Like others my recommendations are non-aviation but still defence related...
"Braver Men Walk Away" by Peter Gurney. A life of EOD from 1950s Germany to Belfast in the 70s to London in the 90s.
(Also offers useful insight if building a mess cannon.
)
or "Knife Edge" by Richard Villar (described as a "Special Forces surgeon".....but don't let that put you off. He's not "Dr McNab")
Agree on Chickenhawk.
