See You at the Bar

Harry Gilmour Novels #5

by David Black

The Mediterranean, early 1940s.

Lieutenant Harry Gilmour, captain of the S-Class submarine HMS Scourge, has been tasked with patrolling the Mediterranean and supporting operations for the Allied forces. Someone, however, is on his tail: Captain Charles ‘the Bonny Boy’ Bonalleck VC, who cannot forget Lt Gilmour calling him out on his conduct during an operation early in the war.

Harry is tired now, not having had leave for over a year, and a near-death experience whilst on patrol makes him question his fitness for the job and how much more he can take. With the shadow of Bonalleck and self-doubt chipping at his confidence, Harry fights his own internal battle to maintain effective command of his boat and crew.

Genres: Historical Fiction, War, Fiction, Historical, Military Fiction

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2019

Reviews

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Harry Gilmour series where David Black leaves you craving for more in the end. Cannot wait for the next book to come.

[Ian Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books. Recommend them to all naval story fans.
I almost read them in a single sitting, they are so atmospheric.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was probably my favourite of the Harry Gilmore books so far. It's quite fast paced in places which is good and the story develops more. I have to admit the last 3 or 4 pages brought a tear to my eye.

[Ray Tabler · Rating 5 out of 5]

See You at the Bar is the fifth of six Harry Gilmour novels by David Black. If you haven’t read the four preceding books in this series, I strongly encourage you to do yourself the favor of going back to do so. Not just to catch up to read book number five, but because they’re each worth a read in and of themselves. The series follows Harry Gilmour from a young man who drops out of college to join up as a very junior Royal Naval Reserve officer at the start of World War II through various roles in the Navy. By the time of the fifth book, Harry is in command of a submarine in the Mediterranean Sea. The writing is subtle, although the action is exciting all the same. Previous books delivered a satisfying amount of torpedo attacks, surface actions, and tension-filled scenes as the depth charges explode close by. See You at the Bar focuses more on the role submarines played delivering commandos to lonely beaches and islands in the eastern Mediterranean than the previous books. The naval actions are more humdrum, sinking Axis coastal craft and freighters as opposed to enemy naval units. But that was the reality of the war, denying the Germans supplies was as important as attacking fighting ships. That fits in with Harry Gilmour’s mood as the series goes on as well. He grows into the job as submarine commander over time, learning he has a talent for wreaking havoc on enemy vessels. In See You at the Bar Harry comes to realize that there’s much more to the job of command than just hitting things with torpedoes. The dozens of sailors in his boat are more than just cogs in a machine. The crew is an organic whole, which can tell the difference between a proper captain, and a phony, or worse yet, a heartless tyrant. All of the young men in the war had to grow up fast in an unforgiving, dangerous environment. In the fifth book in this series, Harry had to face developing the maturity his command demands, without growing old before his time and bitter at the daily tragedy of the war.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, #5 was not as well crafted as the prior Harry Gilmour novels. Some of the action scenes were disjointed and hard to follow. There also seemed to be more military jargon and confusing topography than usual. Nonetheless a fun read. There's some progress in filling out the teaser plot line involving Harry's archenemy, but Black has left this cliffhanger still hanging, which will likely get his readers to buy #6, which I will definitely do.

[Walter Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always Enjoy

Another WWII Harry Gilmour. Engaging, although a little more scattered story line than previous efforts. Was waiting for climax of dealing with one individual (will not spoil it with who), and a little disappointed that after a lot of build up, was left hanging.

[John Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant again

Yet another brilliant book in this series. I can't wait for the next few books to see what else happens.

[Marianne Scholer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately -- pain and suffering

O read volumes 2-5 in sequence after enjoying the first number some time ago. This is by far one of the best naval sagas ever, and I was looking forward to the author tying up all the loose ends in a resounding conclusion worthy of the magnificent tale he had spun in volumes 1-4. Imagine my disappointment! Number 5 is a hugely disappointing effort. Our hero Harry Gilmour is shuffled off in a most inglorious fashion, his nemesis never feels the lash, and old Scourge must sail off like an afterthought. HUGELY disappointed! And I have sung the praisesof this series, stayed up late to make sure Harry's boat gets through the sundry scrapes and close calls, watched Harry navigate the fascinating wartime pleasures and perils of Malta and the Med - for what??? To be unceremoniously dumped by "See You at the Bar!". No! You won't see me at the bar! I'm going back to the beginning of Harry's marvelous adventure, and I am sailing only as far as the end of "The Bonny Boy." Because Harry deserves better. The readers deserve better. And David Black, you HAVE u given us better! Books 1 -4 were magnificent triumphs! Please consider revamping Harry's final chapters in a (re calibrated) book 6. It would make the whole world s better place.

This auto refill sure goobers up one's narrative...

[Jim Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surface details; hidden depths.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the earlier Harry Gilmore books and this one did not disappoint.
As always, the submarine action is evocatively described: claustrophobic and compelling. The attacks on enemy shipping set out the roles of the sailors; the equipment used; their priorities and thinking; manoeuvring and the strategy involved. The description of the support to the landings in Italy and the frustrations of those involved are a particularly good element of this volume.
This particular book also includes a fair amount of 'land' action which is tense and fast paced.
The conflict between harry and 'the bonny boy' is coming to a head, which is good as this has become the most unbelievable and fantastic element of the tales and needs to be more realistically resolved.
There are a few passages of 'soul searching' by the combatants that nicely reflect the effects the years of conflict have had on the young men, which contrasts well with the small surface action, ‘boys own’ excitement of the fights in the Adriatic and the small war in the Aegean.

