SAS Rogue Heroes: Fact vs. Fiction in the BBC Drama’s Second Series
The second series of the BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes, based on Ben Macintyre’s book, continues to depict the daring exploits of the Special Air Service during World War II. While lauded for its action-packed sequences and portrayal of bravery, the series has also attracted criticism for its historical accuracy, particularly concerning the characterization of Lieutenant Colonel Blair "Paddy" Mayne. Historian Damien Lewis has called the depiction of Mayne as a "drunken, ill-disciplined, irreverent, uncouth, misfit" a "travesty," though the series does showcase Mayne’s undeniable courage and the respect he commanded. This article delves into the historical accuracy of several key scenes, separating fact from fiction with insights from historian Damien Lewis and Macintyre’s book.
The series opens with Mayne rampaging through a Cairo restaurant after being denied leave to attend his father’s funeral. While Macintyre’s book mentions Mayne’s destructive spree following the news, including fights with military police, Lewis disputes the restaurant incident, stating there’s no evidence for it. The fight with military police, however, is confirmed. Similarly, the series depicts a clash between Mayne and David Stirling’s brother, Bill, over the unit’s name change to the Special Raiding Squadron. This is entirely fabricated. Bill Stirling was not involved in the name change and was stationed far from Mayne’s unit. The series also wrongly shows Stirling briefing Mayne’s men.
Another contentious scene involves Mayne ordering his men to abandon drowning British sailors after glider crashes during the Sicily invasion. The series depicts a callous disregard for the men, even showing Mayne ordering a drowning soldier cut loose from their boat. However, Lewis clarifies that Mayne and his men encountered the drowning sailors unexpectedly and rescued several before being forced to continue due to overloaded boats. The portrayal of Mayne’s encounter with the Sicilian Mafia and their subsequent betrayal is also purely fictional. There’s no historical basis for this storyline. David Stirling’s fictional French lover, Eve Mansour, and their prison rendezvous disguised as a nun is another invention of the series. Similarly, the portrayal of strained relationships between David Stirling and his brother Bill, and between Stirling and Mayne, is unsupported by historical evidence.
On the other hand, several depicted events hold true. David Stirling’s multiple escape attempts from captivity, while differently portrayed in the series, are confirmed by historical accounts. His persistence led to his transfer to Colditz Castle. Mayne’s love for poetry, showcased in the series through his recitation of Wilfred Owen, is accurate. He carried an anthology of poetry into battle. The tragic act of mercy, where Mayne shoots a gravely wounded German soldier at the request of the soldier’s brother, is also confirmed. Hitler’s "Commando Order," mandating the execution of captured SAS soldiers, was indeed a brutal reality, as depicted in the series through the deaths of several named soldiers.
The series also portrays an act of mercy by SAS soldier Reg Seekings, who shoots a gravely wounded Italian boy after a German bombing raid. While the core event is true, the series differs slightly. Macintyre’s book describes the family as having a teenage son and daughter, while the series depicts only a son. In reality, the daughter survived the bombing, unlike the portrayal in the series. The encounter between Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery and Mayne in Termoli is also confirmed, although the details are embellished. While Montgomery did visit Termoli, Mayne’s refusal to wear the new maroon beret occurred later, and he did not display the insubordination depicted on screen. In fact, a mutual respect developed between the two men. Finally, the dramatic brawl between Mayne and American GIs at the Ritz Hotel, culminating in Dudley Clarke firing a pistol into the ceiling, is pure fiction.
While SAS Rogue Heroes captures the daring and bravery of the SAS, its dramatic license leads to several historical inaccuracies. The series blends fact and fiction, sometimes blurring the lines between them. While certain events are rooted in historical truth, the portrayal of key figures, particularly Paddy Mayne, and the inclusion of fabricated storylines, necessitate a cautious approach to the series as a definitive historical account. The series serves best as an entertaining dramatization inspired by real events, rather than a strictly accurate historical documentary. Viewers should appreciate the series for its action and storytelling while remaining aware of its deviations from the historical record.
The discrepancies between the series and historical accounts raise questions about the balance between entertainment and historical accuracy. While dramatic license can enhance storytelling, it can also distort the image of historical figures and events. The portrayal of Paddy Mayne, in particular, has drawn criticism for potentially misrepresenting his character. While the series highlights his bravery, it also emphasizes characteristics not necessarily supported by historical evidence.
The fictionalized elements within the series, such as the Sicilian Mafia storyline and David Stirling’s fictional lover, serve to add intrigue and complexity to the narrative. However, they also contribute to a blurring of the lines between fact and fiction, potentially misleading viewers about the actual events of the war. The inclusion of such fictionalized subplots raises questions about the responsibility of historical dramas to maintain a degree of accuracy and avoid perpetuating myths.
The series’ strengths lie in its depiction of the courage and resilience of the SAS soldiers. The harrowing realities of war, the difficult choices they faced, and the bonds of camaraderie are effectively conveyed. The series does offer glimpses into the true nature of wartime operations, showcasing the dangers and sacrifices made by these elite troops. However, viewers should approach the series with a critical eye, understanding that the dramatized portrayal of events and characters is not always a faithful representation of reality.
For a more comprehensive understanding of the history of the SAS and the individuals who served, consulting historical resources such as Ben Macintyre’s book and the works of historians like Damien Lewis is essential. These resources offer valuable context and insights that can help viewers separate the factual elements from the fictional embellishments of the series. Ultimately, SAS Rogue Heroes serves as a starting point for further exploration of this fascinating period in history, prompting viewers to delve deeper into the true stories of these extraordinary soldiers. The series undoubtedly sparks interest and discussion about the wartime exploits of the SAS. However, a discerning approach, supplemented by historical research, is crucial for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of their experiences.
