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Matthew Hervey #3
A Regimental Affair
2001, Hardcover, 326 pages
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2001
24 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Allan Mallinson
45 books87 followersBrigadier Allan Lawrence Mallinson is an English author and was an officer in the British Army.
Mallinson is best known for writing a series of novels chronicling the (fictional) life of Matthew Hervey, an officer serving in the (fictional) British 6th Light Dragoons from the late Napoleonic Wars through subsequent colonial conflicts in India, North America and south Africa.
Mallinson is best known for writing a series of novels chronicling the (fictional) life of Matthew Hervey, an officer serving in the (fictional) British 6th Light Dragoons from the late Napoleonic Wars through subsequent colonial conflicts in India, North America and south Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 5, 2021
Read this book in 2006, and its the 3rd volume of the captivating "Matthew Hervey" series.
This tale is set in the year AD 1817, and Hervey back from India finds his regiment of the Sixth Light Dragoons under a new commanding officer, Lord Towcester, and a man with a dark secret.
With England in turmoil. due to corruption, conspiracies, violent assemblies, arson and murder, even the military, especially the cavalry, are tasked with policing these riots in cities, and thus also the sixth Light Dragoons.
While doing his duty during these riots, the animosity between his commanding officer and Hervey will come to a head, and this Regimental Affair will have an serious impact on the functioning of Hervey as a leader of men, as well as in his domestic life with Henrietta Lindsey.
This hostile affair between Lord Towcester and Matthew Hervey will come to an explosive end when the Regiment is sent to Canada, and over there Lord Towcester tries to save himself for the time being but in the end it will come to a showdown between Lord Towcester and Matthew Hervey, and there this personal issue will be settled once and for all.
Highly recommended, for this is a fabulous and emotional addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Wonderful Regimental Affair"!
This tale is set in the year AD 1817, and Hervey back from India finds his regiment of the Sixth Light Dragoons under a new commanding officer, Lord Towcester, and a man with a dark secret.
With England in turmoil. due to corruption, conspiracies, violent assemblies, arson and murder, even the military, especially the cavalry, are tasked with policing these riots in cities, and thus also the sixth Light Dragoons.
While doing his duty during these riots, the animosity between his commanding officer and Hervey will come to a head, and this Regimental Affair will have an serious impact on the functioning of Hervey as a leader of men, as well as in his domestic life with Henrietta Lindsey.
This hostile affair between Lord Towcester and Matthew Hervey will come to an explosive end when the Regiment is sent to Canada, and over there Lord Towcester tries to save himself for the time being but in the end it will come to a showdown between Lord Towcester and Matthew Hervey, and there this personal issue will be settled once and for all.
Highly recommended, for this is a fabulous and emotional addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Wonderful Regimental Affair"!
November 29, 2008
By now, those of you who are regularly updated with my material know that I am sufficiently addicted to this series of Napoleonic cavalry adventures that I plan to read through them book by book. In this case, I am doubly cursed because this book ends with a major unresolved plot element (realistic, but annoying) and the fourth book was not available at our library when I finished this one. A Regimental Affair continues the very healthy tradition of not being afraid to have major characters die. It does, after all, deal with war, and it doesn’t have any convenient “red shirt” fatalities. Almost all of the deaths in this series have been costly.
This book, even more than others in the series, expands upon the author’s conviction that the purchasing of commissions in the Napoleonic Era cavalry (and army) was a very bad idea, leading to having incompetence and cowardice in the brass even more than the M.B.A. approach to modern business has contributed the same in the management ranks of modern U.S. corporations. This element, present in this novel more than in its predecessors, allows the author to challenge the reader (like the protagonist) to agonize over loyalty to country versus immediate superior, efficiency and order over egotistical command structure, and judicious use of influence over reckless self-aggrandizement.
The decisions to be made by Captain (now Brevet Major) Hervey are not that dissimilar to those that any of us have had to face when serving incompetent and egotistical superiors. However, the fact that the decisions take place in a time of war when each decision may affect multiple lives and the security of the country exacerbates each decision, raising the piles of chips awaiting each throw of the dice.
As usual, the author as a former cavalry officer, introduces some of the basic lessons of strategy and tactics into the narrative. These are not “forced lessons” where the author lectures us, but the exposition flows naturally in both external dialogue between characters and internal dialogue as the protagonist weighs the costs of differing approaches to the military problems faced. This novel, more than the others, places a high value on that most necessary but unsung factor in victory—LOGISTICS. At two points, in particular, the conflict between superior and reporting officer hinges on a logistical question. On one occasion, begrudging success is granted the careful attention to detail. On another, our hero must find a way to save his commander’s face while still doing what is logistically correct.
In this novel, we find out a little more about the protagonist’s interest in the Psalms and his personal faith. Naturally, this is interesting to me (as a sidequest in a well-designed D&D campaign), but not so overt and in one’s face that it should put off those who have no interest in either the Bible or the institutional church. For me, it is near-perfect balance. I’d be glad to hear from others.
