Richard Bolitho is a fictional Royal Navy officer who is the main character in a series of novels written by Douglas Reeman (using the pseudonym Alexander Kent).

Bolitho was born in 1756 in Falmouth, England. He joined the navy in 1768. He served in the wars against France and the United States. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1774, Captain in 1782, and Admiral in 1800. He died in combat in 1815.

In the latter books of the series, Bolitho is joined by his nephew, Adam Bolitho (born 1780), who becomes the main character after Richard's death.

Books in series order by the year they are set in (with year published):

1. 1772 - Richard Bolitho, Midshipman (1975)
2. 1773 - Midshipman Bolitho and the 'Avenger' (1978)
3. 1774 - Stand Into Danger (1980)
4. 1777 - In Gallant Company (1977)
5. 1778 - Sloop Of War (1972)
6. 1782 - To Glory We Steer (1968)
7. 1784 - Command a King's Ship (1973)
8. 1789 - Passage To Mutiny (1976)
9. 1792 - With All Despatch (1988)
10. 1793 - Form Line of Battle! (1969)
11. 1794 - Enemy In Sight! (1970)
12. 1797 - Flag Captain (1971)
13. 1798 - Signal - Close Action! (1974)
14. 1800 - The Inshore Squadron (1977)
15. 1801 - A Tradition Of Victory (1981)
16. 1802 - Success To The Brave (1983)
17. 1803 - Colours Aloft! (1986)
18. 1804 - Honour This Day (1987)
19. 1806 - The Only Victor (1990)
20. 1808 - Beyond The Reef (1992)
21. 1809 - The Darkening Sea (1993)
22. 1811 - For My Country's Freedom (1995)
23. 1813 - Cross Of St. George (1996)
24. 1814 - Sword of Honour (1998)
25. 1815 - Second to None (1999)
26. 1815 - Relentless Pursuit (2001)
27. 1817 - Man of War (2003)

There were also some omnibus editions which collected several books from the series into one volume

1. Midshipman Bolitho - contains Richard Bolitho, Midshipman and Midshipman Bolitho and the 'Avenger'
2. Captain Richard Bolitho, RN - contains To Glory We Steer, Sloop Of War, and Command a King's Ship
3. Bolitho - contains With All Despatch, Honour This Day, and The Only Victor