the main storyline is one of high adventure on the seas and lots of exciting details of battles during the age of sail. Those alone are worth the price of the book and putting up with the other aspects of these books. Now that Bolitho has been promoted again, I am eagerly looking forward to read of his continuing adventures!

This book, also known as The Hay Captain continues the life of Richard Bolitho. Alexander Kent is spectacular in his description of early sea life. The life of Bolitho is written so maticulously that you would swear that he was a real person. Once started it's difficult to put down. Never a dull moment.

This tale begins in April, 1797, in Falmouth Bay, as Napoleon continues his struggle to dominate Europe (and England) by land and sea.

Richard Bolitho returns home after a year-and-a-half of continuous sea duty, and is, again, assigned to a commander (admiral) who is insistant upon having his own way. Unfortunately, it is not a way approved of by Bolitho, and it leads to problems. Bolitho is in constant contact with the admiral because he is flag captain.

As usual, in this series, there is a lot of sea action, as well as excursions against the enemy on land, a great deal of bloodshed, and Bolitho is blessed with the company of many of his oldest friends.

This is pure Alexander Kent. If you liked the other books in the series, I guarantee you will enjoy this one as well.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance