Unbreakable: The Trailblazing SAS Soldier Who Never Backed Down

by Melvyn Downes, Billy Billingham (Foreword)

A frightened boy pursued by racist bullies who grew up to become a trailblazing soldier in the British Army and then the SAS, Melvyn Downes was one of the first British-born Black men to join the elite regiment. During his 24 years of service, he was involved in secret missions across more than 50 countries and since leaving active duty has travelled to some of the world’s most dangerous places, protecting charity workers and journalists amidst natural disasters and in brutal conflict zones.

In this gripping memoir, Melvyn takes us behind enemy lines and onto the front line of war, never shying away from the darker side of what he endured, such as losing friends, experiencing psychological traumas and facing racial harassment head-on. Yet, he believes that with the right willpower and mindset, anyone can overcome life's challenges.

Melvyn wasn’t born fearless, strong or confident; these traits were forged through hard work, a willingness to learn from his mistakes and a desire to push himself out of his comfort zone. Inspired by the founding principles of the SAS – humility, integrity, humour, classlessness and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence – Melvyn embodies these values in every aspect of his life. And in Unbreakable, he shows that you don’t need to be a soldier to follow these ideas – we can all use them to build resilience when life throws us curveballs, and to live a life without limits.

Genres: Biography

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2025

Reviews

[Dani Auer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

From Amazon:

“A frightened boy pursued by racist bullies who grew up to become a trailblazing soldier in the British Army and then the SAS, Melvyn Downes was one of the first British-born Black men to join the elite regiment. During his 24 years of service, he was involved in secret missions across more than 50 countries and since leaving active duty has travelled to some of the world’s most dangerous places, protecting charity workers and journalists amidst natural disasters and in brutal conflict zones.

In this gripping memoir, Melvyn takes us behind enemy lines and onto the front line of war, never shying away from the darker side of what he endured, such as losing friends, experiencing psychological traumas and facing racial harassment head-on. Yet, he believes that with the right willpower and mindset, anyone can overcome life's challenges.”

The book is well written and entertaining although it only briefly deals with Melvyn’s time in the SAS (which is understandable due to the nature of the deployments).

[Glenn Aaron Brade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

I was born in 67 Nottingham on the St Ann’s estate (if you know you know). West Indian Father white English Mother! Got chased home by racist whites and then by racist blacks! Father made me stand my ground and take a beating but never back down! Love SKA music and Sport! Father died when I was still at school 16 at the time! Joined the Royal Navy and became a Submariner ( Only black submariner Medic at the time). Best thing that ever happened to me! Met some of the oddest guys you can imagine BUT the BEST shipmate’s you could ever ask to have your back! Medically discharged after 8.5yrs. This book has made me feel so PROUD of the man from Stoke! Pity he’s not a Forest fan but you can’t be completely perfect! THE BEST READ I’VE HAD IN A LONG TIME!!! Wish MAN and his family HAPPINESS he’s HEARNED IT! ❤️🫡🙏🏾

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual genre, but after reading Killing Thatcher and The Siege I was curious about what it takes to be in the SAS and the selection process. Actually what I enjoyed most were the descriptions of Mel’s time in the Middle East during the Gulf War - especially desert living conditions. Flies arriving from nowhere as soon as you opened your rations…..

Mel’s resilience, motivation and pursuit of excellence in what he does shone through in the writing. It was an entertaining, quick read - with years skimmed over which couldn’t for various reasons be elaborated upon.

[James Cay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humble, no-nonsense memoir of one man’s exceptional achievements in service of his country. Mel’s recounting of the racism he has had to endure through his early years and later career is shocking and upsetting in equal measure - that he rose above this, and is still able to put the abuse he received in the context of the time and place without bitterness is quite extraordinary and I’m sure a measure of the man. Quietly inspiring, a story told at pace and with plenty of understated military humour, this is a great read.

[Sean Flatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great non fiction book and an autobiography book from a former SAS soldier.
It's well written and enjoyable as it hold no barriers to his up bring in Stoke on Trent in the north of England til he joined the British Army's rifle and then SAS.
Overall a great read of a book.
Best wishes Sean

[simon payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting life, similar to several others I have read. Sadly missed all the SF stories which I understand. Details would make it more readable in particular times and places to give it more context. Room with his experiences for another book.