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The Modern Naval Fiction Library
Killing Ground
The Western Ocean 1942. From the bridge of HMS Gladiator, Lieutenant-Commander David Howard’s orders were chillingly clear. There could be no mercy. A relentless, savage war against an ever-present enemy and a violent sea — in an arena known only to its embittered survivors as the killing ground. HMS Gladiator was part of that war. Fighting for survival in a war with no rules…
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 10, 1991
55 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Reeman
138 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 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 21, 2023
Douglas Reeman's WWII naval fiction (as well as his "Bolitho" Napoleonic books writing as Alexander Kent) are always well written and enjoyable, I have never been disappointed or bored in reading any of them. They are good escapist fiction for me, even if a bit formulaic at times.
Reeman was in the British navy in WW2 and his books are very believable and realistic. In "The Killing Ground" set aboard a British navy escort destroyer, his description of the mental and physical hardships faced by the captain and crew is very well done, and you are immersed into the story. At first, the jumping around viewpoint from different characters is a little confusing, but does make it more interesting. There is a love interest in it (as in most of Reeman's books) that is pretty predictable, but it fits in well with the Captain's character and adds to the story.
My father commanded a destroyer escort in the American navy in WW2, so these Reeman novels always give me a small feeling of what he went through. I will always wonder how my father and all the other men serving on these escort ships, as well as on the convoy ships themselves (manned by civilians, of course) managed to make it through this terrible ordeal, under constant stress, and keep their sanity.
Reeman was in the British navy in WW2 and his books are very believable and realistic. In "The Killing Ground" set aboard a British navy escort destroyer, his description of the mental and physical hardships faced by the captain and crew is very well done, and you are immersed into the story. At first, the jumping around viewpoint from different characters is a little confusing, but does make it more interesting. There is a love interest in it (as in most of Reeman's books) that is pretty predictable, but it fits in well with the Captain's character and adds to the story.
My father commanded a destroyer escort in the American navy in WW2, so these Reeman novels always give me a small feeling of what he went through. I will always wonder how my father and all the other men serving on these escort ships, as well as on the convoy ships themselves (manned by civilians, of course) managed to make it through this terrible ordeal, under constant stress, and keep their sanity.
August 15, 2021
this is a hard one to rate. It took a very long time for me to become invested , partly because I was reading an old paperback copy with very small print but mainly because of all the head hopping between minor characters. About halfway through I became really interest in two main characters. The ending was quite abrupt. Definitely not one for the re read pile
May 4, 2014
Douglas Reeman drinking game: count the number of times characters drink a "Horse's Neck" (brandy and Ginger Ale,the Royal Navy drink of the 2nd half of the 20th Century). 2 so far. Make that 3; only 30% in. Up to 4; 48%. 5 at 53%; 6 at 64%; 7th on page 235--the Royal Navy and Wavy Navy drank an astonishing amount of booze in War 2.
Too great a sprawl (1942-44). Too many changing narrative perspectives; confusing. Even more than Reeman's other works, relies on stock characters, especially (as usual) the love interest.
Too great a sprawl (1942-44). Too many changing narrative perspectives; confusing. Even more than Reeman's other works, relies on stock characters, especially (as usual) the love interest.
November 4, 2021
I dnf'd this one after spending a lot of time on it. Reeman is a great writer and I started on his WW2 naval books after reading most of the Bolitho series. I couldn't get into this book because there were too many changing POV's.
Usually I like following one character through the book but in this case there are so many characters and so many different POV's that it was confusing. Just a meaningless collection of shorts. There was even a small mini-chapter from a German U-boat captain. Because of this I could never get comfortable in the book. I didn't feel anything for the characters and decided that I might as well just quit reading.
Apart from that, the seagoing and action sequences of small ship convoy duty was very well done. Better than CS Forester's Good Shepard. OK, now on to the next Reeman book.
Usually I like following one character through the book but in this case there are so many characters and so many different POV's that it was confusing. Just a meaningless collection of shorts. There was even a small mini-chapter from a German U-boat captain. Because of this I could never get comfortable in the book. I didn't feel anything for the characters and decided that I might as well just quit reading.
Apart from that, the seagoing and action sequences of small ship convoy duty was very well done. Better than CS Forester's Good Shepard. OK, now on to the next Reeman book.
May 26, 2018
One of the better books by the author. Likely has the best-presented depictions or action and combat, but still suffers from the two common Reeman tropes: an inexplicable “heel” character with no redeeming qualities (Who obviously gets his comeuppance), and a “savior” love interest who brings our hero back from the brink of insanity via a poorly portrayed courtship followed by sub-trash romance novel sex scenes. It seems in Reeman’s novels the female characters exist solely to eventually bang the despair out of the ship’s captain.
October 11, 2021
Douglas Reeman has written dozens of books (as Reeman and as Alexander Kent) about naval warfare during the World Wars and the Napoleonic area. Many of the books are formulaic with schmaltzy love scenes, but his grasp of naval warfare and the sea is authentic. He fought in WW II, starting in 1940 as a 16-year old midshipman in destroyers. His ship was sunk in the North Atlantic while on convoy duty and he was wounded on D-Day.
December 10, 2021
Every Douglas Reeman novel I have read, I have thoroughly enjoyed each & every one. But this one in particular, is spectacular. The characters & story slip into your mind instantly and don't leave until you finish this incredible book. My clumsy words don't do this book justice, but it is one of the author's best and as a novel, it entertains, charms & moves you throughout & a novel simply cannot do anything more than that.
March 25, 2022
killing Ground
As a former RN Seaman Gunner I thought it a superb account of convoy work yet?
I am surprised that the Hedgehog anti sub underwater sub killer
Missiles were not mentioned.it was a deadly system to destroy U Boats
It Totalled a lot of U Boats plus I joined ‘56 and can’t recall
Squids on any ships then,they were a later anti sub defence missile.
Course I may have just missed them.
Superb reading.
As a former RN Seaman Gunner I thought it a superb account of convoy work yet?
I am surprised that the Hedgehog anti sub underwater sub killer
Missiles were not mentioned.it was a deadly system to destroy U Boats
It Totalled a lot of U Boats plus I joined ‘56 and can’t recall
Squids on any ships then,they were a later anti sub defence missile.
Course I may have just missed them.
Superb reading.
August 24, 2023
Great writing Makes Great Reading
A powerful story of war, daring, bravery and most of all love. Sailors’ love for the sea and their boats, there camaraderie for each other and the passion that keeps them going when others quit. Kudos to Douglass Reeman for skill as a writer, his knowledge of naval history and customs and his ability to bring characters into your heart!
A powerful story of war, daring, bravery and most of all love. Sailors’ love for the sea and their boats, there camaraderie for each other and the passion that keeps them going when others quit. Kudos to Douglass Reeman for skill as a writer, his knowledge of naval history and customs and his ability to bring characters into your heart!
April 28, 2022
Another brilliant story told in his own style, a joyous addition to my collection of Reeman and Kent books .
A library that can be read and enjoyed over and over again. Still as fresh as the first time you read them.
A library that can be read and enjoyed over and over again. Still as fresh as the first time you read them.
October 18, 2025
This is one of Douglas Reeman's best books in my opinion. A dark, emotional tale of the life of a destroyer skipper in the North Atlantic convoy's. Gritty and vivid with wonderful characters. Loved it. David Rintoul does a brilliant job with the narration. Great stuff.
February 1, 2018
This feels derivative - I think Nicholas Monsarrat did this subject better.
October 19, 2020
Gladiatorial
Douglas Reeman at his usual best with this novel. Having read it many years ago, it was good to be reacquainted with ' old friend's and their ship's.
Douglas Reeman at his usual best with this novel. Having read it many years ago, it was good to be reacquainted with ' old friend's and their ship's.
January 15, 2021
A great book
As allways a good book to read by a great author who can keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.
As allways a good book to read by a great author who can keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.
February 19, 2021
North Atlantic Convey Duty
Brilliant story telling, to be remembered by those who served,in such a wasteland of despair.We must not forget the sacrifice made.
Brilliant story telling, to be remembered by those who served,in such a wasteland of despair.We must not forget the sacrifice made.
May 16, 2022
Reeman was a wartime veteran in the Royal Navy and once again the little details show. The story hums along, a little more action in it than others he wrote such as Rendezvous South Atlantic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2022
Very readable
January 10, 2023
One of his better books.
October 21, 2023
Atlantic
Excellent overview of the development through the war of destroyer tactics, the impact of improved weapons, air cover etc set within an engaging storyline.
Excellent overview of the development through the war of destroyer tactics, the impact of improved weapons, air cover etc set within an engaging storyline.
February 13, 2015
I hate to be the naysayer, and I do so with caution since every author instantly wants to become a critic. Nonetheless, I disliked the book so much I abandoned it about half way though. Here is why.
The narrator introduces a relatively large cast of characters and whenever the scene is inhabited by two or more characters, Reeman moves his point of view between characters often, rapidly, and without warning. I found it extremely difficult to keep the characters straight and who was thinking what at any one moment. In author-speak this is head-hopping.
I kept reading since I was able to keep track of the main storyline but the feeling I got was it was a rambling story (because of the head-hopping) and at one point I had to stop and go back several paragraphs because a ship had just been torpedoed and it took me several paragraphs to realize it. In those paragraphs he covered three individual character points of view.
On the upside, his story is true to the salty world of sailors and his use of language and description is excellent and interesting. I agree with one reader that Reeman sometimes leaves you with the feeling the crew drinks way too much and leaves me wondering how this ship of drunks can manage a warship.
If you are okay with an author rapidly changing points of view between characters this is an excellent book and would rate five stars. I give it two stars based on my own bias.
The narrator introduces a relatively large cast of characters and whenever the scene is inhabited by two or more characters, Reeman moves his point of view between characters often, rapidly, and without warning. I found it extremely difficult to keep the characters straight and who was thinking what at any one moment. In author-speak this is head-hopping.
I kept reading since I was able to keep track of the main storyline but the feeling I got was it was a rambling story (because of the head-hopping) and at one point I had to stop and go back several paragraphs because a ship had just been torpedoed and it took me several paragraphs to realize it. In those paragraphs he covered three individual character points of view.
On the upside, his story is true to the salty world of sailors and his use of language and description is excellent and interesting. I agree with one reader that Reeman sometimes leaves you with the feeling the crew drinks way too much and leaves me wondering how this ship of drunks can manage a warship.
If you are okay with an author rapidly changing points of view between characters this is an excellent book and would rate five stars. I give it two stars based on my own bias.
April 2, 2015
Well researched novel following the Captain and crew of a Royal Navy Destroyer during the Battle of the Atlantic from 1942-1944. Reeman paints a picture of the brutality of the conflict and the passions of the participants without delving into graphic language of violence. While the main character is the Captain, Reeman jumps from character to character using the third-person omniscient narrative, and develops the plot so that, like war itself, there is no guarantee that any particular character will survive the next engagement. I will be adding more of Douglas Reeman's books to my shelf.
July 21, 2014
Much like The Cruel Sea, by Nicholas Monserrat, this book seems to be an authentic account of the struggles endured by the Royal Navy during the battle of the atlantic in escorting convoys while under attack by U-boats. This book has the added attraction of including insights into the personal lives and loves of some of the principal protagonists. I am enjoying this book although it brings home vividly the horrors of war- to both sides of the conflict!
August 7, 2010
Nasty goings on below the surface of the waves, destroyer escorts, corvettes, convoys with sinking, smoking hulks and the waters burning with oil. It could be the Gulf of Mexico 2010, however, as is usual for Douglas Reeman books it's WWII and the Battle of the Atlantic. A rare fiction read for me, and no matter how well written and authentic, still only two stars.
December 31, 2015
Another good WWII sea novel by Douglas Reeman, this time involving British destroyers against German u-boats in the Atlantic (Western Sea) convoy war. Principal characters are finely drawn and we empathize with their losses and sorrows. The fiction parallels real events and trends and the book gives us perspective into the British struggle for survival during this horrendous war.
August 24, 2025
Like all His Books Brilliant. I had them all at one time, in a house clearing I let them go, a pity, they are a good read, without being too complicated. As a lad from Liverpool and ex Merchant Seaman, though Post War, I always enjoy these stories of the Battle of the Atlantic, so of the men were around when I went to sea, just ordinary unassuming men, kind to a young lad.
June 20, 2014
As always with Douglas Reeman, an enjoyable read. His descriptions make me feel as though I'm actually there. He actually did convoy duty and obviously knows what he is describing. A very moving account of what it must have been like.
June 21, 2012
Douglas Reeman not only provides an excellent historical perspective of the Battle of the Atlantic but does so with a well constructed plot with complex and realistic characters.
August 23, 2014
Finished it at last. It's OK but not a patch on Monsaratt's the Cruel Sea.
August 24, 2025
A very good book,very true to the times.
June 23, 2012
Another reeman book that i have enjoyed. Not brilliant but not too bad either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews