Arriving At Under Fire, Under Command
When I first started writing Under Fire, Under Command, it wasn’t just about telling a story—it was about capturing a feeling. I’ve always been fascinated by the grit and determination of soldiers fighting against overwhelming odds or executing a tactical masterclass. I wanted to bring that raw, relentless struggle to life.
Growing up, I spent countless hours imagining battles—setting up skirmishes with the little plastic soldiers that so many boys had in the ’70s and ’80s. Now, I draw on everything from history books to the stories my grandfather and his generation were willing to share.
The idea for Under Fire, Under Command first sparked when I was deep into reading Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe series during my long commutes (which I still do today) into the city of London. I had never been one for fiction when it came to campaigns and battles—my preference was always for the details of armies, divisions, and battalions, understanding where they were and hearing the accounts of the men who took part.
However, reading the Sharpe series and seeing how Bernard Cornwell masterfully wove fiction around historical detail showed me another way of telling a story—one that was both informative and compelling. The dream was set, and along the way, every time I read something or saw it on TV—and more recently on the internet—I’d pick up a snippet here and there, taking note and hoping that one day I’d get to include it in that elusive novel.
When dreaming of writing Under Fire, Under Command, I wanted it to be told from the small-unit perspective—getting into the minds and bodies, as it were, of young and slightly older men thrust into the evils of war. Over the years, as life moved on—children, work, and all the usual stuff that shapes our daily lives—it felt like the dream was slipping further and further away.
That feeling only grew when I started reading brilliant works like Stephen Ambrose’s Band of Brothers and watching the epic TV series it became. Seeing writers like the amazing James Holland and Damien Lewis appear on the scene made the thought of writing such a book feel even more daunting.
Amid all the books focusing on grand strategies and sweeping battles, I found myself drawn to the small-unit perspective—the platoon caught in the thick of it, where survival often comes down to the bond between soldiers. That’s where I wanted my story to be—in the mud and the chaos, among men just trying to hold on.
When creating Tom Archer, I didn’t want a superhero or a flawless leader. I wanted someone real—a young, relatively inexperienced man thrown into the brutal reality of war, much like countless others were for real. His journey isn’t about heroism but about survival, growth, and the burden of leadership. I wanted his story to feel authentic and grounded, showing how he transforms from a soldier just trying to stay alive to a leader making life-and-death decisions for his men.
I’m really looking forward to developing Tom’s character even further in the years to come, exploring how his experiences continue to shape him and the men he leads. Characters like Jacks and Mallory will also have their own moments to shine, as their loyalty and resilience add depth to the story. Together, they form a brotherhood forged in the fire of war, and I’m eager to share more of their journey with you.
I’ve spent many years immersed in memoirs, military diaries, and personal accounts, and I hope a little of that dedication has filtered through to keep the story grounded in historical accuracy. I didn’t just want to write about war—I wanted readers to feel like they were there, crouched in a shell hole, the acrid smoke biting at their lungs, their fingers numb from holding a rifle too long.
Writing the first draft was a struggle. Some days, the words flowed effortlessly. Other days, it felt like slogging through the mud, just like Archer and his men. What kept me going was simple: I wanted to tell a story that others might enjoy. I’ve spent years reading memoirs, military diaries, and personal accounts, and I wanted to use that knowledge in a new way.
After countless revisions, feedback from friends, and more late nights than I can count, Under Fire, Under Command finally came together. The response so far has been humbling and heartening, and I can only hope that readers find a bit of themselves in these characters—whether it’s Archer’s determination, Pembroke’s calm under fire, or Jacks’ fierce loyalty.
Publishing it was both thrilling and terrifying. It’s my debut novel—a dream I’ve chased since boyhood. Seeing it out there in the world is surreal, but the real reward has been connecting with readers who share my passion for history and storytelling.
If you’ve read the book or plan to, I’d love to hear from you! Your thoughts, feedback, and even your critiques mean the world to me. Feel free to reach out or leave a review—it helps more than you might think.
Thank you for taking this journey with me. Here’s to many more stories to come