Rifleman Dodd

By C.S. Forester

Book Overview

Cut off from his regiment by enemy forces pursuing his British comrades in retreat, Rifleman Matthew Dodd commits himself to fighting his way back to friendly lines. Dodd's simple, unyielding devotion to his duties as a soldier exemplifies core values - honor, courage and commitment - which all Marines are expected to demonstrate. He never thinks in terms of surrender. He doesn't just escape and evade - he continues to perform as a rifleman, killing enemy soldiers. In one of the opening chapters, Dodd is discovered by a French soldier as he is making his way back to his company. He flees in the opposite direction and finds himself scaling a steep hill. The French don't wish to follow him any farther. Instead of escaping from the impending danger, Dodd single-handedly takes on a cluster of soldiers at the foot of the hill and beats them. When he finally returns to his unit, no one knows of the deeds he has done, and his simple reward is a hot meal and the company of his mates.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1773237128
• ISBN13: 9781773237121
• Release Date: November 2022
• Publisher: Must Have Books
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Must read for all Warriors

I first read this book when I was a young PFC in the Marines. It is one of the best novels I have ever read. I have since left the Corps and am an Infantry Officer in the Army and I still recommend this book to young soldiers and officers. It is a great tale of one man taking the fight to the enemy because of his understanding of commanders intent and is a true Warrior. The style of writing is dated but I could not put it down. If you are looking for a book full of blood and guts you probably arent mature enough for this book and will obviously think it to be a dry read and boring. But if you are a student of concept and understanding, then you will definitely enjoy.

My history book

I thought this book was really good, i loved the intensity that dodd gave to you i strongly reccomend this books i have read a lot of books and this is one of the best of all the history books. any history teachers out there who are looking for a good read read this.

Another great from the late Great C.S. Lewis

I love this book probably because i served with the Royal Green Jackets in the British Army which are the desendants of the 95th Rifles.It is very well written and i felt I was right there along with Dodd trying to get back to the British lines.I wish i had read this book as a young Rifleman in my training i think it would have made me a better squadie.I recomend this book to every young infantryman.Its a must read.

The ultimate partisan

This is a classic tale of one man's fight against the enemy. I was pleased to see that it was reprinted. A British rifleman has been cut off behind enemy lines by the French advance into Portugal during the Napoleonic Wars. The British Army was pushed back to a last line of defense. The rifleman continues to do what he can to stop the French advance, with no hope for personal recognition or rewards (no banners, no bands), and a slim chance of survival. Highly trained to do his duty, he takes to the woods, scouts the enemy, and carries out hit and run raiding.The novel is a study of one man's commitment to duty taking precedence over his own personal survival. It shows how one man with ability, courage, and initiative can make a difference to the outcome of a war. Rifleman Dodd is placed at the turning of the tide.

Never, Never, Never Give Up! What one rifleman can do!

Appropriate reading for Marines. (The book is on the Commandant's Professional Reading List, --A good choice) Rifleman Dodd's example personifies what clear thinking during times of extreme hardship and war can produce. Dodd continued to function and fight, showing great resourcefulness and the virtues of patience, leadership, and marksmanship. It is what Marine warrior training is all about. Cut off from his rifle unit he continued to fight and function. He protected himself utilizing terrain and land navigation techniques to his advantage. His ability to live off the land, care of his rifle, and marksmanship skills to wreck havoc and destruction on the enemy are commendable. Dodd exemplifies what one trained rifleman can accomplish under extremely harsh conditions. While the setting takes place in the Napoleonic Wars and behind enemy lines the circumstances are applicable to modern warfare and life in general. It's the Marine creed of dedication to duty and time honored principals that are personified in the performance of Dood's duty at the lowest ranking level. The book is well written but could use a glossary of terms used in those times that would make it even more understandable. Look up what you don't understand. Excellent reading choice when you think things are not going right for you. (Fits nice in pack) Good gift item for military personnel. Recommended and purchased for friends who are contemplating enlisting in USMC. Lt. Gary L. "snook" Hoffman, Director of Training and Education. CCSO. Former Sergeant USMC.