Paddy Mayne: Lt Col Blair 'Paddy' Mayne, 1 SAS Regiment

by Hamish Ross

"Paddy" Mayne was one of the most outstanding special forces leaders of World War II. 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 Legion 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.

Genres: History, Biography, Military History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, War, World War II

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 26, 2004

Reviews

[Ryan Cawsey-Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamish Ross gives an excellent account of the extraordinary life of Paddy Mayne. A memoir that illustrates a different side to the popularised political opinions of the media.

[Stan · Rating 2 out of 5]

all right , too much about how other books got it wrong , and this author is so right

[David O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating account of a complex and fascinating man. A fellow country man of mine who is in a long line of notable warriors. Mayne's was, in the end, a tragic story of a man lost without the excitements of war and the brotherhood and companionship of warriors.
Ross manages to convey the complexities of the man and paints a vivid picture of a fellow who defined the non-conformity and individualism that so suited him to the life of the special forces warrior.

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard about Paddy Mayne through SAS Rogue Heroes by Ben McIntyre, and wanted to know more about him.

Hamish Ross has written a homage to him, clearly wanting to put the record straight about this remarkable man. I say clearly because Ross often states the errors he says others have made about Mayne, which I found slightly irritating.

I have often thought how difficult it must be to come back to "real life" after being involved in so much action during war, and this comes through in this book. Mayne's premature death in a car accident is a cruel ending to a man who gave so much.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read, apart from the chapter on mainland Italy which read like a diary with no information. "A company 2 troop moved east to lie west of B company 1 troop. C company 1 troop then moved north east to take up position to the west of A company" repeat ad nauseum for page after page.

Also, large sections deal with pointing out inaccuracies in a previous biography. Just tell your tale, no need for the point scoring.

[Michael Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the real story of Paddy Mayne. The extraordinary special forces leader of WWII renown. Thoroughly researched and objective throughout, Ross reveals the real Paddy Mayne not the drama hyped version touted. Solicitor, Ireland and British Lion Rugby International, Mayne had no previous military experience, yet his leadership, tactical brilliance, and commitment to all who served under him, set him apart from others.

[John Irvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always wished I could have met Blair Mayne. Reading this book is the next best thing.

This is a ‘rehabilitation’ of Blair Mayne, well-researched and long overdue. Even amongst those ‘in the know’ his ‘rogue warrior’ tag was rarely questioned - in fact, it was almost encouraged. The case for this rehabilitation is well made. It is reinforced by insights provided by Blair’s personal papers and retrospectively analysed in the context of what we now know as PSTD. This is the first book to say anything about Blair’s life after the war.

I have always wished I could have met Blair Mayne. Reading this book was the next best thing.

[To Audible: the narrator is very, very good. Excellent pronunciation of overseas place names (with the exception of Montevideo) and use of accents when reading quotations. I wish the same care had gone into the pronunciation of military terms (L/Cpl pronounced Lieutenant Corporal instead of Lance Corporal, ORs pronounced ORS instead of the plural of OR (Other Ranks), WOI pronounced WO ‘eye’ instead of WO 1 ’one’ are some examples). The Audible version contains half a dozen repeated sentences which missed the cuts and a whole repeated section to correct, in parts, the mispronunciation of Montevideo. But, this narrator is still one of the best I’ve listened to].

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

*slow claps*

ross really knocked it out of the park with this one. the bibliography is *chef's kiss* and the continual historiography during the text is *double chef's kiss*.

i definitely don't recommend this as being peeps' first encounter with mayne. if anything, the biography is enhanced after one has read bastardized accounts of mayne's character. at the end of the day, both author and reader need to be confidants to fully understand just how crappy a job past writers have done when researching this man's life.

i recommend reading ben macintyre's book about the sas before delving into this one. that book does a great job explaining the unit's history and operations and it makes ross' condensed overview of events more digestible. that book also shows the power that bias/poor research have continued to have on mayne even after a comprehensive work like this was published.

i highly recommend the audiobook; listened on 1.75x speed.

[Amzon_Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ONLY Biography to read about this great, great man…

I have read numerous books about this Warrior. All of them, ‘APART’ from THIS book, are full of discrepancies, lazy research, and some of them; utter lies and nonsense.

This author has taken the time & made the effort to deliver a finely honed biography. In many places, I was admiring the subjects thoughts & comments, then also; the author came out with utter superlatives, too.

Truly; this is, at present, the ONLY biography one should read. Forget the others; they are not in the same sphere & I don’t want you to waste your time on them. [One of those ‘other’ books was co-authored by a writer I had much admired in the past. However, reading about the maliciousness & utter contemptuousness of that work; I will never read him again.]

