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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
Great Britain Military World War II War England
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What listeners say about Paddy Mayne

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Interesting and well balanced book. Excellent

Great book, marred only slightly by the occasional mispronunciation or silly error by the narrator.

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A straight forward description of a true Hero

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

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2 people found this helpful

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At last his story is properly told.

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!

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Incredible story

Excellent narration of an incredible leader of soldiers and key founders of the SAS known today.

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What stood out was the truthful story telling

I watched and read tales of Paddy Mayne. And the truthful telling and debunking of myths does nothing to diminish the stature of the man. Great read!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Paddy Mayne

Narration jarred a couple of times because of mispronunciation. Monty Video was the most glaring, then to correct it but leave the incorrect version in was very poor. The story,however, is strong enough to get over this. Blair Mayne, total hero.

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Paddy Mayne

The guy is a real-life superhero. It's hard to believe that this guy was real.

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Sets the record straight

A very well researched book which debunks many of the myths surrounding Mayne. However, it is not wholly objective and contains some conjecture where records or personal memories are lacking. The prose is quite dense and fact heavy so not a light listen. My only quibble is with the delivery, some pronunciations were incorrect, most notably of Montevideo which was mispronounced until fairly near the end of the book when the correct English language pronunciation is adopted. However, this is a minor issue when set against the author's and narrator's combined achievement of delivering Paddy Maynes amazing story. Well worth the 1/2 credit I paid.

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superb account with arguably the best leader of the second world war

very well narrated and gives accurate information, for once on 'Sir' Paddy 'VC' 👏

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Great book

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

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