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The Greatest Enemy
Twenty-five years ago HMS Terrapin was part of a crack hunter/killer group in the Battle of the Atlantic. Now she is working out her last commission in the Gulf of Thailand. To Lieutenant-Commander Standish, the frigate seems to mark the end of his hopes of a career in the Navy. Then a new captain arrives, a man driven by an old-fashioned, almost obsessive patriotism. And under his stubborn leadership Standish and the crew discover a long-forgotten unity of purpose-
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1970
72 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Reeman
139 books178 followersAKA 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 10, 2019
The Terrapin is a worn out ship. Her crew is a motley group with the exec having survived his own naval trauma. She is assigned a new skipper who is anxious to prove his worth and who believes the higher ups don't appreciate the gravity of the communist threat. To show them his worth, he disobeys orders and puts his ship in harm's way.
There have been lots of books dealing with Captain Queeg-like commanders and the relationships that develop between a crew who thinks the captain is crazy, the Executive Officer, charged with supporting the captain and enforcing his will on the ship. The Caine Mutiny (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) is one of those classics and should be read by everyone who enjoys a good naval yarn or even a first-rate legal battle.
I read the Arnheiter Affair (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) several years ago, a book to which Reeman refers in his introduction. He suggests that Arnheiter was right and should not have been relieved. I recommend reading both books and drawing your own conclusions. The idea that any commander can willfully disobey orders is anathema to any military service, regardless of how righteous they may think they are. Thank goodness Curtis LeMay didn't just charge off and send the bombers over Moscow with atomic weapons. He wanted to.
Reeman is clever sympathetic to Dalziel, the captain, who refuses to stay within the guidelines of his orders and, in the end, achieves a measure of validation. The book will without doubt appeal more to nautical afficionados than the average reader, but it does obliquely raise some interesting issues.
There have been lots of books dealing with Captain Queeg-like commanders and the relationships that develop between a crew who thinks the captain is crazy, the Executive Officer, charged with supporting the captain and enforcing his will on the ship. The Caine Mutiny (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) is one of those classics and should be read by everyone who enjoys a good naval yarn or even a first-rate legal battle.
I read the Arnheiter Affair (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) several years ago, a book to which Reeman refers in his introduction. He suggests that Arnheiter was right and should not have been relieved. I recommend reading both books and drawing your own conclusions. The idea that any commander can willfully disobey orders is anathema to any military service, regardless of how righteous they may think they are. Thank goodness Curtis LeMay didn't just charge off and send the bombers over Moscow with atomic weapons. He wanted to.
Reeman is clever sympathetic to Dalziel, the captain, who refuses to stay within the guidelines of his orders and, in the end, achieves a measure of validation. The book will without doubt appeal more to nautical afficionados than the average reader, but it does obliquely raise some interesting issues.
October 23, 2018
This was a fabulous and very gritty Royal Navy story. Most of Douglas Reeman’s stories are usually set in World War I or II. Especially II. This story is set in 1970. It concerns an old frigate named HMS Terrapin. The Terrapin is at the end of her service days. She is ready for the scrap yard or for sale to a developing nation. The ship is at Singapore when a new Captain is suddenly given charge of the languishing ship and over-relaxed crew. The Far East is a place that the United Kingdom is gradually withdrawing from. The Empire has gone and the Royal Navy is shrinking in size.
The new Captain is completely old school. Not suited for the modern day Navy. He is bubbling with aggressive patriotism and alive with no-nonsense enthusiasm. Lieutenant-Commander Standish is alarmed by the new Captain’s mad vigour. Yet through all of the bluster and tragic past of this no-nonsense man, there is a spark. The enthusiasm grips Standish and a loyalty begins to develop. The area of the sea they patrol is infested with pirate junks and smugglers. The Vietnam War is still going on and there are junks from the Mekong Delta.
