Parliament Debates Posthumous Victoria Cross for SAS Hero Blair Mayne

Veterans Minister to Review Historic Recommendation After Parliamentary Plea for SAS Hero's Recognition

In a passionate parliamentary debate, MPs unanimously supported reviewing the potential posthumous award of a Victoria Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Blair "Paddy" Mayne, a legendary Special Air Service (SAS) officer from Northern Ireland.

The debate on April 8, secured by Jim Shannon MP, highlighted Mayne's extraordinary wartime heroism and a potential clerical error that may have cost him the military's highest honour.

Key arguments centred on Mayne's remarkable actions during the Second World War, including a dramatic rescue mission in Germany in April 1945 where he saved wounded soldiers under intense enemy fire.

Minister for Veterans Al Carns announced he would ask the independent honours and awards committee to review the new evidence surrounding Mayne's original Victoria Cross recommendation. This review could potentially rectify what many MPs described as — and what many beleive is — a historical injustice.

The debate showed that Mayne was already one of the most decorated soldiers of the Second World War, having been awarded the Distinguished Service Order four times.

Multiple MPs, including those from different political parties, praised Mayne's leadership, courage, and pivotal role in establishing the SAS.

A key aspect of the debate was a potential misinterpretation of the word "signal" versus "single" in the original Victoria Cross recommendation, which may have led to the award being downgraded.

The review represents a potential landmark moment in recognising military heroism, with the outcome expected to be announced after careful examination of historical documents.

You can watch the full debate here

You can read the transcript here