Club contact: Andrew Grant
andygrantrwg@yahoo.co.uk
February 2026 – update
A well attended meeting and a talk by Chris Johns – from Pontypool Probus
- “Paddy Maine of SAS and Rugby Fame – Rogue or Hero”
Chris apologised for his delay in arriving due to road works and also to recognise that this was his first talk on this subject which had also been a part of a TV programme on the SAS.
The talk included a couple of video sequences showing the brutal nature of Paddy Maine and the unconventional methods he used.
Note: I have used AI to precis Paddy Mayne’s career and I feel this gives an accurate account addressed in the talk today:
Rugby Career:
Robert Blair “Paddy” Mayne emerged as a powerful second‑row forward while studying law at Queen’s University Belfast. He earned his first cap for Ireland in 1937 and played through the 1938 season, scoring a try against England at Lansdowne Road. His strength and ferocity on the field earned him selection for the 1938 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, where he impressed as a tough, relentless forward.:
WWII:
Mayne joined the British Army in 1939 and soon became one of the founding members of the Special Air Service (SAS). He served with extraordinary distinction in the North African campaign, Sicily, and during operations in occupied France. His daring raids, leadership, and operational brilliance made him one of the most decorated British soldiers of WWII, earning the Distinguished Service Order with three bars—a rare achievement. Despite widespread admiration, he was controversially denied the Victoria Cross, a decision even King George VI reportedly questioned.
After the War:
After demobilisation in 1945, Mayne returned to Northern Ireland and resumed his legal career, serving as a solicitor and later Secretary to the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
Though he lived a quieter life than his wartime exploits might suggest, he remained a respected public figure. He died in 1955 in a car accident near his hometown of Newtownards at the age of 40.
Vote of Thanks: There were no questions and the President thanked Chris for another fascinating talk.
Please contact me for any further information at the e-mail address above or on 02920252422.
Although our membership is growing, we still have room for new people and I would be glad to hear from any interested parties. We meet on the second Thursday of each month at the Llanishen Golf Club in Cardiff at 10am for coffee before starting the meeting proper at 10.30am. Lunch is available at the club and the great majority of the members stay for this excellent value meal.
Please note the e-mail address above is not hyperlinked so please enter my address manually.
Andrew Grant (Secretary)