Michael Foley spent much of his career as a primary school teacher and has always had a passion for history - particularly relating to his home county of Essex.

Now he concentrates on his writing and has published thirty-six books on military and local history. His other books published with Pen & Sword include: Russian Civil War (2018), Britain's Railway Disasters (hardback, 2014), Rise of the Tank (2014) and Pioneers of Aerial Combat (2013).

He also writes weekly newspaper columns, and articles and stories for magazines. Many years ago, Michael trained as a guard with British Railways and has maintained a great interest in the country's railway system ever since.