David O’Neil

David O’Neil was a British author of historical adventure and naval fiction. After being bombed out of his London home as a child, he later learned to fly during RAF National Service and spent eight years serving in the Colonial Police in Nyasaland, now Malawi, where he also developed his lifelong interest in sailing. He subsequently worked as a management consultant before returning to Scotland and becoming a tour guide.

O’Neil began writing seriously in 2006, initially producing Highland guidebooks before turning to fiction. He has since written numerous novels across historical adventure, naval fiction and thrillers. His White Ensign Series, beginning with Fighting Orders—originally published as Sailing Orders—follows the career of Royal Navy officer Martin Forest-Bowers through the wars with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France.