HMS Terrapin is part of a wider naval mission or project with an American Admiral in overall command of the patrols up against the smuggling etc. There is also another British Captain attached to the American Admiral’s staff. A liaison officer. He is trying to ruin Terrapin’s new Commander.
The story becomes more gripping as the gun hoe Captain of the Terrapin gets it into his head that there is a bigger menace to deal with among the seafaring pirates and smugglers. Something connected with the Communist powers. The strange thing is… Lieutenant-Commander Standish thinks he might have a point.
I wished the British film industry would go back to making those old matinée pictures. This one would be an absolute sizzler. I could not put it down. I enjoyed every single page of this seafaring tale.
The new Captain is completely old school. Not suited for the modern day Navy. He is bubbling with aggressive patriotism and alive with no-nonsense enthusiasm. Lieutenant-Commander Standish is alarmed by the new Captain’s mad vigour. Yet through all of the bluster and tragic past of this no-nonsense man, there is a spark. The enthusiasm grips Standish and a loyalty begins to develop. The area of the sea they patrol is infested with pirate junks and smugglers. The Vietnam War is still going on and there are junks from the Mekong Delta.
HMS Terrapin is part of a wider naval mission or project with an American Admiral in overall command of the patrols up against the smuggling etc. There is also another British Captain attached to the American Admiral’s staff. A liaison officer. He is trying to ruin Terrapin’s new Commander.
The story becomes more gripping as the gun hoe Captain of the Terrapin gets it into his head that there is a bigger menace to deal with among the seafaring pirates and smugglers. Something connected with the Communist powers. The strange thing is… Lieutenant-Commander Standish thinks he might have a point.
I wished the British film industry would go back to making those old matinée pictures. This one would be an absolute sizzler. I could not put it down. I enjoyed every single page of this seafaring tale.
January 4, 2021
This has to be one of Reeman’s best from in the post-war era; I really enjoyed it. To a certain extent some readers might accuse the author of following his tried and true template. In this case, he uses a second class ship and a second class crew doing a thankless job. This tests senior officers with an unexpected and unbelievable situation. Recognizing there is no actual war, he manages to insert a flag of convenience Russian freighter, smuggling arms to Malaya as the US is tied up fighting in Viet Nam. Later he inserts even more danger near Cambodia.
Reeman demonstrates his experience and prowess by threading in a range of issues that add significant challenges to the issues faced by his characters. This adds considerably to the complexity and enjoyment of the story line. The British ship reports to a US Admiral, its patrol area is under the purview of the Malaysian government. Both the captain and the first officer are suffering personal problems and both have recently suffered serious injuries and lengthy convalescence. The ship is older, tired and expected to be scrapped or sold soon. The crew is the usual mix and they all play their expected role: the good and bad, the young and old, cynical and enthusiastic. Some are killed and some become heroes.
The protagonist is often the first officer and sometimes the captain. The antagonist is the situation. There are the “communists” who create the situation and fire fights. There is everybody else on the ship at times: including the captain at times who wants to run the ship as if this was the Second World War again; the first officer at times who did not always support his captain; and certain crew members at times, who knew the ship was at the end of its life and just wanted to coast to the finish.
An excellent work; always gripping. Five stars.
Reeman demonstrates his experience and prowess by threading in a range of issues that add significant challenges to the issues faced by his characters. This adds considerably to the complexity and enjoyment of the story line. The British ship reports to a US Admiral, its patrol area is under the purview of the Malaysian government. Both the captain and the first officer are suffering personal problems and both have recently suffered serious injuries and lengthy convalescence. The ship is older, tired and expected to be scrapped or sold soon. The crew is the usual mix and they all play their expected role: the good and bad, the young and old, cynical and enthusiastic. Some are killed and some become heroes.
The protagonist is often the first officer and sometimes the captain. The antagonist is the situation. There are the “communists” who create the situation and fire fights. There is everybody else on the ship at times: including the captain at times who wants to run the ship as if this was the Second World War again; the first officer at times who did not always support his captain; and certain crew members at times, who knew the ship was at the end of its life and just wanted to coast to the finish.