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solicitor to SAS Hero

It’s so enlightening to have read this book describing Paddy’s exploits in WW2 and of his amazing transformation from being a lawyer to eventually being a revered member and leader of this famous regiment and then back to his roots in his Northern Ireland homeland .

[John O' Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insight into the philosophy of leadership and leadership styles in extremes. Very interesting book. Overly critical of other characterizations of Maine, but very hard to put down. Would highly recommend and have extensively read on genre

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding insights into a true leader

Essential reading following reading Ben McInytres SAS Rogue Heroes and watching the BBC Series of the same name.This book dispels the myths and rights the record. Paddy Mayne was a legend and this book studies what made him so.

[Philomena Duggins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Turgid

I don’t know if the author intended to suck any interest out of the story of an amazing man but he succeeded.

[Junior Correia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haruki Murakami’s 1Q84 is a mesmerizing and enigmatic novel that blends elements of fantasy, alternate reality, and metaphysical speculation. Set in a parallel version of Tokyo in 1984 — a world that diverges subtly and ominously from the one we know — the book follows the intertwined stories of Aomame, a fitness instructor with a secret mission, and Tengo, a math teacher and aspiring writer.

Murakami’s prose is deliberate and dreamlike, creating a hypnotic atmosphere where time and logic often feel suspended. The dual narratives, which slowly converge, explore deep themes such as identity, memory, loneliness, and the search for meaning. The presence of the mysterious “Little People” and the eerie cult-like organization adds an unsettling layer of tension.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ambition. Murakami constructs a rich, immersive world and doesn’t shy away from philosophical digressions or introspective character development. However, the pacing may be slow for some readers, and the story’s surreal elements might feel ambiguous or unresolved. Repetitive descriptions and extended monologues may also test the patience of those expecting a more traditional plot structure.

Despite its flaws, 1Q84 is a bold and thought-provoking work. It’s a novel that demands patience and rewards close reading. Fans of Murakami’s earlier works will likely appreciate the familiar blend of the strange and the mundane, while newcomers might find themselves challenged — but ultimately captivated — by this literary labyrinth.

[MGF MGF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommended

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.

[Brian Miracle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful biography of Blair “Paddy” Mayne, one of the co-founders of the British Special Air Service (SAS) and the commander of 1st SAS Regiment from 1943-1945. The author debunks the mythology of Paddy Mayne, the rabble-rousing nonconformist, a mythology that the current TV Series SAS: Rogue Heroes appears to also embrace.

While a binge drinker, the author shows, using Paddy’s own words, his emphasis on discipline and respect for authority. The fact that several British commanders, including Field Marshal Montgomery, had great respect for Mayne, reinforces the author’s findings.

Part 1 (two chapters) covers an introduction and Mayne’s early life (1915-1940). Part 2 (five chapters) covers his time in World War 2, including four chapters on his time in the SAS. The author stresses how Mayne did much to save the SAS after its time in the desert, transitioning it to an early assault role in Sicily and Italy.

Part 3 (two chapters) covers Mayne’s postwar life until his death in a traffic accident in 1955. Part 4 ( two chapters) covers his potential PTSD and his death, as well as an assessment of his leadership and legacy.

Interesting account of one of the heroes of the SAS.

[Jonathan Yom-Tov · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paddy Mayne is perhaps the person most responsible for the success of the SAS and indirectly, for the success of whole concept of special forces. Sadly, the author and editor of this book did a very bad job.
Right from the start the reader is forced to wade through a soul crushing expanse of useless trivia. There are blow by blow accounts of various battles in which Mayne was involved, but don't do much to enlighten us about Mayne himself. There are quotes of polite notes to and from Mayne. It's all quite mind numbing.
At times the author spends many pages trying to dispel Mayne's reputation as an unruly alcoholic. I mean, I get it, he wasn't, I can move on. But no, the author comes back to the subject again and adain until the reader finds himself wishing for a pint or two himself.
There's also superfluous character analysis which would've been more interesting if instead of showing us what he thought the author had outlined the actual events and let the reader decide for himself.
To conclude, lots of good material killed very dead by the author. If I could do this over I'd probably cut down the length of the book about 2/3 and replaced the rambling analyses with a lot more (hopefully interesting) anecdotes.

[S V B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the best book about Paddy Mayne. I've read a couple of others but this one uses a lot more in the way of primary sources and information from people who actually knew him.
I read this mostly because I wanted to find out more about his Antarctic connections - it didn't disappoint! A whole chapter details what he was doing there, where he went, and (a treat for the Shacklefans) a lovely connection to the Quest expedition. It also turns out that Mayne wanted to go ashore at Elephant Island to see if he could find anything left from the Endurance party. Fantastic stuff! Really enjoyed it.

