'The best biography I've read recently' - Colin Bateman, Sunday Independent An excellent examination of Mayne... Ross corrects many of the myths about him that have flourished over the years - History of War magazine 'This welcome reassessment, officially backed and well-researched, sets the record straight' - Soldier Magazine

'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 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 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.

Ross's analysis shows Mayne to be a dynamic, yet principled and thoughtful man, committed to the unit's original concepts. He was far from flawless, but his leadership and tactical brilliance in the field secured the reputation of the SAS, proving he was every bit a rogue hero.

The definitive biography of Paddy Mayne, and the true story behind the hit TV show SAS Rogue Heroes

About the Author
Hamish Ross PhD became interested in the legendary wartime SAS commander Lt Col Blair 'Paddy' Mayne through a boyhood link with one of the 'L' Detachment originals. What started as a journal article soon turned into a far more substantial work when he saw the extent and quality of the archive material available. Hamish lives in Glasgow.

Reviews

The best biography I've read recently

-- Colin Bateman

This welcome reassessment, officially backed and well-researched, sets the record straight

* Soldier Magazine *

An excellent examination of Mayne... Ross corrects many of the myths about him that have flourished over the years."

* History of War magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9781803993720
Author Hamish Ross
Format Paperback
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd