Douglas Edward Reeman

Douglas Edward Reeman

Douglas Reeman Obituary

Published by The Times from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27, 2017.
REEMAN Douglas Edward, Lieutenant-Commander, Royal Naval Reserve, crossed the Bar peacefully at home on 23rd January 2017, after a long illness fought with characteristic courage and gentleness. Best-selling author under his own name and as Alexander Kent, creator of the Richard Bolitho series. Loved beyond words by his wife Kimberley, and cherished friend to so many around the world. Enquiries to Lodge Bros Cobham, Surrey, 01932 450 360, e-mail [email protected]. Donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Princess Alice Hospice, Esher, Surrey. "Come, cheer up, my lads, 'tis to glory we steer." Go with God, dearest of men.

Sign Douglas Reeman's Guest Book

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December 20, 2020

Michael Scoins posted to the memorial.

July 1, 2020

terence criddle posted to the memorial.

May 7, 2020

Susan Valentine posted to the memorial.

21 Entries

Michael Scoins

December 20, 2020

A wonderful storyteller, I will miss his books, will start reading them again to enjoy Thank you Douglas

terence criddle

July 1, 2020

there was never a HERO,in his books.It was always about every day people doing the right thing and what they did was never about themselves.

Susan Valentine

May 7, 2020

Dear Kim, I have only just realised that Douglas died in 2017. I'm so sad not to have kept in touch with you. Anthony and I so enjoyed your company. My sincere condolences you must be feeling so lost without him. Much love to you, Susie V XX

Sig Mckone

March 29, 2019

Thanks for all your novels. They have brought me much pleasure over the years. It's a thrill whenever I find one at a bookshop. Sig McKone Squamish B.C Canada

Dave Henderson

March 18, 2018

I'd read many Douglas Reeman novels in the 70s onwards and didn't know until much later that Alexander Kent was his pen name for another series I thoroughly enjoyed.
When I dropped him a short email to let him know how much I appreciated his output, I got a very courteous reply, which mildly suprised me, as I didn't really expect one.
I really must get around to reading the ones I've missed out on - he was a very productive fellow.

Stephen Draper

December 8, 2017

I was drawn to the Richard Bolitho novels long before I joined the Royal Navy and was therefore delighted to meet both Douglas and Kimberley and show them around HMS Invincible, in Portsmouth in 1992. Douglas was kind enough to sign the copy of "Sloop of War" that I kept onboard and both he and Kimberley could not have been more charming and pleasant company during their visit to the Ship. I miss reading his latest Alexander Kent novels. My sincere condolences to Kimberley.

Mark Hamersly

December 6, 2017

Richard Bolitho became a very great friend to me, so much so that about every three years, I read through all 29 novels in the series. Each and every time, I get something more out of the process. Lady Catherine's Admiral of England and all his extended family, Allday, Thomas Herrick, Francis Inch, Neale, Oliver Browne-with an "E", Tyacke, and to be sure, Adam, and all the rest, the Hyperion, Achates--Old Katie, Undine, and Phalarope and the others are one that will live in me forever, and I cannot thank him enough. They have made me a better engineer, better Army aviator, better Federal officer, and better person for their lessons.

God speed, Douglas!

Patrick Kincaid

August 28, 2017

Your Bolitho novels were the only age-of-sail stories that I considered the equal of, and often superior to, the Hornblower stories. Thank you for many hours of sea-faring pleasure, I will miss you greatly. Fair Winds, Douglas,

Kimberley Reeman

August 22, 2017

Thank you for your kindness and your condolences, and God bless you all. Please continue to read and enjoy his wonderful books, and pass the word to your friends and loved ones, so that we may keep his flag flying and his legacy alive.

Raymond Drees

July 17, 2017

He was a great author and lit up my world with the Bolitho Series.

C Pyne

July 16, 2017

I am sorry for the delay in sending this message of condolence to the family and friends of Mr. Douglas Reeman but I just learned of his passing. I have been reading and re-reading his books since my teens. His stories were thoroughly engrossing and yet it was the characters with their individuality and motivations which helped me understand the world/life isn't black and white.

I know this great writer and person shall be missed but I am thankful for the time I was able to spend with him through his writing.

Robert Howe

March 31, 2017

Absolutely my favourite story teller. I have read Douglas's books over and over again and never tired of them. Thank you Douglas.

John Lapin

March 18, 2017

This great man took time to reply to an email question and comments from one of his readers (me). I was touched by that. He did not need to, of course. His fame and success was so very great. Mr. Reeman never lost his place in the order of things. He seemed to care about what his readers thought. I go back to 1967 with him, a long and rewarding relationship- author and reader. I will miss this man, his books and his most interesting life.

Jim Hillas

February 20, 2017

My condolences to the friends and family of the departed Douglas Reeman. May he rest in peace after a long and distinguished lifetime of service to his country and his readers. I was introduced to his writing in my teens by my father, a history buff who loved stories from the Age of Fighting Sail. My father passed away before the end of the Bolitho series, and I think of him every time I pick up a Bolitho book. Thank you, Mr. Reeman, for many hours of entertainment.

Siegy Adler

February 17, 2017

RIP Lieutenant-Commander. Your WW2 novels provided me with many hours of reading pleasure. Condolences to your loved ones.

Scott Olsen

February 9, 2017

Mrs. Reeman, family and friends. Please accept my families and my sincere heartfelt condolences. He will be in my thoughts and prayers. Douglas, thanks for the many years of enjoyment.

Michael Ney

January 28, 2017

Safe journey over the Bar, may the Pilot guide you safely to your deserved rest.

Splice the Mainbrace Shipmate!

January 28, 2017

Douglas; Fair Winds and following seas for your final voyage home.
Paul and Rumi Sayles (Misawa, Japan)

John Showen

January 27, 2017

From one sailor to another. May you sail in peace on your last patrol.

Eugene B. Kordahl

January 27, 2017

Douglas E. Reeman was an inspiration to all who have gone down to the sea in their lives. His descriptions of both wooden and steel ships were as accurate as only someone who has been there can describe.
Mr. Reeman was very available to fans like me in his correspondence. In fact, he sent me a Bolitho tie upon my completion of the series.
To one and all, I share your sadness over the loss of one of the finest maritime authors to have blessed our lives.

Jim Allen

January 26, 2017

A man who fought for his country, and the world, and then spent a lifetime honoring those who fought with him. He was unfailingly accessible to fans. The world is a darker place without him, certainly for me, a reader since my teens. I honor his service and mourn his passing.

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Sign Douglas Reeman's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 20, 2020

Michael Scoins posted to the memorial.

July 1, 2020

terence criddle posted to the memorial.

May 7, 2020

Susan Valentine posted to the memorial.