"TOO FEW For DRUMS." By R.F. Delderfield
0"Too Few for Drums" by R.F. Delderfield is a historical novel set during the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on the experiences of a small group of British soldiers stranded behind enemy lines. The story centers on a handful of infantrymen and a young officer who must navigate their way through perilous terrain, evading French forces while grappling with the harsh realities of war and survival. Delderfield explores themes of camaraderie, leadership, resilience, and the nature of conflict, all framed within a vividly depicted landscape of military hardship.
At the heart of the novel is the character development that takes place within the isolated band of soldiers. Each member of the group is distinct, representing a cross-section of British army life. The officer, Ensign Richard Strang, is young and inexperienced, but he quickly learns the burdens of command as he is thrust into a situation that demands both resourcefulness and courage. His internal struggle with leadership, as well as his growth over the course of the novel, form a central narrative thread. Delderfield presents Strang as a character whose initial uncertainty evolves into a deeper sense of responsibility and confidence. This transformation is made more compelling by the subtle exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with military leadership, especially in life-and-death situations.
The soldiers who accompany Strang are similarly well-drawn. They represent a range of personalities, from the seasoned and grizzled veterans to the younger, less experienced recruits. This mix creates a dynamic interplay between the characters, with their interactions reflecting the bonds forged through shared adversity. The novel highlights the strength of these bonds, showing how the soldiers rely on each other not only for survival but also for emotional support in the face of overwhelming odds. The camaraderie among the men is depicted as one of the few constants in the chaotic and unpredictable world of war.
Delderfield's portrayal of the Napoleonic Wars is marked by a sense of realism and attention to detail. The hardships faced by the soldiers—hunger, exhaustion, the threat of capture or death—are vividly described, immersing the reader in the brutal realities of warfare. The landscape itself becomes a kind of antagonist, as the soldiers must contend with the natural elements as much as they do the French forces pursuing them. Delderfield's descriptions of the countryside, the weather, and the physical toll of the journey contribute to the novel's immersive quality, making the reader feel the soldiers' exhaustion and fear.
Underlying the novel's exploration of survival and warfare is a meditation on duty and honor. The characters, particularly Strang, wrestle with questions of what it means to serve in a conflict that often seems senseless and unforgiving. The soldiers are driven by a sense of duty to their country and to each other, even when the odds are stacked against them. This sense of duty is contrasted with the personal struggles and vulnerabilities each character faces, creating a tension between individual desires and collective responsibility.
Despite the grim circumstances, Delderfield infuses the novel with moments of hope and humanity. The soldiers' resilience, their small acts of kindness toward one another, and their determination to survive lend the story a sense of optimism, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. This balance between the harsh realities of war and the enduring strength of the human spirit is one of the novel's most compelling aspects.
In "Too Few for Drums," Delderfield crafts a story that is both a gripping adventure and a thoughtful exploration of leadership, loyalty, and the costs of war. Through well-developed characters and richly detailed settings, he captures the complexities of military life during a tumultuous period in history. The novel offers readers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve, while also celebrating the bonds that can form even in the most dire of circumstances.