BEHIND THE TOM ARCHER SERIES
Richard A. Basquill
I’ve been fascinated by military history for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Essex, with a father who served in the Royal Air Force and a mother who loved the history of the Second World War, perhaps that was inevitable.
For years, I was an enthusiastic reader of military history, memoirs and historical fiction. Eventually, I decided to try writing something myself. That decision led to Under Fire, Under Command and the creation of Tom Archer, a young British officer whose journey through the Second World War has now grown into a series of novels.
From History to Fiction
My interest in the Second World War started early. Growing up as one of four boys, I was surrounded by stories of the war, old war films and endless childhood adventures. My brothers and I even had our own little army, the 6th Platoon, complete with a headquarters in the garden shed.
As I grew older, that fascination never really left me. Years spent commuting into London gave me plenty of time to read, and military history became something of an obsession. I was particularly drawn to the personal accounts of ordinary soldiers — the friendships, hardships and small moments of humour that existed alongside the fighting.
Discovering Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe novels showed me how historical fiction could bring those experiences to life. Writers such as James Holland, alongside the first-hand accounts of men who had actually fought, deepened my interest in the realities of war.
Eventually, I began to wonder whether I could write a story of my own. I wanted to create a character who wasn’t a superhero, but an ordinary young officer learning to command, make mistakes and survive. That character became Tom Archer.
Beyond the Battlefield
Literary Influences
Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe novels first showed me how historical fiction could bring history to life. I’ve also drawn inspiration from James Holland’s meticulous research and George G. Blackburn’s The Guns of Normandy and The Guns of Victory.
It’s those personal accounts of courage, hardship and humour that influence how I write the Tom Archer Series.
Life Outside Writing
When I’m not writing, I’m usually following Arsenal or Colchester United, working in the garden or tending my allotment. I also enjoy gaming, although I’m not sure my reactions are quite what they used to be!
Away from the books, I work as a commercial manager, so writing offers something very different from the demands of my day job.
My Work
My first novel, Under Fire, Under Command, follows the young Tom Archer through the fighting in France in 1940 and the retreat towards Dunkirk.
Under Fire and Fury continues the story, while Under Fire and Sun takes Archer to the deserts of North Africa.
The fourth book, Under Fire and Siege, follows Archer during the Siege of Tobruk in 1941.
What began as an idea for one novel has grown into a much larger journey through the Second World War.
ONE MAN. ONE WAR
Discover the Tom Archer Series
From the retreat to Dunkirk to the burning deserts of North Africa and the siege of Tobruk, follow one young British officer’s journey through the Second World War.
Through the chaos of battle, Tom Archer must learn to lead his men, earn their trust and face the difficult decisions that come with command.
NEWS FROM RICHARD A. BASQUILL
The Basquill Bulletin
Sign up for news about the Tom Archer series, notes from my research, and occasional offers.