
- 260 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
In 1943, and with Allied victory in North Africa imminent, 1st Special Air Service Regiment was in danger of being disbanded. However, with the timely and vital intervention of Major Robert Blair Mayne, the unit was saved and replaced by an organisation known as HQ Raiding Forces, and Mayne was appointed to command the Special Raiding Squadron.
The heroic spirit of 1st SAS Regiment continued to thrive in the squadron, and Paddy Mayne – as he was known to his soldiers – was an inspiration to those he commanded. Through action in Sicily in July 1943, undertaking distraction missions in Bagnara and finally aiding the Eighth Army in Termoli before being recalled to the UK to aid the SAS with the invasion of France, Paddy's Men worked as a well-oiled, dangerous and fiercely loyal unit, performing skilfully under the immense pressure of war.
In this book Stewart McClean provides an illustrated history of the Special Raiding Squadron, detailing the formation of the unit, the lives of the men and their operations during the Sicilian and Italian campaigns, and the extraordinary man who commanded the squadron: Robert Blair Mayne DSO, or Colonel Paddy Mayne as he became famously known throughout the world.
Frequently asked questions
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.4M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app.
Information
Table of contents
- Cover
- Title
- Copyright
- Contents
- Dedication
- Acknowledgements
- Special Air Force: Song of the Regiment
- List of Maps
- Chapter I Changing Times
- Chapter II A New Role
- Chapter III Final Preparations
- Chapter IV Another Step Closer
- Chapter V Into Action
- Chapter VI Completion
- Chapter VII Augusta: Daylight Operation
- Chapter VIII Bagnara: A Foothold on the Italian Mainland
- Chapter IX Termoli: The Hardest Battle
- Chapter X Triumph and Tragedy
- Chapter XI Counter-attack
- Appendix I The War Record of a Glorious Monarch
- Appendix II The Men and Leadership of the Squadron
- Appendix III Nominal Roll
- Appendix IV Recommendation for the Victoria Cross