A new four-part podcast explores the life of Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne, the legendary soldier who helped shape the Special Air Service during World War II.
Presented by Conor McKay, Assume Nothing – SAS: The Real Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne, features contributions from SAS: Rogue Heroes creator Steve Knight and Damien Lewis, the bestselling author of three books about Mayne. Together they help uncover how the man became both a fearsome fighter and a respected leader.
Mayne, who had been an Irish rugby international and a boxer before the war, was among the first recruits targeted for the elite SAS. He quickly rose through the ranks to become its most senior officer, Lieutenant Colonel, and led daring raids across the desert and the Mediterranean that turned the course of the conflict.
The podcast draws from the Imperial War Museum Sound Archive, the BBC Archives, and contemporary accounts from those who served with him. It also speaks to people who knew Mayne personally, alongside those dedicated to preserving his legacy today.
McKay said the series seeks to go beyond the myth to reveal the complexity of Mayne’s character, exploring both his bravery on the battlefield and the personal struggles behind the legend.
Assume Nothing – SAS: The Real Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne is available now on BBC Sounds.
