A graduate of Reading University, Robert Kershaw joined the Parachute Regiment in 1973 and ultimately commanded 10 PARA. He attended the German Staff College, spending a further two years with the Bundeswehr as an infantry, airborne and arctic warfare instructor. He speaks fluent German. On leaving the British Army in 2006 he became a full-time author. Two of his books have been serialized in the Daily Mail and the Daily Express. He lives in Salisbury, England.