[Ralph Echtinaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed the first four books in this series I eagerly began "See You at the Bar" eight days ago and finished it this morning. It didn't hold my interest nearly as well as its predecessors and has no discernible plot. Harry captains the same sub he had in the fourth book and takes part in several unconnected wartime adventures while his nemesis, Capt. Bonalleck, tries everything he can think of to get Harry killed. At one point, the narrative follows a commando commander, Lt. Col. Oliver Varney, on a raid and covers the whole thing from his perspective while Harry and the Scourge wait off shore. It's mildly exciting, but isn't this supposed to be the Harry Gilmour story? I had to wonder if author David Black wasn't introducing Varney so he could be the subject of a series of his own. I guess we'll know soon enough if a new series begins featuring Varney.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

In general I loved it even if at times I found it frustrating -just as it got to an exciting bit it suddenly took a turn & you found yourself reading a seemingly irrelevant chapter , chapter 14 is an example of this , before it then went back to the main story .

If you are picking up this book as your first introduction to " Harry Gilmour " DON'T !
Put it down & start at book 1 , as the excitement of the whole series is so much more than that of each individual book .You wouldn't have fish without chips , or bacon without eggs , so don't read book 5 without starting at book 1 first otherwise your adventure with " Harry " will simply not be complete !
So now I look forward to continuing my adventure with " Harry " in book 6 : "Never Too Old For A Pierhead Jump" ....

[Simon Langley-Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maverick Lieutenant Harry Gilmour commands the Royal Navy submarine Scourge in the Mediterranean in the early 1940s. The novel follows the day to day life of his crew as they conduct operations as diverse as landing commandos on Greek islands, engaging merchant shipping and providing escort duty for the Allied landings in Sicily. The submarine life is fraught with danger that is greatly increased by the fact that one of Gilmour's senior officers is out to get him killed.
I knew this would be bad when I bought it, but thought I would give it a whirl for the experience. Ripping yarns from World War II. Tales of derring do and all that. One of a series that I won't be investigating any further as it's just not my thing.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable volume in the Harry Gilmour series about a Royal Navy submariner in WW2. This volume focusses on his exploits during the invasion of Sicily, the Salerno landings and the ill-fated Dodecanese campaign. Gilmour is not some gung-ho all action character which makes the series a very good read and recommended if you like military fiction. Looking forward to book six shich is due out later this month.

[Robert Segals · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book I’ve read in the series. I’ve enjoyed the series very much although I think this book is somewhat weaker than the other four I’ve read. The first half of the book feels a little bit less focused in the previous books, but it’s all tied up in the second half. Still highly recommended, and looking forward to the last book in the series. Black is a very good storyteller, and following Harry’s experiences and exploits is a wonderful thread through the five books so far.

[stephen armitage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story about the adventures of Harry Gilmour. I hope there will be more to come. The only annoying thing about this book is that the word 'of' is missing i.e. Out the window, out the door, out the town. This seems to be happening more and more in the books I read. Perhaps it is an Americanism, one I don't care for.x

[Jan Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific series I thoroughly enjoyed every book - wish it had gone onto another book relating his future and return to Scotland.
I found that I was holding my breath when the submarine dived and it was quite easy to visualise the scene in the vessel - I felt I was a member of the crew.
I hope other readers enjoy David's books as much as me.
Thank you

JAG

[Harold · Rating 5 out of 5]

World war two from a different point of view

This story is interesting and slightly different from most stories. Because the captain of a World War 2 British submaring has doubts and fears and lacks confidence at times. But he pulls through And manages to get the job done. It is an exciting and action filled book.

[Declan Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

Compulsive reading.Makes you feel part of the crew and living very much in that period.You share the highs and lows of serving in the Navy ,in particular, the Submarine Service.Leaves you eagerly awaiting the next book.

[David Beste · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than enjoyable, probably need to reread the entire series

I didn’t know anything about the British submarine service after reading much about WW II. Fascinating stories and great story telling. Hope to read more about Harry Gilmour. Thank to the author!

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope It's Not The Last

I love the Harry Gilmour series, well written, they move at a pace to hold you and keep you reading. Life on board a British submarine in the Mediterranean during WWII, well descibed

[Greg Rampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of the series

Outstanding continuation of the Gilmour series. Detailed descriptions of actions and good character development along with interesting progress in Gilmour’s career.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite sea storytellers.

Wish I could offer some constructive criticism, but I can’t. I absolutely love David Black’s Harry Gilmour books. Will start the next one as soon as I submit this.

[Colin F Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am there with Harry, another exciting page turner ( screen toucher). As we started clambering over the Greek island Symi, Jet2 announced they are starting flights there from Edinburgh next year I’m going to visit 👍.

[Jim Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry and the Scourge are still pottering around the Med doing all the dirty jobs for a small submarine. Captain Bonny Boy, his nemesis still is trying to kill him even if he has to sink his sub to do it. Lots of action on sea and land in obscure places in this very good WW2 sea series.

[mr d warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

Great finish to the series, I loved them all. Top combination at drama, emotion & action around WW11 submarine wayfarer.

[David Ashman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gem

This entire series is fantastic. Taking Harry from a young and idealistic man to a much more nuanced person. Love this author. Can't wait for the next book.

[Edwin David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of a series about a WW2 submarine commander. There is enough naval action and interpersonal conflict to make this a good read.

[Mike Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging story of a young man's discovery of the fundamental soundness of his character.

Book 5 is a respectable conclusion to the series.

[Mrs E A Hansford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

Yet again David Black has written a brilliant book about Harry Gilmour. So well written. Can’t wait to read the next.

[gerald morson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

Once again a great book ,hope there is a follow up to see what happened to Harry and the rest of the crew