What do you think?
Rate this book
Lieutenant Peter Harding #1
Command
Frozen fingers, broken bones, shattered hearts… the situation could not get worse.
Or so Lieutenant Peter Harding thought. The Trigger has just left UK shores and is on its way to northern Norway when the relentless storm hits. Harding’s crew are barely surviving the Artic conditions which face them. The ship is slowly dying and cracks are beginning to show, in both the ship and in relations between the men on board.
The navy of Nazi Germany are under orders to destroy The Trigger, but how much will it take before Harding and his men surrender to the enemy? A thrilling, nautical adventure, Command presents a heart-warming tale of the loyalty and brotherhood of the Royal Navy in their courageous fight against German forces. For fans of Alan Scholefield and Philip McCutchan comes another classic naval adventure from Anthony Melville-Ross.
“A thriller of unusual quality” – The Independent
Anthony Melville-Ross was born in Hastings, East Sussex on November 11 1920. He published six novels between 1978 and 1985, all inspired by his background as a sub-mariner in the Second World War. He had an extremely successful career in the navy, rose to command his own boat and transferred into the Secret Service after the end of the war. He died in his hometown on January 10 1993, aged 73.
Or so Lieutenant Peter Harding thought. The Trigger has just left UK shores and is on its way to northern Norway when the relentless storm hits. Harding’s crew are barely surviving the Artic conditions which face them. The ship is slowly dying and cracks are beginning to show, in both the ship and in relations between the men on board.
The navy of Nazi Germany are under orders to destroy The Trigger, but how much will it take before Harding and his men surrender to the enemy? A thrilling, nautical adventure, Command presents a heart-warming tale of the loyalty and brotherhood of the Royal Navy in their courageous fight against German forces. For fans of Alan Scholefield and Philip McCutchan comes another classic naval adventure from Anthony Melville-Ross.
“A thriller of unusual quality” – The Independent
Anthony Melville-Ross was born in Hastings, East Sussex on November 11 1920. He published six novels between 1978 and 1985, all inspired by his background as a sub-mariner in the Second World War. He had an extremely successful career in the navy, rose to command his own boat and transferred into the Secret Service after the end of the war. He died in his hometown on January 10 1993, aged 73.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2017
552 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Antony Melville-Ross
28 books13 followersANTONY MELVILLE ROSS was a thriller writer of unusual quality. He was an excellent craftsman who constructed his stories with skill and wrote clear uncluttered prose, and his work has a ring of authenticity which in fact owed as much to personal experience as to the liveliness of his imagination and to his gifts as a storyteller.
The six novels that he published between 1978 and 1985 arise equally from his service as a sub- mariner in the Second World War, in which he was awarded the DSC and rose to command his own boat, and the Cold War world of the Secret Service into which he transferred soon after the end of the war. He wrote them in inverse order, beginning with the spy novels and then going on to submarines. His first book, Blindfold (1978), was at once recognised by such discriminating critics as TJ Binyon and Sheridan Morley, who compared it to Ian Fleming's debut with Casino Royale. Like Fleming, Melville Ross made good use of exotic backgrounds - the Libyan desert, the Colombian jungle - as well as the familiar thriller territory of London and New York. But he made less use of, indeed was not so much at home in, the world of beautiful people, of the best clubs, the best restaurants. There is perhaps less glamour but there is no less excitement. Two Faces of Nemesis (1979) consolidated the reputation established by Blindfold but it is Tightrope (1981) that shows his complete mastery of complicated plotting and a compulsive narrative power.
Trigger (1982) was the first of the submarine stories. Set in the Mediterranean in 1943, it was at least partly based on his service under a legendary fire-eater decorated with the VC who was by no means the easiest of commanding officers. The book was as widely praised for its expertise, communicated to the reader without apparent effort, as for the suspense he knew so well how to achieve. 'He has that rare thriller writer's skill of making the reader know what to do in a crisis, as when enemy destroyers are sweeping overhead,' as one reviewer put it. The same qualities were evident in Talon (1983) and Shadow (1985). The tension and the trust between men living together in the closest of quarters and the greatest of danger pervades every line. So does the discipline and the professionalism that Melville Ross brought to his work as an author.
The six novels that he published between 1978 and 1985 arise equally from his service as a sub- mariner in the Second World War, in which he was awarded the DSC and rose to command his own boat, and the Cold War world of the Secret Service into which he transferred soon after the end of the war. He wrote them in inverse order, beginning with the spy novels and then going on to submarines. His first book, Blindfold (1978), was at once recognised by such discriminating critics as TJ Binyon and Sheridan Morley, who compared it to Ian Fleming's debut with Casino Royale. Like Fleming, Melville Ross made good use of exotic backgrounds - the Libyan desert, the Colombian jungle - as well as the familiar thriller territory of London and New York. But he made less use of, indeed was not so much at home in, the world of beautiful people, of the best clubs, the best restaurants. There is perhaps less glamour but there is no less excitement. Two Faces of Nemesis (1979) consolidated the reputation established by Blindfold but it is Tightrope (1981) that shows his complete mastery of complicated plotting and a compulsive narrative power.
