Badge of Glory

Badge of Glory marks the beginning of Douglas Reeman's Blackwood saga, chronicling the Royal Marines through multiple generations. Set in 1850, the novel centers on Royal Marine Captain Philip Blackwood serving aboard HMS Audacious during Britain's campaign against the West African slave trade. The story follows Blackwood and his marine detachment as they navigate complex political waters and face dangerous missions along the African coast. Alongside Blackwood are his younger step-brother Harry and Sir Geoffrey Slade, each bringing their own perspectives to the challenges that await them in the treacherous waters of the Bight of Benin. The narrative captures the transition period of the Royal Navy, as steam-powered vessels begin to compete with traditional sailing ships. Against this backdrop of technological change, the marines face brutal combat against both native forces and white slavers who resist Britain's efforts to end their trade. The novel explores themes of duty, family legacy, and the moral complexities of empire, set against the broader historical context of Britain's evolving role in global affairs.

Readers note this naval fiction novel focuses more on character development and personal relationships compared to other books in the genre. Many appreciate the historical details about the British campaign against the slave trade in 1850s Africa. Positive feedback: - Complex character portrayals of both British and African figures - Clear descriptions of shipboard life and naval operations - Balance between action sequences and human drama - Educational value about lesser-known historical events Common criticisms: - Slower pacing than typical naval adventures - Too much focus on romantic subplots - Some find the protagonist less compelling than other Reeman heroes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (236 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 reviews) "Offers a fresh perspective on the Royal Navy's anti-slavery operations" - Amazon reviewer "The romantic elements feel forced and distract from the naval storyline" - Goodreads reviewer "Strong on historical accuracy but lacks the excitement of the Bolitho series" - Historical Naval Fiction review

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★ The Royal Marines' famous motto "Per Mare, Per Terram" (By Sea, By Land) was formally granted in 1827, just decades before the events in "Badge of Glory," reflecting their unique amphibious warfare role. ★ Douglas Reeman wrote over 68 novels under his own name and the pseudonym Alexander Kent, drawing from his personal experience as a Royal Navy officer during WWII. ★ The Bight of Benin, where much of the action takes place, was nicknamed the "Slave Coast" and was so dangerous for sailors that a grim rhyme warned: "Beware, beware the Bight of Benin, for few come out though many go in." ★ Britain's West Africa Squadron (1808-1867) captured over 1,600 slave ships and freed approximately 150,000 enslaved Africans during its campaign to suppress the Atlantic slave trade. ★ The Victorian-era Royal Marines played a crucial role in Britain's anti-slavery operations, often leading dangerous shore raids on slave factories and facing mortality rates up to 55% due to tropical diseases.