Robert Blair Mayne DSO 1915-55 of Newtownards

Image: © D Gore Taken: Unknown

No British soldier in the Second World War was more decorated than Robert Blair “Paddy” Mayne - one of the six founder members of the Special Air Service (SAS). “Paddy” Mayne was an exceptional Ulsterman, endowed with great physical strength, stature and uniquely swift reflexes, which he used with devastating effect - in the boxing ring, on the international rugby field, in the bars of Belfast and later in battle. His military skill and extraordinary gallantry in battle were legendary, and acknowledged by the award to him of the Distinguished Service Order for leadership and personal courage on no fewer than four occasions (on one of these he was awarded the Victoria Cross, but it was later down-graded – a decision much criticised by his regiment http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Blair_Mayne ). France awarded him both the Croix de Guerre and Legion d’Honneur. He first made his name in the desert campaign in north Africa where he was memorably credited with having destroyed behind enemy lines more German aircraft than the RAF. His audacious exploits continued during the campaigns in Sicily, Italy, France and Germany, throughout which by some miracle he survived almost unscathed. He was one of our outstanding military heroes of the war.More on his exploits at http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=2_ZstVBZSfIC&lpg=PA1&pg=PA137#v=onepage&q=&f=true

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