Paddy Mayne’s daring raid in 1941 stunned the Nazi forces and solidified his legendary status
Wadi Tamet: On a chilly night in the North African desert, a new British unit called the SAS made history. About 30 German and Italian pilots were unwinding at their airbase when suddenly, the door burst open. In walked Paddy Mayne, a tall guy in a British uniform, holding a Colt .45, with two mates ready to back him up.
“Good evening,” he said casually, in a thick Northern Irish accent. Then, in a flash, they took out every single pilot in seconds. It was wild! As bullets flew, they dashed around the airfield, planting explosives on planes and fuel supplies before vanishing into the night, leaving chaos behind.
Paddy Mayne was known for his bravery but also for his wild side. This raid on December 14, 1941, destroyed 24 aircraft and shocked the Nazi war machine. Word spread about this elite group of commandos, and Mayne became a legend. After the war, he took over as SAS commander when the founder was captured.
His story is now featured in the BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes, where he’s played by Jack O’Connell. Many are calling for him to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest honor for bravery, which he never got, even though he was a major player in the war.
Mayne, who would have turned 110 today, was responsible for taking out 100 German planes. He was a pioneer of using military Jeeps for surprise raids, often hitting Axis airfields. Despite his wild reputation, he ended the war as one of the most decorated soldiers, winning the Distinguished Service Order four times.
Born in 1915 in County Down, he was a rugby star before the war, even playing for the British & Irish Lions. He had a knack for getting into trouble, like smashing hotel rooms and challenging anyone to a fight back home. After joining the Army, he quickly made a name for himself but also got into hot water for his antics.
After joining the SAS, he became known for his daring and ruthless tactics. Following the raid at Wadi Tamet, his commander had to scold him for being too brutal. But his comrades looked up to him, feeling invincible under his leadership. In just one week, they took out over 60 aircraft and killed more than 50 enemy soldiers without losing a single man.
In July 1942, he led a bold attack on an airfield, catching the Germans off guard and destroying 40 aircraft. His actions were so effective that Hitler ordered his men to hunt down the SAS without mercy. Mayne continued to lead daring missions across Europe, working with resistance fighters and causing havoc behind enemy lines.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Many SAS members were executed under Hitler’s orders if captured. In 1945, Mayne showed incredible bravery rescuing his men during an ambush in Germany, driving a jeep right into enemy fire to save them.
After the war, he struggled to adjust to civilian life and tragically died in a car accident at just 40. His legacy lives on, and many hope he will finally receive the recognition he deserves for his bravery.
