Paddy Mayne is played by Jack O’Connell (Image: BBC)
SAS Rogue Heroes is back on BBC One and as D-Day draws closer, the SAS heroes are sent on their next mission, which leaves Bill Stirling (played by Gwilym Lee) less than impressed. He claimed it would be a “suicide mission” during a meeting with General Montgomery (Con O’Neill).
The General claimed Paddy Mayne (Jack O’Connell) was one of the most crucial driving forces behind the SAS and in real life, he wanted Paddy to be recognised for his bravery and commitment. Montgomery had signed off a recommendation for a Victoria Cross – the highest and most prestigious decoration – but it was rejected by Whitehall bureaucrats.
In April 1945, two SAS squadrons advanced outside Oldenburg, where they were ambushed by a unit of German paratroopers. Paddy Mayne went down to the scene despite strict orders not to lead missions in the field.
He single-handedly cleared out the source of the intense enemy fire, with Lieutenant John Scott later recalling Paddy’s actions. He was quoted as saying: “He drove up the road past the position where the squadron commander had been killed a few minutes previously, giving me cool precise fire orders.
“We stopped, turned the jeep around and drove back again into cover… Colonel Mayne fully realised the risk [of extricating the survivors], yet once more turned the jeep round and drove up the road… He jumped out of the jeep giving me orders to continue firing, lifted the wounded out of the ditch, placed them in the jeep and drove back to the main party.
General Montgomery praised Paddy Mayne (Image: BBC)
“The enemy had by now been mainly killed or wounded, the few who remained were in full retreat.”
He not only saved the lives of those wounded, but he also took down most of the enemy defences, and it was these brave acts that earned him the Victoria Cross recommendation.
However, it was withdrawn anonymously six months later before it could be awarded. The reason why is still being debated to this day.
Paddy died aged just 40, in December 1955, and it was suggested he be posthumously honoured.
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Paddy Mayne was denied the Victoria Cross (Image: BBC)
More than 100 Westminster MPs signed three parliamentary motions in 2005 calling for a retrospective award, but it was rejected once more.
Montgomery was known to have commented on Paddy’s “brilliant military leadership and cool calculating courage”.
Despite this, his Victoria Cross recommendation was downgraded to his fourth DSO (Distinguished Service Order) instead.
SAS Rogue Heroes is available to watch on iPlayer