A recent discovery has shed light on an incredible mistake that may have cost legendary SAS commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne, the prestigious Victoria Cross (VC) for his heroic actions during the Second World War.
According to new research, the denial of this award seems to stem from a simple but glaring clerical error made by two senior military officers.
Paddy Mayne’s Heroic Actions During World War II
Paddy Mayne’s bravery during the war is legendary. In April 1945, he played a pivotal role in rescuing wounded men and taking out a German machine-gun position during a mission in Germany.
His heroic actions were recommended for a VC, the highest military honor in Britain, but instead, his award was downgraded to a Distinguished Service Order (DSO), marking his fourth DSO for the war.
The Clerical Error Behind the Denial of the Victoria Cross
The surprising revelation of a clerical mistake came after an extraordinary document, found in a Canadian archive, surfaced.
This document, shared with the Mail on Sunday, points to a misunderstanding by the officers who were assessing Mayne’s citation.
The issue seems to stem from confusion between the words “signal” and “single.” According to the Royal Warrant that governs the VC, the medal is awarded for a “signal act of valour,” meaning a significant, heroic action.
However, Mayne’s act was misinterpreted as a “single” act, a distinction that ultimately led to the denial of the VC.
The Role of the Comrade in Mayne’s Heroic Feat
The confusion also arose from the fact that Mayne wasn’t entirely alone in his heroics.
He had a comrade helping him during the mission, providing covering fire with a machine gun.
Some argued that this joint effort disqualified Mayne’s actions from being a “single” act of valour.
The suggestion was made that since the deed wasn’t performed single-handedly, it didn’t meet the stringent criteria for the VC.
The Revelation and the Fight for Justice
The new findings are fueling a growing debate in Britain about the possibility of overturning the long-standing denial of Mayne’s VC.
Historians, including SAS expert Damien Lewis, have called the letter from Brigadier JRC Gannon—written in 1945—a “smoking gun” that reveals the mistake in interpreting the rules governing VC awards.
Lewis argued that this is no longer about overturning military traditions but correcting an error of fact.
Political Support for Paddy Mayne’s VC
The issue has now moved to the political arena. The UK Parliament is set to hold a debate on Tuesday about the possibility of awarding Mayne the VC, and MPs are rallying behind the cause.
Jim Shannon, the Democratic Unionist Party MP for Strangford, has been a vocal supporter, sharing his childhood admiration for Mayne and his desire to see the wrong corrected.
With growing momentum, the hope is that the British Government will rectify the mistake and award Mayne the recognition he deserves.
The Long Road to Justice
The debate is expected to spark further discussions about military awards, their criteria, and the importance of fairness.
Despite a rejection from Labour Defence Minister Lord Coaker earlier this year, who claimed that no records remain to explain the initial decision, the case for Mayne’s VC continues to gain traction.
As the debate unfolds, it stands as a testament to the legacy of those who served and the importance of rectifying historical oversights for the heroes who were overlooked.
A Hero’s Legacy: Paddy Mayne’s Enduring Impact
As we await the outcome of this debate, the story of Paddy Mayne’s courage and the battle for his recognition continues to inspire.
His actions during the war, even without the VC, already make him a hero in the eyes of many, and now, justice may finally be served.