Rendezvous - South Atlantic

by Douglas Reeman

1941. S.S. Benbecula is already old when she is turned into an armed merchant cruiser. Yet even she is needed to protect the vital Atlantic sea lanes. Commander Lindsay, her new captain, has to work desperately to meld the ship's company, both raw recruits and old timers, into a unified fighting force. And better than anyone, Lindsay knows this could be his last command, his last chance.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, Military Fiction, Historical, World War II, Adventure

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

AKA 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

Reviews

[Nooilforpacifists · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Reeman drinking game: first use of the word "oblivion"--page 40.

Douglas Reeman drinking game: first appearance of the "comma, what?" character, as in "Never think you'd been in action, what?"--page 121. The "comma, what?" never gets the girl (indeed, occasionally, doesn't like the girls), and often dies horribly.

Except for the title -- doubly misleading in some ways -- one of Reeman's best. A full Commander unfairly is held accountable for the sinking of his destroyer, and given command of an Armed Merchant Cruiser. It's an old, decrepit ship, manned largely by former ship officers from when it was a passenger liner--in some respects, even worse than Wavy Navy reservists. The Commander somehow has to turn the crew into a team, and in so doing discovers a new German rues de guerre. Of course, no one believes him--particularly the "comma, what?" Commodore. And so, tortured by witnessing the sinking of a ship carrying the WREN he was just beginning to know, the Commander learns before the book's final cruse the spiteful Commodore will transfer him to a shore command upon returning to England--and that the Commodore will be aboard his ship on the homeward passage.

[Rick Nummi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Reeman at his best. Long slow start followed by formulaic cinematic heroics. Typical RN vs. Germans. Transfer the scenery to space and you have any of them”new” space operas. Always nice to go back to Reeman style and vivid descriptions.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1941, when she was turned into an armed merchant cruiser, the S.S. Benbecula was already old. Yet she was needed to protect the vital Atlantic sea lanes. Commander Lindsay, her new captain, had to work desperately to mould the ship's company - raw recruits and old timers - into a fighting force. And better than anyone, Lindsay knew this could be his last command, his last chance...

About the Author

Douglas Reeman joined the Navy in 1941. He did convoy duty in the Atlantic, Arctic and the North Sea, and later served in motor torpedo boats. Reeman has written over thirty novels under his own name and more than twenty best-selling historical novels, featuring Richard Bolitho and his nephew Adam Bolitho, under the pseudonym Alexander Kent.

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a typically good Reeman WWII naval novel with all his trademark elements: an older outdated ship; a crew made up of those not fit for a better ship; a quick falling in love by the lead character; a crisis situation which proves the value of the ship and crew. This one moves along at a good pace, with not much of being in harbor or on leave. It also has the element of higher ranks that don't know what they are doing (a Reeman trademark). Enjoyed reading it.

My goal is to read all of Douglas Reeman's novels - also those by his other authored name - Alexander Kent.

[David Megginson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A competent and engaging book about an armed merchant cruiser during the Second World War. Reeman wrote for quantity over quality, but still usually delivered and enjoyable read. I've read most of his books at least twice.

[Mohammed Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stirring stuff

Brilliantly written by one of the greatest naval author's of all time! So engrossed in the telling of the final action that I had to ask the wife to swing the lampshade to make me believe I was among the bridge party.

[Socrate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humberul cu caroseria vopsită în culori de camuflaj se opri la destinaţie, cu bara din faţă la numai câţiva paşi de marginea cheiului, vibrând zgomotos, dorind parcă s-o pornească din nou la drum.

Micuţa şoferiţă, înrolată în „Women’s Royal Navy Service”[i], înfofolită până peste urechi împotriva frigului puternic de afară, opri ştergătoarele de parbriz şi spuse:

― Am ajuns, domnule comandor[ii]. Trebuie să sosească o şalupă dintr-o clipă-n alta.

Se întoarse puţin şi singurul pasager al maşinii îi răspunse:

― Nu opri ştergătoarele. Nu încă.

Ignorându-i mirarea, căpitanul-comandor Andrew Lindsay se aplecă în faţă, încercând să străpungă cu privirea-i, aparent lipsită de expresie, parbrizul brăzdat de picăturile de ploaie.

Cenuşiu. Totul era cenuşiu. Conturul nedefinit al insulelor, cerul, formele variate ale navelor smucind în cabluri sub vânt şi ploaie. Apele uriaşei rade naturale de la Scapa Flow erau plumburii, singura licărire de viaţă constituind-o vârtejurile curentului de apă produs de maree şi zbuciumul curenţilor submarini.

Scapa. Acest cuvânt era suficient. Volume întregi s-au scris despre miile de marinari ai celor două războaie mondiale. Umezeală şi frig. Furtunile violente şi marea înverşunată făceau ca numai cei mai iscusiţi să poată trece cu bine printre stâncile şi insuliţele înconjurătoare.

Cercetând cu privirea vasele ancorate, se întrebă cum arată oare cel sortit să-l comande? Nu puteai şti niciodată până nu primeai ordinul, cu toată studierea atentă a cărţilor şi rapoartelor informative. Nici chiar cei de la Cartierul General al Marinei, din Kirkwall, nu i-au putut fi de folos.

[Philip Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They were probably dreaming of their first leave, the glances of admiration and pity for their wounds. Except that one without a foot. He had a been a promising tennis player before the war."

