I am not familiar with Alan Sillitoe, but we have an Australian author who was a controller for many years, Don Charlwood. I have read many of his books about WW2 and Sailing Ships. He also recorded the history of Australian ATC in "Takeoff to Touchdown" which was at one time required reading for Aussie Controllers.
Don Charlwood: biography
It is sad when these gifted people pass on, but they leave a legacy in their works.
J