Rogue Heroes: The History of the SAS, Britain's Secret Special Forces Unit That Sabotaged the Nazis and Changed the Nature of War

by Ben Macintyre

“We acquire more merit on this earth in doing gladly those tasks set us which are least attractive than by any amount of enjoyable labour,”

A dread of humiliation in front of one’s peers may not be the most noble of motivations, but among many groups, particularly young males locked in physical competition, it often provides the most forceful impetus of all.

All soldiers complain. Grumbling is a cherished part of military tradition, a form of pressure release that does not necessarily reflect genuine dissatisfaction.