Badge of Glory

Rating:
Summary: Per Mare-Per Terram
Review: "...Hoarse drum of the regiment..." The story of a man and his world; a world that might seem incomprehensible to many: self sacrifice for the common good; the struggle between heart and tradition; fraternal love; the way some of us see duty towards flag and country;

The unbreakable bond that develops amongst men in battle; the inexplicable admiration and adoration for the leader; after all, isn't he the one leading them to their potential death? Yet, still ".... the unexplained glory flies above them...." and they try to forget that in that ".... field where a thousand corpses lie..." some of their most beloved friends ceased to exist;

There's not many ways that can project the majesty of a pure soldier's heart, yet this effort is more than successful; In a historical journey it wanders from sail to steam, from on-board soldiers to Royal Marines... And the unique way to present that "...these men were born to drill and die..." made "per Mare et per Terram". Superb!

Rating:
Summary: Saga of the Royal Marines
Review: This is the story of a young officer in the Royal Marines during the transition from sail to steam. The hero is from a Marine family, yet is thinking of leaving the Service. This is the background for the adventures off the African coast and in the Med. You see some of the resistance to change in the outlook of the Navy to steam and the new and strange machines. Possibly the start of a series. If you have read any of Alexander Kent's Bolitho series, you will like this.