In 1933, David began his career, at the age of 18, as a cadet with the Sydney Morning Herald. In 1940, he became a member of the AIF and served his time in the Middle East, Cyprus and Darwin. He was awarded the CBE and Legion of Honour (France).

He took his discharge, in 1944, and became a war correspondent for Consolidated Press. He covered the D Day invasion and three weeks later “joined the 3rd US Army, commanded by General Patton, and took part in that breathtaking race across France after the German forces crumbled at Caen". He covered the liberation of Paris. He was with the 3rd US Army from 6 July 1944 to 25 November 1944. After the battle for Metz he moved to New York, via England, on special assignment.

He returned to Australia after the war and started the Town Talk column in the Daily Telegraph. He became editor-in-chief of Australian Consolidated Press in 1953 and held that position for nearly 20 years. He is now writing a column, which is widely read, for The Bulletin.