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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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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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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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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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Enjoyed the chronicles of Paddy Mayne. Not as immersive in detail as some of Damien Lewis’ books on the SAS and Paddy Mayne’s involvement. However I thoroughly enjoyed the book and listened to its entirety over 3 sessions.

Wholistic biography of Paddy Mayne

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