An excellent work; always gripping. Five stars.
December 20, 2019
I'm 80% through and after a deceptively slow start I'm finding that I have to force myself to put it down at night. After the first quarter I felt that I knew the characters and possible directions of the story, but since then Reeman has just kept developing it steadily, and entirely credibly, so that now I'm fascinated to know the outcome. The theme of the worn out ship and crew, and new commander, works very well.
January 1, 2018
Another good Reeman story with the same basic plot type - old ship, crew with former problems, a crisis and how the good guys won. Moves fast. And of course a love story. It is amazing to me how quickly the lead characters fall in love.
June 27, 2023
The Greatest Enemy by Douglas Reeman is set in the 1970s - with the war in Vietnam reaching its grinding conclusion there is concern that the dominoes may fall to communism with Thailand and Malaysia next on the list - or that at least is the interpretation of the situation that Commander Dalziel has. Lt commander Standish has been on HMS Terrapin operating out of Hong Kong for only a few months when his captain is replaced with XXX the new CO. Dalziel is a stickler for efficiency and getting everything shipshape and shining. Not so easy in a frigate that is a relic of the 2nd world war and on its’ last legs. His determination that everything must be done now and willingness to defy orders soon creates rifts in the crew.
Standish is in a situation where he needs to decide whether to relieve his captain. The clashes in the crew are the driving force of this book. There is action but in many ways much of it feels a bit contrived, particularly the foe Dalziel is chasing, given this is no war situation. And I feel the book probably could have worked as well with less of the action.
Otherwise while it may be unusual for being set in a more modern period pretty much everything else about the book is pretty standard Reeman. The characters are at times rather cookie cutter, the women and romance especially so. But then I would be astonished if anyone reads Reeman for the romance, it is just something he seems to feel he needs to have to complete the novel.
Not the best of Reeman’s novels but interesting and at times engrossing nonetheless.
Standish is in a situation where he needs to decide whether to relieve his captain. The clashes in the crew are the driving force of this book. There is action but in many ways much of it feels a bit contrived, particularly the foe Dalziel is chasing, given this is no war situation. And I feel the book probably could have worked as well with less of the action.
Otherwise while it may be unusual for being set in a more modern period pretty much everything else about the book is pretty standard Reeman. The characters are at times rather cookie cutter, the women and romance especially so. But then I would be astonished if anyone reads Reeman for the romance, it is just something he seems to feel he needs to have to complete the novel.
Not the best of Reeman’s novels but interesting and at times engrossing nonetheless.
May 19, 2019
Classic Douglas Reeman: an old WW2 frigate on her last tour before being decommissioned, a new disciplinarian skipper, his damaged First Officer... and a ho-hum romance. Slightly different here as we're in the Gulf of Thailand in 1970 but the winning formula remains. The 'routine' anti-insurgency patrols become more eventful as Captain Dalziel drives his ship & crew hard - right at the enemy in a Nelson stylee.
Dalziel is an interesting character study. He makes Captain Bligh look like a wuss, is borderline pyschotic and has a refreshingly old school approach to man management ("can't abide fat officers"). He's also heroic and consistently right throughout in conducting his duty regardless of politicking and personalities. The prologue referring to (not "referencing") a US Naval skipper that seems tho have provided inspiration. I'm not ashamed to admit my stiff upper lip was wobbling in the final poignant pages.
Dalziel is an interesting character study. He makes Captain Bligh look like a wuss, is borderline pyschotic and has a refreshingly old school approach to man management ("can't abide fat officers"). He's also heroic and consistently right throughout in conducting his duty regardless of politicking and personalities. The prologue referring to (not "referencing") a US Naval skipper that seems tho have provided inspiration. I'm not ashamed to admit my stiff upper lip was wobbling in the final poignant pages.
