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Under Fire, Under Command: WWII Historical Fiction: One Officer’s First Command in the Chaos of 1940 France
Under Fire, Under Command is a gripping WWII novel that plunges readers into a powerful story of courage and survival, set against the desperate retreat of the British Expeditionary Force in May 1940. It was a time when every decision meant life or death.
As Nazi forces blitz through France, newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Tom Archer faces his first real a depleted, exhausted platoon that he must lead while battling his own fears and self-doubt.
But the chaos is only just beginning. As the front collapses around them, Archer and his men are called upon time and again to achieve what seems impossible. Their orders were simple. Survival was not.
⭐ “A powerful story of grit and leadership under fire.”
📘 Read by over 100 Kindle Unlimited readers
📚 Available now in Kindle and Paperback
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Perfect for readers who love war novels, WW2 books, World War action, British hero stories, and military fiction based on real-world events.
As Nazi forces blitz through France, newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Tom Archer faces his first real a depleted, exhausted platoon that he must lead while battling his own fears and self-doubt.
But the chaos is only just beginning. As the front collapses around them, Archer and his men are called upon time and again to achieve what seems impossible. Their orders were simple. Survival was not.
⭐ “A powerful story of grit and leadership under fire.”
📘 Read by over 100 Kindle Unlimited readers
📚 Available now in Kindle and Paperback
Free with Kindle Unlimited
Perfect for readers who love war novels, WW2 books, World War action, British hero stories, and military fiction based on real-world events.
526 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2025
39 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Richard Alan Basquill
2 booksHi, I’m Richard Basquill, and I’m a lifelong enthusiast of military history, particularly the stories of courage and sacrifice from World War II. Growing up, I was captivated by tales of bravery on the battlefield, and that passion never left me.
Writing Under Fire, Under Command has been a dream come true. I wanted to bring to life the harsh realities faced by ordinary soldiers in extraordinary circumstances—particularly the retreat to Dunkirk. I’ve spent countless hours researching and crafting a story that honours the grit and determination of those who fought.
When I’m not writing or diving into historical accounts, you’ll find me reading, gardening or imagining the next chapter of Tom Archer’s journey. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I loved writing it!"
Writing Under Fire, Under Command has been a dream come true. I wanted to bring to life the harsh realities faced by ordinary soldiers in extraordinary circumstances—particularly the retreat to Dunkirk. I’ve spent countless hours researching and crafting a story that honours the grit and determination of those who fought.
When I’m not writing or diving into historical accounts, you’ll find me reading, gardening or imagining the next chapter of Tom Archer’s journey. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I loved writing it!"
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 11, 2025
Really good story
Story was excellent. Held the attention and pace was good.
in my opinion the book was let down by the writing. Numerous
repeated sentences and phrases. I lost count of the time the phrase "the weight of" this or that was repeated. A bit of proof reading may have been beneficial.
Nevertheless I enjoyed the story and look forward to a follow up.
Story was excellent. Held the attention and pace was good.
in my opinion the book was let down by the writing. Numerous
repeated sentences and phrases. I lost count of the time the phrase "the weight of" this or that was repeated. A bit of proof reading may have been beneficial.
Nevertheless I enjoyed the story and look forward to a follow up.
November 2, 2025
Well worth a read
War book books are not my usual go to , but saw this one and thought I would give it a go , and pleased I did . You get a good feel for the characters and excellent description of what is happening all the way through the book.
War book books are not my usual go to , but saw this one and thought I would give it a go , and pleased I did . You get a good feel for the characters and excellent description of what is happening all the way through the book.
November 15, 2025
Believeable and gripping
The detail of an infantryman's day in combat made this book superb. Wrapped around a great story made it very hard to put this book down!
The detail of an infantryman's day in combat made this book superb. Wrapped around a great story made it very hard to put this book down!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews