I read this many years ago when I was in high school, but I could never remember the title until now (I knew the author). It was enjoyable but I sure can't recall the details. One of my first samplings of historical novels, I think. ( )

I gave up after 100 pages of this book. There were threads of a good story here but the stereotypes used in this story were too much for me. There were no shades of grey, no development of character. The group of lost soldiers have about 100 cartridges between them and behind enemy lines and they are told to fire a couple of shots to communicate that all is clear....really? wasting precious ammunition and potentially alerting the enemy that are out of sight.....not very realistic. I stopped reading as the expected love interest between the young ensign and the camp follower was consummated and made-him-a-man. ( )

R.F. Delderfield has written another fun adventure full of sympathetic characters, with the noble officer and his companions persevering against amazing odds. It's a coming of age novel of sorts, with much to enjoy. There are a few stereotypes built in, possibly reflecting the time that the novel was written. Still, it's a good read from a reliable author! ( )