Neil Anderson was raised during the austere Post War 'baby boom' years in the town of Rushden, Northamptonshire, also the birthplace of popular author H.E. Bates. During World War Two, this particular part of the Country was liberally dotted with both British and American Air Force Bases. Near to his home was the airfield from which band leader Glenn Miller made his final and fateful flight. Also nearby, was the Base which housed the legendary 'Memphis Belle', a b17 Flying Fortress bomber, the first to fly an epic 25 successful missions over Europe, the account inspired the making of two motion pictures bearing that name. Growing up in an area like that it was impossible to avoid the countless stories of heroism, bravery, and at times; heart-rending sadness. The haunting atmosphere of those now mostly deserted airfields instilled an inevitable life-long interest in the Second World War.

Neil was educated at Harrold School in North Bedfordshire, and then for a further three years at Northampton School of Art where he studied graphic design. He then embarked on a career with a group of provincial newspapers as an artist, branching at one time into producing a popular weekly cartoon strip, and then eventually into writing. Among his many interests he lists military history, and owning an army vehicle built in 1941. He now lives in the East Riding of Yorkshire.