[Mark Lawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are brave men and there are men whose bravery is on another level of another level of another level. I listened to this on Spotify Books, it’s a great telling of bravery of Paddy Mayne. He commanded the SAS through the war starting aged 28 and finishing aged 33. This young man was a hero in every sense of the word. If this was a film you would think it was just a load of crap because it was not believable. He was not awarded the VC because of some stupid protocol. If anyone ever deserved it he did. This is a man that should never ever be forgotten and I hope somewhere there is a statue of him and if not then that is criminal. This is a book everyone should read.

[Norman J. Arnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading this book, I had the (false) impression that Paddy Mayne was a rabble rouser and sort of a loose cannon. This very thorough look into his time with the SAS and after is very interesting. Interviews with many of his remaining comrades, both officer and enlisted, as well as others who could speak with firsthand knowledge was important to telling a true story. Getting access to Mayne family records and "Paddy" Mayne's diaries from his family and reports from the SAS bring this all together. I agree with the efforts to posthumously award Lt Col Robert Blair Mayne the VC that was deserved yet denied.

[Anne Bryson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having watched ‘Rogue Heroes’, I was interested in learning more about the main hero Paddy Mayne. Reading this biography certainly provided that. Unlike the glamorised and dramatised series, the reality described in this well researched biography presented a very humane intelligent and compassionate leader of men.
The book is well researched and well written. However I found I could only read in relatively short bursts in order to assimilate the information. Sometimes a character remains with me long after a book has ended. This is one such

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad book. I Feel as if it's setting the record straight on Paddy. Who is absolutely an extraordinary chap, I think the world would have been ever so slightly better place if he didn't die young..

I thought Paddy was well portrayed on Rogue Heros, but after reading this book, I'm not so sure. I feel as if they couldn't have been more wrong. I would love to know Ross's opinion.

Great book. Sadly, I lost interest post war but that's where my interest lies.

[michael baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hamish Ross has written a great biography of a very interesting character. It takes you through the early years of Paddy Mayne demonstrating his sporting prowess. The myths and legends of this charismatic character are explored during his career in the SAS in WW11. Finally the later years give a fantastic account of how this Irish man becomes a great example to all military leaders, and a hero of his home town. A true warrior of his time.
I really enjoyed this book.

[George Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having watched the BBC programme on SAS Rogue Heroes, I decided that I wanted to know more about the fact and fiction so decided to read this. Have not read any of the other books about Paddy Mayne but if the introduction from his niece is to be believed then this is a good account of his life. I found his post war year life could have been explored in a bit more detail given the assumptions made about PTSD but nonetheless this is a good read.

[Martin Groenewoud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read about Paddy Mayne before and had seen the SAS Documentary SAS Roque Heroes by Ben McIntyre and watch the TV serie but both din't give the same impression of Paddy Maybe as this book. The documentary and TV series doesn't show enough of the human, and leadership skills and style as portrait in this book. So a great book to read if you want to know more about the exploit of Paddy Mayne and get more insight into the person he was.

[Paul Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. This is a no frills chronology of the life of an extraordinary man. The fact that Blair Mayne did not receive the VC is an incredible injustice and he is probably the most important figure in the early development of the SAS, perhaps even more so than David Stirling.

For me this was a little too bland, a little too dry to give it four stars.

[Susan Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paddy Mayne

So good to read a more factual account of the legendary Paddy Mayne.
The author should be given thanks for debunking the myths to find the man.
This wad an interesting read,
The one thing missing in the last chapters was how the unit SAS, which was disbanded at the end of the war, rose again. There was nothing to explain how it appeared again.

[Nils Mattisson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't think one could write a book about Paddy Mayne that would read... dry, but this one undeniably is. I feel the author is too preoccupied with righting errors of previous biographers rather than describing the man, so we're left with a long list of technical corrections and less engaging reading.

[stewart bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paddy Mayne

Like many from my generation we grew up hearing about the war, some of us were lucky enough to have grandparents who served and survived the war, my grandfather served in North Africa, in the 8th army ‘Desert rats’.
There are of course many accounts from this time, but I found this book to be an interesting and informative read regarding the ‘real’ Paddy Mayne.

[Robin Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

True and historical account

An exceptional account of the historical influence of one man on the British military and an insight into the man himself. Hamish Ross has done an outstanding job of separating facts from fiction. In other words, a tremendously well-done historical narrative.