The new BBC series SAS: Rogue Heroes dramatizes the daring exploits of the Special Air Service during World War II. The second series shifts focus from the North African campaign depicted in the first series to the pivotal role the SAS played in the Allied invasion of Italy in 1943. By this time, the unit’s founder, David Stirling, was a prisoner of war, and the British military establishment sought to disband the SAS, viewing them as unruly mavericks. Major Blair "Paddy" Mayne, however, fought to preserve the unit, securing their involvement in Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, a precursor to the main Italian campaign. Renamed the Special Raiding Squadron, the SAS underwent intensive training for seaborne raids and cliff assaults, preparing them for their perilous mission. Their objective was to neutralize a battery of powerful coastal guns at Capo Murro di Porco, "the Cape of the Pig’s Snout," which posed a significant threat to the invasion fleet.
The series highlights several key figures in this daring operation. Sergeant-Major Reg Seekings, played by Theo Barklem-Biggs, led bayonet charges against heavily fortified enemy positions, clearing the path for the capture of crucial gun emplacements. His courageous actions earned him the Military Medal and epitomized the SAS’s aggressive fighting spirit. Seekings’ wartime service extended beyond Sicily, including participation in the invasion of Normandy and the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where the horrors he witnessed fueled his rage against the Nazis. After the war, he returned to civilian life, running a pub and later a farm, but his wartime experiences undoubtedly left a lasting impact.
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne, portrayed by Jack O’Connell, was the driving force behind the SAS after Stirling’s capture. A former rugby player for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, Mayne’s leadership and daring raids in North Africa, where he personally destroyed over 100 enemy aircraft, cemented his legendary status within the unit. He led the SAS through numerous campaigns in Europe and was highly decorated for his bravery, though controversially denied the Victoria Cross. His postwar life was tragically cut short by a car accident. Campaigns continue to this day to see him posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
Lieutenant-Colonel Johnny Cooper, played by Jacob McCarthy, was another pivotal figure in the SAS. Just 19 during Operation Husky, Cooper, known as "The Kid," was a veteran of the North African campaign and a recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He played a crucial role in the expansion and training of the SAS Brigade as it prepared for operations in France. Like Seekings, he was present at the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, deeply affected by the atrocities witnessed there. Cooper’s military career continued after the war, serving in various conflicts, and he was eventually appointed MBE. His story exemplifies the dedication and resilience of the young men who formed the backbone of the SAS.
Major Pat Riley, portrayed by Jacob Ifan, was instrumental in the early days of the SAS, working alongside Stirling to establish the unit. From humble beginnings working in a granite quarry, Riley became a highly decorated soldier, earning the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his service in North Africa. He participated in the fierce fighting in Sicily and later played a critical role in SAS recruitment and training. After the war, Riley briefly joined the police force but his thirst for action led him back to military service in Malaya. His life illustrates the enduring appeal of the SAS for those seeking adventure and a sense of purpose.
These individual stories, interwoven with the dramatic backdrop of the Sicilian campaign, underscore the extraordinary courage and unconventional tactics of the SAS. Facing a determined enemy and challenging terrain, they spearheaded the Allied assault, paving the way for the broader invasion of Italy. The BBC series aims to shed light on the often untold stories of these remarkable individuals, whose bravery and ingenuity played a significant role in the Allied victory in World War II. Their legacy continues to inspire military units around the world, and their contribution to the war effort remains a testament to their unwavering dedication and fighting spirit.
