Don McNaughton was born in Darlington, Co. Durham and emigrated with his family to Australia in 1961 at the age of 9. After attending school in Brisbane he joined the RAAF in 1970 where he trained as an Aeronautical Engineer. After 4 years that he wouldn't have missed for quids, he resigned from the air force and commenced a science degree, majoring in chemistry and then carrying out a Ph D in physical chemistry. As an academic his research areas are molecular spectroscopy underpinning the understanding of interstellar chemistry and analytical micro and nano-spectroscopy aimed at understanding biochemical change at the micro and nano level. He retired in 2017, and is Emeritus Professor of Molecular Sciences at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. He retains his interest in the air force and aircraft and has always maintained an interest in 20th Century military and social history. Lucky Pommie Bastard is his first foray into writing anything other than scientific papers and book chapters. Don is married to Elizabeth, a General Medical Practitioner and together they have two children.