As for setting, A Regimental Affair is fairly distinctive in this, as well. The action takes place on the U.S. and Canadian border after the War of 1812. In this case, the British forces based in Canada are working with the U.S. forces based at Fort Niagara and Fort Detroit to deal with the Native American “problem.” Kudos to the author for choosing this relatively obscure British “campaign setting” when the more well-trodden ground would have been to transport us back to the India of The Nizam’s Daughters (aka Honourable Company). I suspect we’ll get back to India, but this is fresh and welcome territory for adventuring.
This book, even more than others in the series, expands upon the author’s conviction that the purchasing of commissions in the Napoleonic Era cavalry (and army) was a very bad idea, leading to having incompetence and cowardice in the brass even more than the M.B.A. approach to modern business has contributed the same in the management ranks of modern U.S. corporations. This element, present in this novel more than in its predecessors, allows the author to challenge the reader (like the protagonist) to agonize over loyalty to country versus immediate superior, efficiency and order over egotistical command structure, and judicious use of influence over reckless self-aggrandizement.
The decisions to be made by Captain (now Brevet Major) Hervey are not that dissimilar to those that any of us have had to face when serving incompetent and egotistical superiors. However, the fact that the decisions take place in a time of war when each decision may affect multiple lives and the security of the country exacerbates each decision, raising the piles of chips awaiting each throw of the dice.
As usual, the author as a former cavalry officer, introduces some of the basic lessons of strategy and tactics into the narrative. These are not “forced lessons” where the author lectures us, but the exposition flows naturally in both external dialogue between characters and internal dialogue as the protagonist weighs the costs of differing approaches to the military problems faced. This novel, more than the others, places a high value on that most necessary but unsung factor in victory—LOGISTICS. At two points, in particular, the conflict between superior and reporting officer hinges on a logistical question. On one occasion, begrudging success is granted the careful attention to detail. On another, our hero must find a way to save his commander’s face while still doing what is logistically correct.
In this novel, we find out a little more about the protagonist’s interest in the Psalms and his personal faith. Naturally, this is interesting to me (as a sidequest in a well-designed D&D campaign), but not so overt and in one’s face that it should put off those who have no interest in either the Bible or the institutional church. For me, it is near-perfect balance. I’d be glad to hear from others.
As for setting, A Regimental Affair is fairly distinctive in this, as well. The action takes place on the U.S. and Canadian border after the War of 1812. In this case, the British forces based in Canada are working with the U.S. forces based at Fort Niagara and Fort Detroit to deal with the Native American “problem.” Kudos to the author for choosing this relatively obscure British “campaign setting” when the more well-trodden ground would have been to transport us back to the India of The Nizam’s Daughters (aka Honourable Company). I suspect we’ll get back to India, but this is fresh and welcome territory for adventuring.
February 20, 2021
I am a long standing fan of Patrick O'Brian. Some reviewers have compared Mallinson to him, favourably. I approached the series hoping that that might be the case. Unfortunately not.
The quality is lacking. The books, having read the first three, lack quality, are melodramatic and constantly seeking the 'reader shock' factor as an enticement to read on. I did enjoy the context in which Hervey operates but too many 'dark dastardly' villains and too many 'wonderful' ladies, heroic compatriots, true friends etc.
Pity had hoped for better.
The quality is lacking. The books, having read the first three, lack quality, are melodramatic and constantly seeking the 'reader shock' factor as an enticement to read on. I did enjoy the context in which Hervey operates but too many 'dark dastardly' villains and too many 'wonderful' ladies, heroic compatriots, true friends etc.
Pity had hoped for better.
July 14, 2018
3rd in an addictive series.
Historical accuracy and deft narration recreates a complex world. of service to crown and country in calvary regiments. The storyline captures the challenges in coping with the contracting economy of the post napoleonic era aggravated political and social class tensions.
Historical accuracy and deft narration recreates a complex world. of service to crown and country in calvary regiments. The storyline captures the challenges in coping with the contracting economy of the post napoleonic era aggravated political and social class tensions.
October 5, 2019
It finally picked up.
I truly enjoy the Hervey adventures, but the first two thirds of this volume seemed to lack direction or purpose. I am far less interested in the day to day happenings of a country estate, then I am with military life of the era.
I truly enjoy the Hervey adventures, but the first two thirds of this volume seemed to lack direction or purpose. I am far less interested in the day to day happenings of a country estate, then I am with military life of the era.
March 3, 2019
Great read. very sad ending
September 28, 2021
A Good read
Very good discribing the army in the 1800 hundreds and the way the officers got promoted by buying their rank
Very good discribing the army in the 1800 hundreds and the way the officers got promoted by buying their rank
December 22, 2021
Long on life of the times but not enough action. The ending rather poor and makes you want to find out how Hervey gets on. Making you buy the next book
April 2, 2013
Matthew Hervey is a Captain in the 6th Light Dragoons. A hero of Waterloo and India, he returns to the regiment to find Lord Towchester in charge - an arrogant, cruel and jealous man. But worse, he is a coward. Hervey only wants to bide his time under his command, enjoy his new marriage and the birth of his first child, but with morale failing and other jobs beckoning, he finds himself in a difficult position. But when the regiment is sent to Canada to help squash the Indian rebellion, the whole affair comes to a tragic end.
