BBC's SAS Rogue Heroes' inspiration Paddy Mayne seen in unearthed photographs

Rare pictures have emerged of the war hero who founded the SAS.

Lieutenant Colonel Blair "Paddy" Mayne volunteered for the British Army in the Second World War.

He became one of the most decorated soldiers in British military history before joining forces with David Sterling to form the Special Air Service.

His story has been told in hit BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes, in which Mayne is played by actor Jack O'Connell.

Now rare photos have been revealed by historian Damien Lewis, 56, on behalf of Mayne's family. Lewis's book SAS Brothers in Arms tells stories from the series in more detail.

Paddy Mayne, pictured in 1942, was one of the founders of the SAS (historyhit.com)

Rare photos of Mayne (bottom right), pictured wounded in 1941, have now been released (Mayne Family / SWNS)

One picture shows Mayne sitting in the desert of North Africa with his comrades, where the SAS - whose motto is "who dares wins" - destroyed 400 German planes.

In another, a wounded Mayne is recovering after a botched raid in 1941. Other images show him looking over a map and celebrating a battlefield success. Mayne, who played rugby union for the British Lions, is also seen in a match.

Photos of the soldier, pictured with his men in 1941, have been shared by historian Damien Lewis on behalf of Mayne's family (Mayne Family / SWNS)

Damien spent 10 years studying archives provided by Mayne's niece Fiona Ferguson. She inherited them after the hero died aged 40 in a drink-drive crash in 1955.

Fiona, 77, said: "He was the most loving and kind uncle. He never seemed affected by the war at the time, but in hindsight I think it did take a toll on him."

Mayne (front row centre) is the subject of the TV series SAS Rogue Heroes (Mayne Family / SWNS)

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Fiona continued: "These pictures show the kind of a man he was, a kind and smiling hero - unlike the various books that embellished his reputation into someone he was not."

Damien added: "Mayne was a warrior and a leader of men without compare. But he also carried a book of poetry into battle and was an avid writer."

He is played by Jack O'Connell (right) in the BBC show (Kudos/BBC/PA Wire)

SAS Rogue Heroes premiered on the BBC in October. All six episodes of its first series are now available for catch-up through on-demand platform the BBC iPlayer.

The BBC has already lined up a second series of the TV show.

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