Conversation so far:
Where did Patrick O'Brian spend Patrick O'Brian's childhood?
Lewes, East Sussex.
What is the name of his wife?
wife Mary Wicksteed Tolstoy.
Aside from writing what other job he does?
my wife and I had driven ambulances and served in intelligence together.

Question: Did he serve in military?
Self-contained rewrite: Did writer Patrick O'Brian serve in military?