James Edmond Macdonnell, Australian novelist, born in 1917 just as World War 1 ended. He became one of Australia's most prolific authors with over 200 novels to his name (and various pseudonyms - see Wikipedia link below). Macdonnell wrote mostly naval fiction, he began writing while serving in the Royal Australian Navy. Passionate about ships and the navy, Macdonnell joined the navy aged 17.
Links:
Our books: J E Macdonnell
Wikipedia: J E Macdonnell information including a list of his works
The Aust Lit Website: All things J E Macdonnell including biography titles