Anthony McNally
A A McNally is a decorated former British Royal Artillery soldier known for serving in the Falklands War. Credited with shooting down two enemy aircraft with SAM missiles, his military experiences led him on a path towards writing and advocacy. McNally's book, "Still Watching Men Burn: Fighting the PTSD War," provides a raw and truthful account of his struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Recognised globally for his efforts to raise awareness and improve the treatment of veterans with mental health issues, McNally is frequently sought after by the press and media to share his insights on the subject. His bravery in speaking out about mental health at a time when PTSD was still relatively unknown and stigmatised within the British Armed Forces and veteran community has earned him admiration and respect.
Residing in the serene English Lake District with his wife Linda and two Labrador dogs, McNally continues to write best-selling books. In addition to his acclaimed memoir, he has also published a poetry book titled "Screaming in Silence," which explores trauma and the experiences of World War One soldiers. Recently, he released his latest works, '1982 Ragnarök,' and his first book in the new dystopian sci-fi series, 'P-23, The Cull,' along with book 2, 'P-23 The Colony.'
In the face of adversity, he remains dedicated to sharing his story and advocating for better support for those struggling with mental health issues.
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Inside the Mind - Anthony McNally
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What inspired you to start writing?
I went to the Falklands War as a young man, carrying all the fear, pride, and uncertainty that come with being thrown into conflict long before you truly understand its cost. What I witnessed there stayed with me long after the fighting stopped. Eventually, I was diagnosed with PTSD — though at the time, I didn’t have the words, or the courage, to talk about the horrors I’d seen. A counsellor gave me a simple instruction: “Write down your thoughts and feelings.” It sounded almost trivial, but it became the turning point of my life. I picked up a notebook and began scribbling — raw memories, fragments of emotion, things I had buried for years. Those scribbles slowly took shape, and before I realised it, they became the foundation of my first book. Writing gave me a voice when I felt voiceless. It gave me a way to process the trauma, honour the men I served with, and make sense of the shadows that followed me home. I haven’t stopped writing since. What began as therapy became a passion, a purpose, and a way to connect with others who carry their own invisible wounds.
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Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
Right now, I’m deep into writing Book 3 of my sci‑fi series P‑23. This instalment pushes the story into darker, more complex territory. It follows an extra-terrestrial race that arrives on Earth uninvited, forcing humanity’s leaders into an impossible decision: to “Cull” millions of people to appease our new visitors, the Tarions. What begins as an occupation becomes a fragile alliance. Humans and Tarions eventually find themselves fighting side by side against a far more terrifying enemy — a ruthless alien species determined to wipe out every living thing on Earth. Book 3 explores the aftermath of that war: the cost of survival, the uneasy bonds forged in battle, and the question of whether humanity can ever rebuild after sacrificing so much. It’s a story about loyalty, fear, and the thin line between salvation and destruction.
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