He was born in Clapham, London in 1936. After a Secondary School education and completion of National Service in the RAF (1954/55) his interest in writing started when working at the London Evening News and Guardian Libraries.  During this time he completed 'O' & 'A' Levels at evening classes and later completed his BA at London University.

Bob second in from the left in March 1955 at RAF Hereford

A teaching career began at the Watford College of Further Education after which he moved to Munich in 1972 to teach English at the Sprachen-und-Dolmetscher Institut.  Also lecturing History and English Literature this is where he still works today.