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 Europe Great Britain Military Military & War World War II War England Armed Force

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All stars
Most relevant  
Great story well researched. The only let down was the editing of the recording - there were occasional repeats of sentences and a coughing episode! Other than that well worth a listen.

A fantastic history of one of the most mis-understood war leaders.

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A wonderful story of an extraordinary man. I enjoyed hearing about his wartime exploits but also what a good man he was.

Honest account

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It met all the criteria of the man you would dream of to emulate. A tragedy his passing so young and in such circumstances.

The Man

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it was great to get an unbiased reflection of the life of a hero. This made the story even more fascinating

accurately reflecting a person's journey

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I can't recommend this book highly enough it is gripping, honest, well written and most importantly it tells the true un-embellished story of a truly great man and leader of men. I couldn't watch or read the rubbish that has been written in books or the awful TV show about the origins of the SAS because it always seemed to ring false. At last there has been an autobiography that reflects the true nature of Robert Blair Mayne, it has been a long time coming and had to be done right and this author hit the bulleye!

At last his story is properly told.

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A superb book that’s well researched and hopefully puts to rest all the tall stories told about Lt.Col Blair Mayne and those who only know of him because of a recent portrayal of him on TV - (to be fair the show does say it’s NOT a history lesson at the start of each episode).
I hope this book will become the main point of reference for anyone wanting to know more about Mayne’s life before and after the Second World War as it’s factual and shows the deep regard held for him by those who actually knew him.
There’s the odd editing glitch and the mispronunciation of military terminology but it’s hardly detracts from the overall story and narration.
I’d 100% recommend this book.

A book that cuts through the myths and tells the story of the real man.

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It was so refreshing to have a balanced and honest description of a hero that needs no embellishment.

A straight forward description of a true Hero

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I really enjoyed listening to this well research and comprehensive book. The reader made it easy to listen to. My only criticism is the editing of the version I listened to (Feb 2025). There are three or four short sections where the text is read twice in succession, even one section where the reader coughs! That said it was a brilliant book to listen to.

An Excellent Book. The Audio Needs a Review and Edit Though.

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finally a real story of the man, the myth, the legend, I enjoyed it

realistic

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Really enjoyed this book. Great to understand a bit about the real man. So glad he was on our side

Great book

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