Trigger (1982) was the first of the submarine stories. Set in the Mediterranean in 1943, it was at least partly based on his service under a legendary fire-eater decorated with the VC who was by no means the easiest of commanding officers. The book was as widely praised for its expertise, communicated to the reader without apparent effort, as for the suspense he knew so well how to achieve. 'He has that rare thriller writer's skill of making the reader know what to do in a crisis, as when enemy destroyers are sweeping overhead,' as one reviewer put it. The same qualities were evident in Talon (1983) and Shadow (1985). The tension and the trust between men living together in the closest of quarters and the greatest of danger pervades every line. So does the discipline and the professionalism that Melville Ross brought to his work as an author.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 5, 2020
Authnticity ?
A very good read as usual and lots of te hnical detail regarding submarines HOWEVER a sub is NEVER referred to as a ship, it is ALWAYS a boat ! Such a schoolboy error does detract from the authors claim of submarine experience. Ripping yarn nevertheless .
A very good read as usual and lots of te hnical detail regarding submarines HOWEVER a sub is NEVER referred to as a ship, it is ALWAYS a boat ! Such a schoolboy error does detract from the authors claim of submarine experience. Ripping yarn nevertheless .
December 3, 2020
One of the better submarine novels I've read.
March 17, 2022
I believe this is the first book I’ve read involving a British Submarine told from the perspective of the ship’s captain. We also get to hear from the Germans he is pitted against. This is the first time I’ve encountered a submarine that wasn’t able to submerge. Also I’d never considered the fact that diesel engines need air to operate. It’s only the advent of nuclear subs that enables a sub to remain submerged indefinitely without the need for fresh air to operate their engines; and never need to refuel. And once more, I’ve never before encountered the fact that depth charges exploding below a sub could force it to the surface. This author was a submariner and knows his stuff.
The captain here may understand the necessity of what he does but attempts to be as humane about it as possible even to taking an enemy captain aboard his sub. He also risks explaining his actions to his men and is willing to admit that he isn’t all-knowing and to seek their advice and expertise. In the end it is important to have friends in high places literally and figuratively.
The captain here may understand the necessity of what he does but attempts to be as humane about it as possible even to taking an enemy captain aboard his sub. He also risks explaining his actions to his men and is willing to admit that he isn’t all-knowing and to seek their advice and expertise. In the end it is important to have friends in high places literally and figuratively.
March 9, 2021
This is an exciting novel about a British submarine’s actions during World War II. The War Patrols in this book cover action in 1942 and 1943. The Captain of the sub, Trigger, is Lt. Peter Harding wo is just 24 years old and he experiences the weight of command. The tension of the well described battle scenes keeps you interested and reading on as the submarine is involved in missions in the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Environmental conditions definitely effect and influence tactic in their missions. Torpedo attacks by the Trigger on German or Italian merchant shipping inevitably leads to depth charge attacks on Trigger by enemy Destroyers. Characters are well developed and interesting people who you’ll follow on shore as well as when they are engaged in War Patrols. This is the first book in the Peter Harding series and I will continue to read these historical adventure novels.
December 15, 2020
My initial impression, based on the first couple of pages, was this was written by someone who served on Submarines. Checking the authorities I found that he had indeed served in Royal Navy submarines. Thats makes this book (series) one of the rare novels which can be said to be authentic.
The story itself is a series of missions in the Norwegian Sea in late 1942 and the Mediterranean in early/mid 1943. These scenes are excellent, written with a lot of tension based on real experience of submarine attacks and destroyer counter attacks.
The onshore scenes are also realistic I suspect. The general attitudes of those fighting is unusual. I have not come across anything quite like what is written though. It feels off to me, but perhaps it should as I suspect it highlights the difference between people who lived through the war and those of us who have grown up with the stereotypes.
The story itself is a series of missions in the Norwegian Sea in late 1942 and the Mediterranean in early/mid 1943. These scenes are excellent, written with a lot of tension based on real experience of submarine attacks and destroyer counter attacks.
The onshore scenes are also realistic I suspect. The general attitudes of those fighting is unusual. I have not come across anything quite like what is written though. It feels off to me, but perhaps it should as I suspect it highlights the difference between people who lived through the war and those of us who have grown up with the stereotypes.
January 4, 2020
In praise of " Command"
Every thoughtful and entertaining story. The subject well researched although the use of the term " ship" when referring to the submarine is annoyingly incorrect. Submarines are called " boats" by submariners and most naval personnel worh their salt or " tot" (rum ration) . Very good descriptions of attack procedures ,generally accurate. If one ever wondered what life aboard a diesel electric boat was like? This is an indication. As an old conventional and nuke hand I rate this book pretty highly.
Every thoughtful and entertaining story. The subject well researched although the use of the term " ship" when referring to the submarine is annoyingly incorrect. Submarines are called " boats" by submariners and most naval personnel worh their salt or " tot" (rum ration) . Very good descriptions of attack procedures ,generally accurate. If one ever wondered what life aboard a diesel electric boat was like? This is an indication. As an old conventional and nuke hand I rate this book pretty highly.
February 15, 2020
Much more than I expected!
For $0.99 I got a book it was well worth $10. It held my attention throughout and although some of the scenarios were a little bit stretched, they almost always are and every book. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in world war II submarine books.
For $0.99 I got a book it was well worth $10. It held my attention throughout and although some of the scenarios were a little bit stretched, they almost always are and every book. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in world war II submarine books.
May 30, 2020
An enjoyable ACTION PACKED read !
Suspense is another ingredient to this book that I had enjoyed reading so much. Expertly edited, consistent in every sequence and the facts provided were well researched. One hell of a read ! I cannot wait to read ALL the books in the series !!!
Suspense is another ingredient to this book that I had enjoyed reading so much. Expertly edited, consistent in every sequence and the facts provided were well researched. One hell of a read ! I cannot wait to read ALL the books in the series !!!
June 13, 2020
A very good story well told . Looking forward to the next books by the same author with lt Harding and jissubmarine
The story really highlighted the difficulties that war time submarines had and how relationships were effected . It explained how the various services worked together
The story really highlighted the difficulties that war time submarines had and how relationships were effected . It explained how the various services worked together
June 30, 2020
Young Sub Commander Proves Worthy
I could picture myself being this 24 year old submarine commander. The skills of Harding on sub were described with just enough detail to make me feel I was in sub. I liked how the supporting characters were brought to life to make the story interesting. I recommend this book highly.
I could picture myself being this 24 year old submarine commander. The skills of Harding on sub were described with just enough detail to make me feel I was in sub. I liked how the supporting characters were brought to life to make the story interesting. I recommend this book highly.
January 9, 2021
An extraordinary book, with an all-to-real appreciation of the men, lives, and operations of WWII submarines in truly terrifying environments. Most readers do not understand just how young many British sub commanders were, versus, what they achieved. Certainly not “great literature”, but authentic, moving, and very entertaining. Altogether Well Done!
August 16, 2021
Luck
Tis novel is extremely well written with enough fact to make it read as a nonfiction novel. The characters are believe able and easy to like or hate. The writing style is such that the story flows through several mini stories all part of the entire story telling. Well done, great read and on to the next in the series.
Tis novel is extremely well written with enough fact to make it read as a nonfiction novel. The characters are believe able and easy to like or hate. The writing style is such that the story flows through several mini stories all part of the entire story telling. Well done, great read and on to the next in the series.
May 4, 2022
Tense read of a hazardous mission.
Excellent account of an extremely hazardous mission from the viewpoint of a British submarine crew. The only historically inaccuracy I could determine was the reference to the "U.S. Air Force. Such entity did not come into existence until 1947-48. Prior to that it was the U.S Army Air Corps.
Excellent account of an extremely hazardous mission from the viewpoint of a British submarine crew. The only historically inaccuracy I could determine was the reference to the "U.S. Air Force. Such entity did not come into existence until 1947-48. Prior to that it was the U.S Army Air Corps.
May 12, 2022
An excellent tale about one of "The Silent Service"
As the son of a submarine skipper of the the pre-war and WW II era, I recognize
much of what I learned from my father, about the boats in peace and at war.
I recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in underseas warfare.
As the son of a submarine skipper of the the pre-war and WW II era, I recognize
much of what I learned from my father, about the boats in peace and at war.
I recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in underseas warfare.
June 21, 2022
the final in a series of four
This is submarine sea stories in ww2. A final book following captain Harding. I really hated to be coming to the end and enjoyed it at rage same time.
All the characters, British Navy, the author puts you right on the sub
For every hold your breath moment. I wish there were 4 more.
This is submarine sea stories in ww2. A final book following captain Harding. I really hated to be coming to the end and enjoyed it at rage same time.
All the characters, British Navy, the author puts you right on the sub
For every hold your breath moment. I wish there were 4 more.
September 8, 2024
A classic of the sea.
A solid five star read. The action parts are vividly described and full of authenticity as though you were there yourself. The characters are well realised and compelling, most especially Gascoigne and of course Harding himself. This series is not to be missed and recommended.
A solid five star read. The action parts are vividly described and full of authenticity as though you were there yourself. The characters are well realised and compelling, most especially Gascoigne and of course Harding himself. This series is not to be missed and recommended.