It's easy to scoff at this author's resolutely un PC formulaic fayre. I admit the above raised a snigger, as did the reference to a sailor lifting crew morale by arriving with a "big steaming fanny of cocoa" (it's navy slang for a pot apparently). But when the formula's so good why change? We get the usual traumatised captain (Commander Andrew Lindsay) taking on a former cruise ship, 'HMS Benbecula', now converted to an armed merchant vessel. The crew comprise former staff of the cruise line, naval reservists thrown into the fray, a few professional Royal Navy officers like Lindsay and 'wet behind the ears' pups promoted before their time: it's 1941, so all hands on deck...and the pumps.

There's lots of authentic WW2 naval action with icy patrols in the North Atlantic before escort work with a convoy to Ceylon to reinforce Singapore against the invading Japs...and back again. This was all good stuff, shaped by the author's wartime service. Even the passages on land are handled well here, with a trip to London during the Blitz a reminder that the Home Front wasn't much easier. The officers are divided by class, ambition and experience but come good when faced with insuperable odds: there's the usual swoony romantic interlude and a stonking great sea battle to finish. What's not to love? I'll be setting sail with this author again soon.

[Tripp · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is a nostalgic read. One of my grandfather's, I confess I can't recall which, had books by this author lying around his house. I'd see them, but not pick them up. It was odd, since naval military history always interested me.

In any case, I enjoyed it. The book celebrates the British sailors and ships that fought the war, while condemning the Admiralty that sent them in the way of war. I'm used to this in WWI and Vietnam era books, so this was a bit new. One senior British official is positioned as almost more villainous than the Germans!

From a military history reader perspective it can be jarring, as actual people ships and events, sit side by side with fictional ones. I suppose the same is true of the Aubrey and Maturin books, but it struck me more here for some reason.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exciting drama about war at sea during WW-II. The main character, Commander Andrew Lindsey, an officer assigned to an old "tub" after having a ship sunk out from under him, proves to be an efficient and heroic naval officer who waved the day on at least two occasions, in spite of his "disgrace."

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating WW2 adventure this time featuring the "S S Benbecula" when she was turned into an armed merchant cruiser that was needed to protect the vital Atlantic sea lanes.
Although I really enjoyed it for me the ending was incomplete - I wont say why for fear of spoiling the story but will let the reader form their own opinion .

[Ray Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Douglas Freeman book. Very down to earth no fancy thrills. You lived their life aboard the ship. Didn't gloss over the hard times or embellish the better times and had a nice twist towards the end.
DF does not let you down and a very worthwhile read if you like WW2 Naval stories.

[Graeme Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling and exciting

All all action book which really gives the feel of the fear qnd passion that engulfs men at war. Brave sailors giving their all against uneven odds and power but winning the day.

[Mitch Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new protagonist (Commander Lindsay), an unusual platform (armed merchant), with a tried and true format from Reeman. The stoic captain, rock steady coxswain, troubled ward room, flawed oversight all wrapped up in rollicking good adventure. Well worth your time!

[Griff Hosker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Reeman never fails to please. A well-crafted story that takes you right to the heart of the navy in World War 2. WOnderfully drawn characters and compelling sub plots made it a delight to listen to.

[C.A. A. Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous and gritty navel wartime story. A real seat of your pants climatic and exciting ending with great action sequences throughout.

[MR BRIAN TINDALL]

Excellent nsrstove.

As an ex RN man, I appreciated the accurate descriptions of life aboard ship. The whole book was well-paced & difficult to put down.

[Edwin David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crackingly good WW2 naval drama. Well worth a read.

[Jonny Ambrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great escapism as a holiday read, if a bit dated in style. Reeman stands out from other naval fiction writers with extra grit having himself served in the navy.

[Ron Kastner · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very enjoyable and exciting story.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know any of the ranks of naval officers or crew, or the parts of a ship, but I read this book because it was available, and I enjoyed the human interest story.

[kirk rodger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelent as usuall

Found this author to be concise, very well researched and has the ability to place a picture in every readers mind of the surroundings and everything that influences them.

[Sonny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that this book was rather excellent, it evoked a strong sense of nostalgia from my childhood years when i used to read Commando comics.

Reeman writes plainly, yet vividly and brings the HMS Benbecula to life in spectacular fashion as the crew begin their virtually suicidal mission to protect a convoy out in the North Atlantic against the might of the German navy. You can't help but feel for the commander of the vessel, a proud man who was once a Navy Destroyer Captain, now nothing more than a wash-up in the eyes of his superiors. The Benbecula is a lumbering armed merchant vessel of considerable vintage (WW1) and the crew face insurmountable odds against the German war machine as they come to rely on the Captain's experience and cunning to get them through alive.

This is my second Doug Reeman book this year and as much as I enjoyed it, I'm already beginning to see well-worn tropes emerge (the slightly aloof Captain, the ruffian nature of certain crew members, the pining love interest in the backdrop). I will certainly read a few more of his works, but I wonder if there is a ladder to climb in terms of authors who specialise in WW2 adventure.

[7$MartyQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible Story!

In the beginning of WWII, England was the sole holdout to the German war machine. Things were looking quite grim, and people were wondering whether or not the Germans would invade. In the end, they were saved by the selfless courage of men such as Lindsay, and the men who were his command.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The SS Beneccula is an old merchant ship converted into an armed merchant cruiser in 1941. Commander Lindsay has to mold a mixture of old-times and new recruits into a fighting unit for the South Atlantic. The old ship and her captain will face many challenges.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first Reeman I read ... And probably the one I most enjoyed ...

[David Flett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cracking yarn.

[Izzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This wasn't exactly thrilling. Informative if you're into ships & whatnot, but kind of annoying in total. I didn't really feel the characters had any depth worth having whole plot lines.

[Robert Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reman is awesome

Authentic and down to the wire storytelling. Will keep you on you seat edge and looking at the clock later wondering where your evening went!