A remarkable piece of World War II history has emerged, casting new light on one of Britain's most decorated yet controversial special forces heroes. A previously unseen letter penned by Colonel Blair 'Paddy' Mayne, the legendary co-founder of the SAS, has been discovered, offering fresh insight into the enduring mystery of his denied Victoria Cross.
The document, believed to have been written in the latter stages of the war, was composed by Mayne himself to recommend one of his own sergeants for a gallantry award. This act alone speaks volumes about the character of a man often portrayed as a fierce and uncomplicated warrior.
The Voice of His Men
Perhaps the most striking revelation from the letter is the powerful testimony it contains from Mayne's own commanding officer. The superior officer's endorsement states that Mayne was "universally admired" by all ranks within the SAS and was considered "quite indispensable" to the regiment's extraordinary success.
This firsthand account directly challenges any simplistic portrayal of Mayne, revealing a complex leader who commanded not just through fear but through profound respect. The letter serves as a powerful character reference from within the military's highest echelons.
A Controversial Omission
The discovery fuels the long-standing debate surrounding Mayne's recognition. Despite being one of the British Army's most effective and decorated soldiers of the conflict—receiving the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) with three bars—he was never awarded the Victoria Cross, the nation's highest award for valour.
This snub has been a source of contention for historians and military enthusiasts for decades. The emergence of this letter, with its glowing official praise, adds significant weight to the argument that Mayne's contributions were of a caliber that unquestionably merited the VC.
From History to Television
The timing of the letter's discovery coincides with a renewed public fascination with the early days of the SAS, largely spurred by the BBC's hit drama Rogue Heroes. The series, created by Steven Knight, brought the rebellious spirit and daring operations of Mayne and his comrades to a new generation.
While the show took creative liberties, this genuine artefact provides an authentic glimpse into the real man behind the television character. It moves beyond the myth and into the documented reality of his military service and the high regard in which he was held.
A Legacy Re-examined
This lost letter does more than just add a footnote to history; it forces a re-evaluation of a national icon. It portrays Paddy Mayne not merely as a brilliant and brutal soldier, but as a dedicated leader who fought for the recognition of his men, all while being held in the highest esteem by his own command.
For many, this document is the missing piece of the puzzle, the written evidence that confirms what oral history has long suggested: that the failure to award Paddy Mayne the Victoria Cross remains one of the great oversights of British military history.
