SAS: Rogue Heroes Reignites Debate Over Paddy Mayne’s Legacy

The BBC’s latest prestige drama SAS: Rogue Heroes, from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, has stormed onto screens with gunfire, grit, and swagger. But beyond the explosive action and rebellious flair, the series has reopened one of World War II’s most enduring debates — the controversial legacy of one of the SAS’s most famous founding figures, Blair “Paddy” Mayne.

The Series

Based on historian Ben Macintyre’s bestselling book of the same name, SAS: Rogue Heroes dramatizes the formation of Britain’s Special Air Service in 1941. Created as a small, unorthodox raiding unit operating behind enemy lines in North Africa, the SAS became one of the most legendary special forces organizations in the world.

Knight’s six-part adaptation, now streaming on BBC iPlayer, showcases the unit’s renegade spirit, emphasizing both its daring tactics and the volatile personalities who shaped it. Connor Swindells stars as eccentric founder David Stirling, while Jack O’Connell takes on the role of Paddy Mayne — a brilliant yet controversial officer whose reputation still sparks heated debate nearly 80 years later.

Who Was Paddy Mayne?

Born in Northern Ireland in 1915, Blair “Paddy” Mayne was an accomplished rugby player and lawyer before World War II swept him into military service. Known for his towering physique and ferocious temperament, Mayne was both admired and feared by his peers.

As a founding member of the SAS, Mayne quickly established himself as a daring and ruthless leader. He personally led numerous raids across the North African desert, sabotaging airfields, destroying aircraft, and striking fear into Axis forces. Some historians credit him with shaping the SAS into the formidable unit it remains today.

Yet Mayne’s reputation was never simple. His brilliance on the battlefield was matched by stories of volatility, heavy drinking, and violent outbursts. Tales of him smashing up officers’ quarters, brawling with comrades, or disobeying orders fueled a mythic image: part war hero, part loose cannon.

The Victoria Cross Controversy

Central to the controversy around Mayne is the matter of recognition. Despite his remarkable service — he was decorated with the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) four times — Mayne was never awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest military honor for gallantry.

Supporters argue that Mayne’s actions more than warranted the medal, citing his repeated bravery under fire and his innovative leadership in high-risk raids. Campaigns have been launched over the years, including petitions and political appeals, to have him posthumously awarded the VC.

Yet official channels have resisted, often pointing to his disciplinary record and alleged misconduct. Critics suggest his larger-than-life personality and history of insubordination made him a problematic candidate, despite his undeniable achievements.

The release of SAS: Rogue Heroes has reignited these debates, with some viewers demanding renewed consideration of Mayne’s case.

On-Screen Representation

In the drama, Jack O’Connell delivers a raw and physical performance as Mayne, portraying him as both a fearless warrior and a deeply conflicted man. The series highlights his tactical brilliance while not shying away from his darker tendencies — a duality that has long fueled the fascination around him.

Knight has said the aim was not to whitewash or vilify, but to capture the contradictions. “These men were complicated,” he explained. “They weren’t saints or conventional soldiers. They were rogues, rebels, and risk-takers who thrived in extraordinary circumstances.”

A Divided Legacy

Reactions to Mayne’s portrayal have been predictably split. Military historians praise the show for bringing attention to a figure often overshadowed by Stirling in official accounts. Veterans’ groups, particularly in Northern Ireland, have once again called for the government to revisit the Victoria Cross debate.

Others argue that the romanticization of Mayne risks overlooking the serious concerns raised during his service. While his courage is undisputed, his volatility and disciplinary record remain part of the story.

What cannot be denied is that Mayne embodies the contradictions of the SAS itself: elite yet unorthodox, disciplined yet rebellious, brilliant yet dangerous.

Why the Debate Endures

The fascination with Mayne reflects broader themes in how we remember war. Heroes are often expected to fit neat narratives of courage, sacrifice, and morality. Mayne defies those boundaries, forcing us to grapple with a truth that war produces figures who are both admirable and deeply flawed.

For some, his omission from the Victoria Cross roll is a glaring injustice. For others, it is proof that even extraordinary courage cannot outweigh erratic behavior.

What SAS: Rogue Heroes does so effectively is bring that debate into the mainstream, reminding viewers that history is rarely clear-cut.

Conclusion

Rogue Heroes is not just another WWII drama. It is a portrait of men who reshaped modern warfare by breaking rules, taking risks, and refusing to conform. At the heart of it all, Paddy Mayne stands as both hero and enigma — a soldier whose legacy continues to spark passion, controversy, and calls for justice.

Whether the renewed attention will finally secure him the recognition many believe he deserves remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that with SAS: Rogue Heroes, Mayne’s story — and the debate around it — is alive and louder than ever.