I'm a huge fan of the Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwall and being nuts about ponies, I thought I couldn't fail to like this book. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I found the style a bit stilted, as if reading Austen rather than something penned this century, and with so much packed into the novel, I left it feeling a bit dazed. Some important things seemed to rush by without you having any time to really take them in, and the regiment went all over the world in a heartbeat that I felt left behind! Nonetheless, I will be tracking down the other novels in the series, but I don't think they will become as well thumbed as my Sharpe books.
I'm a huge fan of the Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwall and being nuts about ponies, I thought I couldn't fail to like this book. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I found the style a bit stilted, as if reading Austen rather than something penned this century, and with so much packed into the novel, I left it feeling a bit dazed. Some important things seemed to rush by without you having any time to really take them in, and the regiment went all over the world in a heartbeat that I felt left behind! Nonetheless, I will be tracking down the other novels in the series, but I don't think they will become as well thumbed as my Sharpe books.
January 30, 2010
OK so I'm a big fan of the genre to start with but in spite of that this is still a good read, not Mallinsons best but still very good.The use of period dialogue could make it a slog for some but very worth the effort. Unlike most books of this type this one does not cronical the fictional characters contribution to some major historial battle but sets him at home in England dealing with both his own domestic life and the concerns of civil unrest of the time. I read historical fiction to painlessly add to my historical curiosity without having to slug through dry texts which don't usually paint the individuals personalities. I'm generally ready to take the authors I know and trust's interpretation of people and events because I know they have done their homework and generally they tell you when they fiddled things around to aid the story line. This book takes you to a time and place typically oveerlooked by most so for that alone it's worth the time.
July 21, 2012
captain hervey has returned from india. he goes with the 6th light dragoons, but his commanding officer does not like harvey. hervey marries henrietta. this book is set during the luddite troubles in england and the regiment has to deal with them. they then go to canada and henrietta goes as well even thouth she is pregnant. the regiment has to deal with the cold weather and the native indians. when hervey is away the colonel orders henrietta out of the barracks and tells her to go to detroit, but armstrong says it is not safe. henrietta dies and the men that where escorting her are killed by shawnasee indians. great book the author is well versed in military history.
December 28, 2011
Another very good book by Mallinson: Bernard Cornwell or Alexander Kent type novel written in Jane Austen style. This book, 3rd in the series, provides an excellent insight into the British regimental tradition, much of which is still visible in the British army today (and to a lesser extent, in the Canadian army): the loyalty and dedication of the individual soldier/officer to the regiment itself. Mallinson also provides a great deal of insight into cavalry tactics of the era. Again, I would have liked a glossary of cavalry terminology as well as pre-victorian language. A very worthwhile read for interested the military historical fiction genre (along with a good dollop of romance).
November 25, 2016
Matthew Hervey returns from India in 1817 to rejoin his 6th Light Dragoons, only to find that the regiment is now commanded by a lying incompetent. He struggles to balance his loyalty to the service with his principled objections to the commander. Mr. Mallinson writes with precision and elegance, very much in the voice of the novel's times. At times his technical military and equine terminology are a bit murky, at least to this neophyte, but the power of the story, the characters, and the overall effect of the settings are compelling. Highly recommended to enthusiasts of great historical fiction.
November 5, 2015
I really enjoyed A Close Run Thing but was terribly disappointed with The Nizam's Daughters. I thought I would give A Regimental Affair a shot and see if it was better than #2. I'll be moving on to #4 now. This was still too "horsey" for my liking but much better than The Nizam's Daughters. There is plenty of drama, some action, and a surprise ending that I never saw coming. The conclusion will obviously be continued upon in the next installment.
September 28, 2014
Once again, I have really enjoyed a Matthew Hervey Novel. I love the way Mallinson writes. So much detail about a soldier's way of life that just does not exist anymore. BUT I cannot believe how Mallinson ended this one. Such a cliffhanger, and it is hard for me to get my hands on these novels. I have to do inter-library loan. AAARRRGGGHHH!
February 11, 2012
All of the Mathew Hervey adventures are gripping stories - as good a series of reads as the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey/Maturin seafaring adventures. Great for lovers of horses. I have read, and re-read, the lot.
January 13, 2014
This series is very different than other historical military fiction, dealing with a wider variety of subjects than others I have read. This book definitely moves the story along, and I found the book hard to put down. A fitting member of the series.
June 28, 2010
Interesting story
Read
August 20, 2012quaint language but absorbing.
September 2, 2012
He's not quite got that O'brian magic, but still, I am beginning to lookm forto the new book each year
January 31, 2015
Thomas Hervey is a vicar. Matthew Hervey opposes the Luddites, serves in Canada, and encounters tragedy. #3 in the series.
August 11, 2016
This reads more like three novellas collected into a single edition, rather than a full novel. Nonetheless, it remains very good.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews