Neil Thornton

An avid military historian and keen researcher, Neil has written a wide range of books spanning many eras. His first book was the critically acclaimed Rorke's Drift: A New Perspective which was a best-seller praised for its source analysis and original research. Since then, together with co-author Michael Denigan, he has published another book on the Anglo-Zulu War. This book, Witnesses at iSandlwana, is the largest collection of primary accounts from the battle ever to be compiled. Known for his in-depth research, Neil travelled to Kenya to live with the family of Digby Tatham Warter who is best-known for carrying an umbrella through the battle of Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in the Second World War. The result was Arnhem Umbrella: Digby Tatham Warter DSO, which was also a best-seller.

His First World War titles include Led by Lions: MPs and Sons Who Fell in The First World War which was launched in a lavish event in Parliament, For Conspicuous Gallantry: Military Cross Holders of the First World War, and Todger - the biography of Runcorn's only recipient of the Victoria Cross. Neil was the chairman of a committee that commissioned a bronze statue of 'Todger' and he regularly holds talks to local schools and armed forces groups, doing all he can for military charities, including the Victoria Cross Trust, through donations and fundraising.

He is currently working on several exciting projects, including two Anglo-Zulu War books.

Outside of writing and publishing books, Neil has been in the chemical industry for over 20 years, and also runs a successful property development company. He is married, has two daughters, two grandchildren (and two cats!) He lives in Runcorn, Cheshire with his family.