A truly remarkable book about a truly remarkable man, we get the truth, not some overly glorified tale. The author did his research, got the trust of the family and his comrades and gives the reader a greater insight into the legend that was Paddy Mayne.
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After so long, so many books and films (“documentary” and fictional), one wondered whether there was anything more to know. Hamish Ross obviously thought the same when he began his article. The resultant book provides great insight into a fascinating character to whom we owe a great deal. The SAS, shrouded in much secrecy, will obviously be an on-going fascination. The genesis of the SAS, Churchill’s agreement to Dudley Clerk’s idea of a small group infiltrated behind enemy lines destroying fuel dumps, aircraft and other equipment on the ground in an “in and out quickly” action was brought into reality by Sterling, Mayne, and others is portrayed with clarity and as much research objectivity as is possible dealing with events like this, men of astonishing courage, imagination and daring. Mayne proved himself to be not only fearless but a talented navigator, a disciplined field officer and a high-level strategist. Ross recreates and re-aligns the Paddy Mayne of earlier depictions, not only in the desert but in the 11th (Scottish) Commando and, later, in France. What makes this book particularly interesting are the personal letters and the post events military reports. The letters convey sides of Mayne which are not revealed elsewhere, reminders that behind the beret, uniform and Thompson machine gun, there is an “ordinary” man, an ordinary man coping with extraordinary circumstances and risking his life in unique circumstances not known to many people but whose actions did so much for the war effort, e.g. the rescue of Malta. The military reports render any other perspective clearer. In unemotional language they reduce fierce fire fights and ferocious fighting to brief statements of fact. “He was terribly observant an concentrated. He really concentrated on the job in hand and he really knew what was happening. Most of us, I think, when the bullets were flying, probably shut our eyes and ducked but he went in and was quite conscious of what was happening, who was where and all that kind of thing.” (P. 81) Apart his skills as a strategist depicted above and his abilities to rise above the explosions and bullets flying and his willingness to lead from the front, he was also liked by his men because of his awareness of their needs and ability to relate to them - skills not every commander possesses. Prior to reading the book, my most recent “encounter with Paddy Mayne” was watching the portrayal in “Rogue Heroes”, the six programme series based on Ben Macintyre’s book. The book portrays a different character in greater depth. Well worth the few hours it will take to read this excellently researched biography. It is very well written, making it easy reading. No earlier knowledge required but it will help, e.g. watching “Rogue Heroes” or reading the book of the same name by Ben Macintyre for comparison. “Rogue Heroes”, the series, certainly creates the ferocious fighting, the lonely headquarters in the desert and the inspiration behind the SAS regiment. Recommended.
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The book is thorough but not very engagingly written. Actual copy not great. It is an Amazon printing and cover of low quality, it looked really battered after reading it.
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It is a wonderful read. It is obviously well researched and debunks the various myths that have arisen over the years. It is a great shame that the BBC Rogue Heroes portrayed Paddy Mayne in the way the programme did, perpetuating the myths for dramatic effect.
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What an amazing read. I was totally immersed in this book and of the amazing courage by all those who were part of this mind blowing and heroic campaign for the freedom of us all. The dedication and bravery of so few to accomplish so much in the most dangerous conditions of the desert and in Europe. How the leadership of Paddy Mayne comes through as a dedicated and inspiring man to the men he led, at last we know the truth of his (and his men) of the experiences, hero's all.
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I wanted to read this biography to see if the character of Mayne, as portrayed in ‘SAS rogue heroes’ was a true representation of the man. The truth about him is less sensational than that acted but, nonetheless no less impressive. A great read!
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A really good insight into one of Britain's greatest warriors
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Paddy Mayne: The Life of an Irish SAS Legend by Hamish Ross is a fascinating biography that delves into the life of one of the most extraordinary figures in World War II. The book centers on the life of Blair “Paddy” Mayne, a key figure in the Special Air Service (SAS), renowned for his bravery, leadership, and unconventional approach to warfare. The book is well-researched and offers a balanced view of Mayne’s complex personality—combining his military prowess with his controversial, sometimes troubled, personal life. Ross does an excellent job of highlighting Mayne’s role in the SAS, his daring missions in North Africa, and his significant contribution to the development of modern special forces. The narrative is both informative and engaging, with plenty of action-packed sequences to satisfy readers interested in military history. For those interested in the history of special forces or WWII military operations, Paddy Mayne is a compelling and thorough read. It’s particularly valuable for those who want to understand the character and legacy of a man whose name is often overshadowed by other figures from the war. However, the book does assume a certain level of familiarity with military terms and operations, so it might be more suitable for readers with an interest in military history or those who enjoy biographies of wartime figures.
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Fantastic read!
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arrivato per tempo e buono, consigliato
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Paddy Mayne was buried on Friday 16 December 1955. However, that was not the end of his story. The book researched and written by Hamish Ross is well researched and endorsed by relatives of the family of Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne. Whilst the story of the SAS is well known the author provides insights into other areas that seemed to catch the interest of Paddy Mayne such as hypnosis and chicken farming. Paddy was ultimately the right person for the right job and he performed it amazingly. The completion of his tour in Norway in 1945 should have seen him awarded a Victoria Cross just like Guy Gibson had won with his daring raid on the Ruhr. I wonder if Paddy would like to be compared to Guy Gibson, Christine Granville and Alan Turing all of whom were the best at what they did? I only wonder what he would do with a Victoria Cross today being awarded so late in his afterlife? Perhaps, he'd sit down with the Duke of Edinburgh and ask him about his memories of the 16 December 1988 (33 years after 1955). That would be something for the lads to have a laugh about.....
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Excellente et très professionnelle transaction. Mille mercis.
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Great book about one of the most impressive wartime leaders of WW2 Some practices of the SAS today can be traced right back to structure/protocols Paddy put in place during the war. Probably in leadership and courage the man we all wish we could be.
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