[Ad-Gifted] Published by The History Press, this is a biography of Paddy Mayne by Hamish Ross.
Born Robert Blair Mayne in 1915, we learn how he came from a fairly established land-owning family and was close to his siblings growing up.
He began a life playing International Rugby and was a Solicitor like many other members of his family before him. You learn about his crucial role in the Second World War and how he was part of the Commandos then later the SAS.
What I thought of the book?
The book is of course a fascinating read. It’s quite long-winded at points but I think it’s more the amount of detail that is involved. The book describes so many aspects of Mayne’s life and the raids that he part of. Although I love learning about WW2 this book is not for the faint-hearted and is probably best suited for someone who might have a knowledge of the workings of the Army or a very keen interest. That being said I still enjoyed reading the book and also think that it would make a great gift for my Father-in-Law, who was in the RAF and a Warrant Officer in the Territorial Army.
The book discusses stories from his war days that have been pieced together in this detailed account by Hamish Ross. You get insights and snippets of correspondence within the book, that allow you to visualise some of the situations he and his Troop faced in WW2. He travelled all around North Africa and the Middle East. Then being appointed as one of the founding members of the SAS. He was then moved over to the Special Raiding Squadron, where he later travelled to France, Sicily and Southern Italy.
The book explains how connected Mayne was to the men under his command. How he lost friends and how this most likely deeply affected him – yes you get an in-depth of knowledge of the raids and events themselves that he was part of or led during WW2 but it’s the emotion that has also been written within this book by Hamish Ross that creates the true connection.
As a child, I remember the term shell shock being used a lot for men who had been at war and this was in the 80s, even back then we hadn’t really pieced together the concept or term of post-traumatic stress disorder. We just knew that men of war were affected in some way and somehow weren’t the same and that was that. This is much how Blair Mayne (Paddy) was to his family when he returned. He wasn’t the same young man that had left for the war. For me, this is the poignant part of the book and through all his great achievements this is how his family perhaps remembered him most.
The stories from his war days have been well pieced together and you learn of a life cut short that was certainly one to be remembered. His story has become one of legends and it’s quite sad how he managed to survive the war and yet died young at the age of 40 in a simple evening incident – don’t worry this isn’t giving away too much of the book. This is a known part of his life and certainly isn’t the part that signifies his greatness as an SAS Rogue Hero – which is the name of the hit TV series that features Mayne’s story.
Where can you get your copy of Paddy Mayne by Hamish Ross?
You can purchase a copy of the the book for £12.19 via hive.co.uk.
About this book
Publisher : The History Press
Format : Paperback
Number of pages : 336
ISBN-13 : 978-1803993720
Print Dimensions : 12.9 x 2.54 x 19.81 cm
About Hamish Ross
Hamish Ross’s previous books are: Paddy Mayne, a lauded biography of the SAS hero; Freedom in the Air, for which the Czech Republic awarded him the Commemorative Medal; From SAS to Blood Diamond Wars, with the legendary Fred Marafono; and Archie Bowman, a Princeton professor who became a POW in the First World War and came out of the prison camps a strong supporter of the League of Nations. Hamish lives in Scotland with his wife.
About The History Press
The History Press is a publisher dedicated to all things historical. Here you will find publications that range from Ancient or Medieval history to entertainment history, for those who like something more light-hearted – history from the war eras including WW2 and the days of Napoleon. And if you want to know about past sporting history or a bit more about past Kings and Queens – they have it all.
Review by: Lex Ward
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The History Press Book Review: Silent Village by Robert Pike
The History Press Book Review: Confinement by Jessica Cox
Book Review: Warwickshire Folk Tales by Cath Edwards
* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are my own.
16 comments
I am hearing about this book for the very first time but it sounds like a moving work to read. I totally agree that people who have been to war are never the same person when they return back to their family.
My husband would love this book, he grew up on RAF camps as his Dad was in the RAF and he did want to follow and become a pilot but that is a different story. He has a fascination in WW2 so would find this an interesting read
Thank you for the book review. This looks like one of those books I should pick up as I think my husband and I would both enjoy reading this.
What a fascinating journey from the rugby field to the frontlines of the Second World War! Learning about Robert Blair Mayne’s transition from an international rugby player to a pivotal role in the Commandos and later the SAS is truly intriguing. It’s amazing how individuals can navigate such diverse paths. Looking forward to delving deeper into this remarkable story!
Oooo , a book from the silent generation. This caught my interest because I love stories that take you out of your reality and place you into another. I wonder if my millennial problems would measure up to the issues of the people in this generation.
Absolutely, the book does make you think
This seems such an interesting read…I am not reading much now but I will get back to reading, I love it…Great book recos.
This book sounds like a very interesting read! I do prefer reading biographies or non-fiction
Sounds like an absolutely riveting read. I love historical novels, especially about WWII. Such an incredible story..thank you for sharing your review.
This sounds like a very interesting book. I’m a history buff, so I love books like this that dig into specific people involved in major historic moments or eras.
This looks like a great read! I love reading about real-life heroes and their journeys…Thanks for your reviews!
This is a great book to read, I really enjoy reading books about history. Because of your review I am excited to read this.
Fascinating insight into Paddy Mayne’s life. The book’s rich details on his war days and emotional struggles make it poignant
Absolutely, a great way to get into his mind and how he thought
It looks like a good read. I can definitely give this book a read sometime. Thanks for sharing the review if this book.
You are welcome, we enjoy sharing reviews