Paddy Mayne: Lt Col Blair ''Paddy'' Mayne, 1 SAS Regiment

The best biography Ive read recently Colin Bateman, Sunday Independent An excellent examination of Mayne Ross corrects many of the myths about him that have flourished over the years - History of War magazine This welcome reassessment, officially backed and well-researched, sets the record straight Soldier Magazine

Paddy Mayne was one of the most outstanding special forces leaders of the Second World War. Hamish Rosss authoritative study follows Mayne from solicitor and rugby international to troop commander in the Commandos and then the SAS, whose leader he later became and whose annals he graced, winning the DSO and three bars, the Croix de Guerre and the Légion dHonneur.

Maynes achievements attracted attention, and after his early death legends emerged, based largely on anecdote and assertion. Hamish Rosss closely researched biography challenges much of the received version, using contemporary sources, the official war diaries, the chronicle of 1 SAS, Maynes papers and diaries, and a number of extended interviews with key contemporaries.

Rosss analysis shows Mayne to be a dynamic, yet principled and thoughtful man, committed to the units original concepts. He was far from flawless, but his leadership and tactical brilliance in the field secured the reputation of the SAS, proving he was every bit a rogue hero.