July 13, 2022
The Greatest Enemy, is the tale of an old ship, The Terrapin, during the 1970s, which is given to an old style Captain Dalziel, determined to make his mark on patrols along the Singapore coastline. He feels that he is not taken seriously by the American ships of the Group. He ignores orders to pursue his beliefs causing upset amongst some of his own crew and the American Command. His Number1, remains loyal to the end. A book hard to put down.
October 10, 2020
A story of goals, dreams, and obsession. An old warship, soon to be sold off, with a crew a bit too used to boring assignments, get a new Captain whose focus on getting the ship and crew back into shape and looking for trouble borders on obsession.
More than a simple story of right and wrong, but also of duty and necessity.
More than a simple story of right and wrong, but also of duty and necessity.
May 5, 2019
Just another well written and very few top five book
Well-written and descriptive novel from an author with a great knowledge of navel history and warfare. another great read from a prolific author.
Well-written and descriptive novel from an author with a great knowledge of navel history and warfare. another great read from a prolific author.
May 20, 2019
Excellent and hard to put down
A great story well told. The various characters with all their flaws and strengths only adding to a tale of courage and loyalty that is hard to put down.. Truly excellent read
A great story well told. The various characters with all their flaws and strengths only adding to a tale of courage and loyalty that is hard to put down.. Truly excellent read
June 27, 2020
I’ve always respected this author. Douglas Reeman can portray man’s loss and pain so well, rendering his characters and stories so raw and visceral.
This book tells a great story, with a naval perspective that only the author can deliver so faultlessly and tell so well.
This book tells a great story, with a naval perspective that only the author can deliver so faultlessly and tell so well.
April 8, 2021
Reeman at its best
Another book I couldn't put down. A great story well considered and well written. Great pace and story line twisting and meshing with the lives of the seamen in the Terrapin.
Another book I couldn't put down. A great story well considered and well written. Great pace and story line twisting and meshing with the lives of the seamen in the Terrapin.
May 29, 2022
Another great book from the pen of our greatest naval fiction writers of modern times.
Fast moving,explicit packed with emotion and interest, in best naval tradition. A great story from a great modern story teller.
Fast moving,explicit packed with emotion and interest, in best naval tradition. A great story from a great modern story teller.
November 26, 2019
Remarkable characters, fight for life and death, line of duty.... one of the best by Reeman...
February 20, 2020
Easy read
Easy read and moves along with just the right amount of depth with enough twists to keep you reading another chapter
Easy read and moves along with just the right amount of depth with enough twists to keep you reading another chapter
March 31, 2021
Hard to put down
A believable story in many ways, it's detail seemed at times very close to that I would expect. Will just have to continue reading Douglas Redman books!
A believable story in many ways, it's detail seemed at times very close to that I would expect. Will just have to continue reading Douglas Redman books!
May 26, 2021
Tension throughout
Excellent story nail biting to the end , up to the very high standard Douglas sets . Well done and written.
Excellent story nail biting to the end , up to the very high standard Douglas sets . Well done and written.
March 3, 2022
A thundering good read .
Slightly old fashioned but Reeman tells a good story . The romance is not too off putting . The imagery is excellent. I always go back to Mr Reeman .
Slightly old fashioned but Reeman tells a good story . The romance is not too off putting . The imagery is excellent. I always go back to Mr Reeman .
July 25, 2022
Great read
It starts a bit slow but if you stay with the ship, I don't think you will be disappointed, I wasn't
It starts a bit slow but if you stay with the ship, I don't think you will be disappointed, I wasn't
February 2, 2026
Well Written Tale
Multi-faceted naval adventure with several twists and turns. Kept me engaged throughout. I recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable read.
Multi-faceted naval adventure with several twists and turns. Kept me engaged throughout. I recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable read.
October 11, 2020
Excellent story
A good yarn. Real depth to the characters. Set long after the second world war. Interesting from that perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
A good yarn. Real depth to the characters. Set long after the second world war. Interesting from that perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews