Bruce Marshall Science fiction writer Date of Birth: 24.06.1899 Country: Great Britain

Biography of Bruce Marshall

Bruce Marshall was a Scottish soldier and writer, known for his diverse range of fiction and popular science books. Born on June 24, 1899 in Edinburgh, Scotland, he studied at the prestigious University of St. Andrews, one of the oldest universities in Scotland and the third oldest in the UK after Oxford and Cambridge.

In 1917, Marshall converted to Catholicism and remained actively involved in matters of faith throughout his life. He was a member and at times served international Catholic organizations such as 'Una Voce' and the 'Latin Mass Society'.

During World War I, Marshall served as a private in the Highland Light Infantry and later became a second lieutenant in the Royal Irish Fusiliers. Just six days before the Armistice was signed, he was severely wounded and taken as a prisoner of war. German medics saved his life, but he lost a leg to amputation. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1919 and demobilized in 1920.

After the war, Marshall completed his education in Scotland and became an auditor. He then moved to France to work for the international auditing company 'Peat Marwick Mitchell', now known as 'KPMG'. In 1928, he married Mary Pearson Clark, and they had one daughter named Sheila Elizabeth Bruce Marshall. From January 2005, his granddaughter, Leslie Ferrar, also a partner at 'KPMG', has served as the Treasurer to Charles, Prince of Wales.

In 1940, when the invasion of France began, Marshall was living in Paris and managed to escape just two days before the city was occupied by the Nazis. Returning to the UK, he re-enlisted in the military. He first joined the Royal Army Pay Corps as a lieutenant and later became a captain in intelligence, providing assistance to the French Resistance. As a lieutenant colonel, he was transferred to Austria, where he worked in the displaced persons department. In 1945, Marshall was transferred to the general reserve, and a year later, he left the army while holding the rank of lieutenant colonel.

After World War II, Marshall returned to France, settled on the French Riviera, and dedicated himself fully to literature, leaving his accounting profession behind. He passed away on June 18, 1987 in Biot, France, just six days before his 88th birthday. As a devout Catholic with a keen interest in religion, his works often touch upon the themes of faith and Catholicism, infused with gentle humor and occasional satire. Other important themes in Marshall's works include Scottish wars, Scottish heritage, and surprisingly, accounting. He had a great love for adventure and intrigue. Many of his books feature accountants or Catholic priests as main characters, who also have a fondness for animals, take care of their health, and hold a somewhat disdainful attitude towards modern art and literature.

Marshall once described himself by saying, "I am an accountant who writes books. In accounting circles, I am hailed as a great writer. Among novelists, I am considered a competent accountant."