Ivan Southall was born on June 8, 1921 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He was a writer, known for Let the Balloon Go (1976) and Hills End (1988). He died on November 15, 2008 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
He was awarded the D.F.C. (Distinguished Flying Cross) on October 31, 1944 for his services to 461 Squadron for the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II.
He was awarded the A.M. (Member of the Order of Australia) in the 1981 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Literature.