Inspired by true events, SAS: Rogue Heroes is a series directed by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. This adrenaline-fuelled BBC drama accounts for how the Special Air Service was formed during World War Two, the Western Desert Campaign. They were responsible for conducting raids behind enemy lines. The unit was founded in 1941 in North America by David Stirling, best known for his innovative approach to warfare. He designed a group of unconventional individuals to aid his vision of a highly mobile force targeting Axis supply lines and airfields.
SAS: Rogue Heroes opened in a Cairo Hospital in 1941 after a failed training exercise an officer, named David came up with the idea of a special unit that could operate deep behind enemy lines. Read further to learn about the real heroes behind this inspiration.
SAS: Rogue Heroes: Who were the real-life Rogue Heroes?
SAS initially conducted operations to sabotage missions against German and Italian airfields. These raids included deep penetration into enemy territories. The legacy of these early SAS member is a testament to their innovative mindset, bravery, and unconventional tactics that later helped shape modern special forces units worldwide. Here is the list of founding SAS members or the real rogue heroes -
David Stirling
David was the founder and the driving force of SAS. He is the one who originated this unconventional idea of forming a unit. Stirling convinced the British military to approve his concept of highly trained units.
When the Second World War broke out, he was working as a cowboy in the United States. Later, he joined a commando group and deployed with them to the Middle East, where they suffered heavy casualties during a battle. In 1943, he was captured by Germans, then by Italians, and sent to Colditz Castle, where he remained a prisoner of War. In 1947, he was transferred to the Regular Army Reserve of Officers with the honorary rank of lieutenant colonel and retired in 1965. In SAS: Rogue Heroes, David is played by Connor Swindells.
Paddy Mayne
He was Stirling's second in command and one of the most highly decorated soldiers. His raids often destroyed the Axis aircraft and infrastructure of the enemy. He was controversially denied the Victoria Cross. He was enlisted in the army during the outbreak of WW2. He conducted several night raids with SAS between 1941-42. His successful assault destroyed 40 German aircraft at a loss of only 2 SAS team members.
In the series, Paddy Mayne's role is played by Jack O’Connell.
Jock Lewes
Lewes, the co-founder of SAS, is popularly known for inventing the "Lewes Bomb," a specialized explosive used in their operations. Tragically, he was killed during a raid in 1941.
Oxford University Alumni, he was raised in Kolkata, and similar to Stirling, he grew frustrated in a commando unit and thought of starting on his own.
John Steel “Jock” Lewes is portrayed by Alfie Allen in SAS: Rogue Heroes.
Mike Sadler
Sadler was known for his brilliant navigation skills. He played a critical role in the SAS team, especially across the challenging territory of North African deserts. He is the only founding SAS member alive today at 102.
In SAS: Rogue Heroes, Mike Sadler is played by Tom Glynn-Carney.
Trending
Several other characters are shown in the series. Some are inspired by true events, while some are fictional to escalate the drama. Enjoy this action-packed series on BBC One, and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer for viewers in the UK.
Reply
