Austin Hernon

Born in the midst of WWII it was no surprise to anyone when Austin took an interest in the military. First the Sea Cadets, then the Royal Marine Reserve. It was during his time with the Marines that Austin engaged in parachuting and became a diver, qualified at the Royal Naval Diving establishment of HMS VERNON in Portsmouth. A readily transferable skill which was put to good use when he transferred into the regular army and became a Recovery Mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Worldwide postings followed, seeing service with the Royal Engineers, and, three years back with the Royal Marines at sea in Combined Operations specialising in underwater recovery. Returning to army life he qualified as a Combat Engineer Diver and then a Diving Supervisor.

One of his postings was to the Outer Hebrides where he witnessed the effects of the Highland Clearances. Curious as to how this social disaster took place, in the 19th century, he followed the trail of land ownership back to 1066, and the Norman invasion. There he came across the grossly under-reported, Robert. The eldest son of William the Conqueror, which led to Austin's first series, 'The Wayward Prince.' He is now hot on the trail of all victims of historical propaganda and false reporting, hence his latest series, The Wars of the Magna Carta, where victims of the murk of history are exhumed for further detailed examination - in the nicest possible way, of course. Enjoy his work, and see how much has changed in society since 1066.