September 18, 2017
The one!ness and isolation of command
Well written story of submarine warfare depicting the resourcefulness required of a relatively junior officer to pursue the enemy while motivating and managing a crew under extremely hazardous conditions
Well written story of submarine warfare depicting the resourcefulness required of a relatively junior officer to pursue the enemy while motivating and managing a crew under extremely hazardous conditions
January 20, 2018
A fine novel
I've tried some other British authors of naval warfare and found them nearly unreadable. Not in this case. I didn't have to wade through Royal Navy jargon; I even got the humor.
I've tried some other British authors of naval warfare and found them nearly unreadable. Not in this case. I didn't have to wade through Royal Navy jargon; I even got the humor.
June 1, 2019
Sea action
I really like stories which describe the action and feelings of a cross section of ranks, officers and men. Submarine warfare takes a very special group of people and leadership. This book was also easy to read. Thank you, Anthony Heazell
I really like stories which describe the action and feelings of a cross section of ranks, officers and men. Submarine warfare takes a very special group of people and leadership. This book was also easy to read. Thank you, Anthony Heazell
October 1, 2019
Excellent book
Thoroughly enjoyed the book from a very knowledgeable author. Like all ebooks it has a few typos but this can be overlooked as the rest of the content was first class.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book from a very knowledgeable author. Like all ebooks it has a few typos but this can be overlooked as the rest of the content was first class.
January 29, 2020
Command: A lonely journey
An enjoyable, at times suspenseful adventure from the cold Atlantic to the warm Mediterranean. Characters you feel an association with a enough action to keep it humming.
An enjoyable, at times suspenseful adventure from the cold Atlantic to the warm Mediterranean. Characters you feel an association with a enough action to keep it humming.
March 24, 2020
Well crafted story
I have read many WWII fiction and non fiction books. Anthony Melville-Ross wrote a good read that has very authentic details and dialog. I’m going to check out his other books.
I have read many WWII fiction and non fiction books. Anthony Melville-Ross wrote a good read that has very authentic details and dialog. I’m going to check out his other books.
July 4, 2020
A good naval yarn
A British submarine crew and its young captain play an important role in this WWII battle against German naval forces. Not fine literature but a compelling ride along.
A British submarine crew and its young captain play an important role in this WWII battle against German naval forces. Not fine literature but a compelling ride along.
July 20, 2020
A cut above the usual.
Interesting story with more twists than the usual naval war story. Some depth to the characters. I have all four in the series and am enjoying far-reaching them.
Interesting story with more twists than the usual naval war story. Some depth to the characters. I have all four in the series and am enjoying far-reaching them.
September 27, 2021
Command
One of the most realistic WW2 submarine stores I've read. Melville-Ross did a superb job of writing an excellent story and staying historically accurate. Plus his skill as a writer really came through.
One of the most realistic WW2 submarine stores I've read. Melville-Ross did a superb job of writing an excellent story and staying historically accurate. Plus his skill as a writer really came through.
March 19, 2022
Tension
Icy conditions on a submarine not allowing her to dive çreates more tension to the crew as they are surrounded by the enemy. A talented young skipper and a efficient staff help them to escape and have a successful tour creating havoc on enemy shipping.
Icy conditions on a submarine not allowing her to dive çreates more tension to the crew as they are surrounded by the enemy. A talented young skipper and a efficient staff help them to escape and have a successful tour creating havoc on enemy shipping.
March 24, 2022
Superb WW2 Submarine Story
Terrific Action, outstanding dialogue, characters and plot. Lieutenant Peter Harding is only 24 years old, and he’s the skipper of a submarine in the Royal Navy. Dangerous and exciting missions and great scenes underwater and on shore. Brilliant writing!
Terrific Action, outstanding dialogue, characters and plot. Lieutenant Peter Harding is only 24 years old, and he’s the skipper of a submarine in the Royal Navy. Dangerous and exciting missions and great scenes underwater and on shore. Brilliant writing!
March 28, 2022
Brilliant naval / submarine Novel
Really enjoyed this fast paced read.
well written and get characters plus the resemblance to my favourite naval author Douglas Reeman.
Refreshing change to find a new Author.
Really enjoyed this fast paced read.
well written and get characters plus the resemblance to my favourite naval author Douglas Reeman.
Refreshing change to find a new Author.
April 8, 2022
Great submarine action
The book starts off a bit slow but that is because the crew is doing more waiting than fighting.
That soon changes when they go South and into the Mediterranean Sea.
The book starts off a bit slow but that is because the crew is doing more waiting than fighting.
That soon changes when they go South and into the Mediterranean Sea.
April 9, 2022
A story of a British submarine captain during the war in 1940’s.
An excellent story of the life of a submarine captain and his crew hunting German freighters during the 2nd world war.
An excellent story of the life of a submarine captain and his crew hunting German freighters during the 2nd world war.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews