A Regimental Affair (Matthew Hervey)

Mallinson continues the Hervey series with our hero having returned from derring-do in India. He must settle into dull regimental life with the 6th Light Dragoons who have changed much since he last served with them. Mallinson manages to make peace time service in England interesting in what would normally be dull fare. The style of the writting at times is a little like Jane Austen writing historical fiction! Mallinson writes very formally, almost stiff at times, but he does convery a period feel for his characters more than some authors attempt to do. His descriptions of regimental life and the various personalities that exist in a cavalry regiment are most vivid. No doubt much of this is taken from his own expereinces in the modern British army where regimental life has not changed all that much over the years. This stiff, rather paternal system comes across clearly in this story. At times a bit tedious the book rewards the reader who persists. There are interesting descriptions of post Waterloo England where much discontent existed with lay-offs and army reductions. Issues of civic disorder in an era where local Police had yet to be fully developed provides for imformative reading. The reader can see how difficult it was for the army to control civil matters. Hervey's imaginative responses to different situations makes us admire our intelligent hero, and the constant friction he has with his imcompetent Lieut-col. gradully builds suspense throughout the novel. Hervey's relationship with his wife is warm and loving, and there is much thoughtful character development here. When the regiment is transferred to Canada relief comes from dealing with civil disorder in England, but new friction soon developes with tragic consequences for Hervey and his lovely wife. All of this is well done, if a bit slow at times. Mallinson does not write in the rapid-fire fashion of some authors of historical fiction, and this may put off some readers. Where the series is to go now is hard to say, but I shall look forward to Hervey's continued adventures. Note: The helmit pictured on the cover of this book appears to be more of a Heavy Dragoon helmit as opposed to what the Light Dragoons wore in this period.

I have now read all three of Allan Mallinson's novels of the life and times of Matthew Hervey and have enjoyed each one. The latest was especially interesting to me and brought back memories of my own time on active and reserve duty in the US Army. Assuming the historical truth of the book the parallels with the army I served in from 1967 to 1996 are striking including the relationships between officers and enlisted and even the description of the General Inspection. There are many good leadership lessons in this book for younger officers just coming up in ranks. Having served in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam I feel a certain affinity to Captain Hervey, although my horse was of iron and not flesh and blood. I do feel that the books could be improved with the inclusion of maps and perhaps a glossary of military terms from the period of the novels. Many times it is necessary to infer the exact meaning of a term by a careful reading and re-reading. Perhaps Major (? guessing at the rank here since I note he is a serving British Army officer) Mallinson's English readers are familiar with all the old terms but unfortunately many of us from the colonies are not. Maybe it is necessary to purchase and read his book "Light Dragoons" to appreciate and understand the terms.In any case I recommend this book as a good read of military historical fiction. I look forward to the next installment in the saga.