Paddy Mayne cover art

Paddy Mayne

Lt Col Blair 'Paddy' Mayne, 1 SAS Regiment

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Paddy Mayne

By: Hamish Ross
Narrated by: Alan Turkington
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About this listen

‘Paddy’ Mayne was one of the most outstanding special forces leaders of the Second World War. Hamish Ross’s authoritative study follows Mayne from solicitor and a rugby international to troop commander in the Commandos and then the SAS, whose leader he later became and whose annals he graced, winning the DSO and three bars, the Croix de Guerre and the Légion d’Honneur.

Mayne’s achievements attracted attention, and after his early death legends emerged, based largely on anecdote and assertion. Hamish Ross’s closely researched biography challenges much of the received version, using contemporary sources, the official war diaries, the chronicle of 1 SAS, Mayne’s papers and diaries, and a number of extended interviews with key contemporaries. It has the support of the Mayne family and the SAS Regimental Association.

In Ross’s analysis Mayne is a dynamic, yet principled and thoughtful man, committed to the unit’s original concepts; not flawless, but whose leadership qualities and tactical brilliance in the field secured the reputation of the SAS.

©2011 Hamish Ross (P)2023 W. F. Howes Ltd Armed Forces Europe Great Britain Military Military & War Special & Elite Forces World War II War England
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I suppose the author wanted an Irishman to read this but could they not have found one that could read and pronounce words correctly, it was constantly frustrating. Readers should skip the last chapters after Antarctica and go straight to the last 10 minutes as this text goes all over the place, including a lot of attempted physchological analysis of Blair Mayne. I am a great fan of Antinyy Beevor and his writing on WWII events, this unfortunately doesn't compare.

Poor Narration Ruined This For Me

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This book dispels a lot of the myth surrounding Colonel Mayne and paints a picture of an even bigger man than the myths surrounding him.

An intelligent, forthright and outstanding soldier, who led his men by example and gave far more to the formation of the SAS than he was credited for in history.


A remarkable biography of a truly remarkable man.

A Legendary War Hero.

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The history of the originals. This is NOT a Bravo Two Zero book. Loved it and learnt something.

“Standards” and Always going a little further. Right time right place, right attitude.

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Two things about the readers lack of military knowledge. He twice talked about a lieutenant corporal, when he meant lance corporal. Towards the end of the story he mentioned a WOI when he should have said WO1 warrant officer first class. Book was brilliant.

Good

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Being in a military family. Both my husband and i enjoyed it very much . My husband served for 48 years in the Australian Army. In the combat parts is how it is in war. Thank You all very much.

The description of Patty Maÿne is legendary.

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a very difficult book to listen to.
A great historical account filled with repetitive ramblings, that makes for very difficult listening

A rambling story

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