SAS: Rogue Heroes, the latest historical drama streaming on BBC iPlayer, takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the inception of the Special Air Service. With a gripping plotline crafted by Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight and inspired by Ben Macintyre’s bestselling book, this six-part series is not to be missed.
At the heart of the drama lies the enigmatic character Paddy Mayne, played by Skins star Jack O’Connell. As one of the founding members of the SAS, Mayne was a legend in his own right, renowned for his bravery and ingenuity. His penchant for leading hit-and-run raids on enemy aircraft with military jeeps earned him a staggering four Distinguished Service Orders, a distinction only shared by six other British servicemen during World War Two.
However, the real-life Mayne is surrounded by controversy, as many believe he was unjustly denied the highest military award for gallantry, the Victoria Cross. Despite recommendations and witness statements lauding Mayne’s heroics during a daring rescue mission in Germany in 1945, his Victoria Cross was inexplicably downgraded to a fourth DSO, a decision that remains shrouded in mystery to this day.
As we see in the series, Mayne was no stranger to controversy. His brawling tendencies and reputedly ruthless tactics on the battlefield have led some to speculate that his reputation as a rogue may have played a role in his being denied the Victoria Cross. Others argue that downgrading such an award was not uncommon, and that Mayne’s case is not unique.
The controversy surrounding Mayne’s military accolades is so contentious that it reached the House of Commons in 2005. An Early Day Motion calling for the recognition of the “grave injustice” was signed by over 100 MPs, raising further questions about the reasons behind the decision to downgrade his award.
As viewers dive into the thrilling world of SAS: Rogue Heroes, the tale of Paddy Mayne serves as a captivating reminder of the complexities and controversies that often lie behind the valor of our military heroes. The debate surrounding his denied Victoria Cross is unlikely to end anytime soon, but perhaps this enthralling series can shed some light on the fascinating, if controversial, life of one of history’s most legendary soldiers.