Picture a British storyteller who swapped radio transmitters for tales of high-seas adventure—meet Roger Burnage! Born in 1933 in the quaint village of Lymm, Cheshire, this late-blooming author crafted the thrilling Merriman Chronicles, a historical naval fiction series that sails readers back to the age of sail. Despite health battles and publishing hurdles, Burnage’s vivid storytelling and dogged determination have left a lasting mark on fans of naval adventures.
The Making of Roger Burnage
Roger Burnage’s journey to authorship was anything but ordinary. Growing up in Warrington, Cheshire, he excelled in history and English, hinting at his future flair for storytelling. National service whisked him to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where he honed his technical skills as an RAF radio mechanic, tinkering with massive transmitters. After the RAF, Burnage joined Vickers in Manchester as a draughtsman, eventually rising to sales engineer—a role that took him to exotic locales like Scandinavia and India. It was during these travels that he discovered C.S. Forester’s Hornblower novels, sparking a lifelong passion for naval fiction.
Settling in North Wales to raise a family and build a business, Burnage nurtured his dream of writing but lacked the time—until retirement. With the freedom to finally put pen to paper, he faced a new challenge: countless rejections from publishers and agents. Yet, Burnage’s resolve never wavered, even through serious health setbacks, including open-heart surgery and a brain hemorrhage.
Roger Burnage’s Unforgettable Stories
Burnage’s Merriman Chronicles, launched in 2012 with A Certain Threat, plunge readers into the turbulent 1790s, where Lieutenant James Merriman battles French agents and pirates. This debut novel, self-published with help from his son Robin, follows Merriman’s espionage-fueled adventures in the Irish Sea, blending historical accuracy with swashbuckling drama. Fans praise its authentic dialogue and vivid naval encounters, which showcase Burnage’s meticulous research and love for the genre.
The series continued with gems like The Threat in the West Indies (2013), where Merriman faces revolutionary France in the Caribbean, and The Threat in the East (2014), tackling Napoleon’s ambitions in India. The French Invasion (2013) stands out for its detailed take on the failed French invasion of Ireland, earning accolades for its historical depth. Burnage’s style—crisp, action-packed, and steeped in nautical detail—echoes Forester and Patrick O’Brian, yet carries a unique warmth that makes Merriman a relatable hero.
Despite typing with just two fingers post-surgery, Burnage churned out eight novels, with The Fateful Voyage (2022) published posthumously. His ability to weave complex plots with memorable characters, like the cunning French agent Henri Moreau, keeps readers hooked, while his focus on lesser-known historical events adds educational flair.
Why Roger Burnage Matters
Roger Burnage’s legacy transcends his books. His perseverance—writing through illness and rejection—inspires aspiring authors, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. The Merriman Chronicles, continued by his son Robin, have carved a niche in historical naval fiction, delighting readers with their blend of adventure and authenticity. Burnage’s fan base, though modest, is fiercely loyal, with reviews lauding his ability to make the age of sail feel alive.
His story also highlights the power of self-publishing. By embracing Amazon KDP, Burnage bypassed traditional gatekeepers, connecting directly with readers. His work reminds us that passion and grit can leave a lasting ripple, even in a crowded genre.
- Born: 1933, Lymm, Cheshire, UK
- Died: December 2015
- Key Works: A Certain Threat, The Threat in the West Indies, The French Invasion, The Threat in the East
- Genre: Historical Naval Fiction
Snag A Certain Threat and dive into Roger Burnage’s thrilling world of naval adventure—your inner sailor will thank you!