Damien does an excellent job of sharing the SAS founding story. It is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to these elite units that become legendary in the public eye.
Absolute brilliant show Paul love watching Damien when he's on so passionate about his work and subjects. Very lucky man to get so close to undoubtedly one of Britains greatest ever heroes who was just one of many who served with the SAS during the War.
I don't know how nany times i watched this interwiew, so fascinating. I love the way Mr Lewis talk about the SAS with such passion and intensity , so touching. I'm so interested in this subject that I bought all your SAS Mr Lewis, Thank's a lot!
Howdy folks. Outstanding and exciting presentation on the early days of the SAS and the Long Range Desert Group. Incredible insight and knowledge from Mr Lewis and Paul. First class.
Damien is always worth watching/listening, he's very good. This episode goes well with the other episode on David Stirling done here on @WW2TV, as well as the recent shows on N Africa.
My father knew a Portuguese ex SAS in the 1970s named Rodrigues that was awarded a medal by the King in WW2. He was a friend of the family so I'll try to find more when I'm in London.
I for one are/is/am aghast. This revelation represents a fascinating nugget, that really adds insight to the narrative. We await with baited breath the results of your subsequent enquiries. Your father. What a guy!
Okay, so I just recently watched the BBC dramatized series Season One, SAS Rogue Heroes. My father was stationed in North Africa near the end of WW2 as an engineer responsible for large artillery I believe. So the series had some draw for me, plus I loved Rat Patrol reruns as a child. And, I know that a dramatization probably requires further research to verify the veracity of the presentation. So, after this YT talk, I listened to a YT talk with the author that the series was ostensibly based on. What struck me was how different in many instances the observations of Ben are compared to Damien. Seems like Ben’s perceptions are a little more subjective. But this is all new to me. I need to get these author’s books.
What's strikes me as most remarkable about the war is not how many suffered from PTSD, but that the vast majority appeared not to. Somehow most returned to normal lives.
Not true my father had terrible nightmares sleeping at the fire station when he was on night duty. I was speaking to one of the fire chiefs when dad passed. They had to hold him down! No grassin them days told me he would have got the sack. Men wear men then .
I think a better way of putting it is they hid it better when they went out in public. 1945 still holds the record as the single highest divorce year in the United States. Alcohol and tobacco sales were at an all-time high in the late 40s and all throughout the 50s. Murder rates increased, violent crime increased. PTSD was all around, but because mental health problems carried a much stronger social stigma, a lot of veterans had to teach themselves how to keep it down when out in public. Ironically, I believe it was Shifty Powers from Band of Brothers who said that because so many people had served in the War, most guys were sympathetic if they saw someone showing signs of trouble. Kind of an "if you know, you know" understanding. I also think because they had a lot less digital distractions then, a lot of men became proactive with projects around the home to try and keep the nightmares down.
The Green Beret selection course incorporates the vehicle accompanying the hard driven route march and the TAC NCOs encourage the potential recruits to give up as well to this day. A friend of mine was rejected from the Special Forces during his attempt to join. He found out that he was only about 100 meters from completing the march-very heartbreaking. This is an idea adopted by the OSS which I think adopted it from the SAS concept. This was an amazing discussion by a man who has an obvious passion for the incredible subject.
All of the men in special units that require extreme physical ability and psychological temerity should be paid accordingly. They really are super athletes/soldiers and should get at least the lowest level of NFL pay.
Another great show, guys. I think I'm being guided by the algorithm to go back and find all these shows you've done with Damien. Not that I'm complaining - I've loved every minute. One thing on the honourable treatment of those who've surrendered. Word gets back to enemy and at least potentially makes it easier on the missions as the Germans/Italians will be more likely to put up their hands, knowing they're not going to be taken away and shot.
A brilliant show, Paul, as always! Sorry I couldn't watch it live. I've read the book and can vouch that it is absolutely superb. Probably the best account of the early SAS you could read. You get to learn of who exactly these people were. Reads like a movie.
The comments about PTSD, imagination and empathy and the toll it takes on one really reminded me of a friend who passed not so long ago. Not a soldier which I also appreciate Mr. Lewis pointing out. Went through hell several times over and was always trying her best to pick others up. I like him pointing out how creative, caring and brave people can accomplish great things but it is at serious cost to themselves. That is far too often not sustainable for a lifetime. The help available even for 101st and JSOC guys here locally isn't great. Back in WW2 and until fairly recently there was nothing at all. or worse. My uncle who came back from Vietnam had it and it's pretty rough to see when it gets bad. All war inflicts trauma on so many. it's far too easy to forget when looking at maps tanks and planes. Try to remember that. And it'd be nice to have an author on who wrote about the civilian experiences of the war as well to my way of thinking. Great show though and i think because the author has so much experience of war zones. Buy that guy a beer for me. I like him. He's real and honest.
Such a great video on the SAS. Ì'm proud to be from England. My thoughts and prayers to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Also to their families left behind. 💪🏻🙏🏻✨
Paddy Mayne ripped the dashboards out of ten Italian aircraft after running out of explosives!? Then he took one dashboard as a souvenir. Brilliant story!
Excellent interview, I was surprised about retaining German POW’s. Has anyone ever traced and interviewed any of the German POW’s, it would be good to read their perspective of the SAS.
I have heard that the USN SEALs now use the term "DOR" (drop on request) for washing out; not sure where I heard that or if it's true. A British Admiral, I think it was Henderson, once said, "It takes 3 years to build a ship, 30 years to train a crew, and 300 years to build a tradition." Syria/Lebanon in WW2 is an area I didn't think of until about a year ago. I watched something that talked about the fight to control the Mideast Oil fields between Vichy and the British.
50:25 a friend (ex Para Regt) told me that system was also used when he was a recruit in the 70s: you either "Took It on The Chin" or "Face Orders". The latter entailed getting charged, put in the guardhouse and don't get paid for the day. Most, including himself took it on the chin!
The struggle of these SAS “rogue” leaders and forward thinkers coming up against the established order reminds me of a scene in Chariots of Fire: Harold M. Abrahams : Gentlemen, you yearn for victory just as I do. But achieved with the apparent effortlessness of gods. Yours are the archaic values of the prep-school playground. You deceive no one but yourselves. I believe in the pursuit of excellence - and I'll carry the future with me
I was by myself TV in bedroom A single malt whiskey Watched the programme Sheer bliss Two people who know and live their subject A tour de force I going to do three things Buy the book Continue to watch WW2 TV Ask Paul if he could do a programme on Wilfred Thesiger who fits the daring do of people talked about.:- SOE in Syria and SAS
Thanks:- Did you ever find anything on him? I have a book. BTW attended D-Day commemorations in Manchester area and asked to perform my D-Day poem. Hope you don’t mind me posting:- Title:-‘Be it now or be it then’ They came across gun metal sea. A grisly fate they could foresee Thoughts of family left on land They were about to hit the sand. Spotted mines and hedgehogs steel Cliffs and smoke it seemed unreal Bunkers as squat as horny toads In their bellies fascist hoards D-Day common people had to fight Against the shadows they held a light The mortars moaned with smoking breath Each man contemplating his potential death. Hit the land and beached an ecstasy of fear Running ashore In full combat gear To the house where vipers nest Cost 100 lives and the rest Soldiers soon were crossed For freedom that was the cost We now know Germans Fought and fell They were as scared as us You could tell D-Day common folk Ordinary lives in fire and smoke Hardly brave to full degree They just wanted to be free ‘On the dunes I seemed alone My friends now with swaying seaweed And bleached bone’ They called this day the longest hour Many friends are now with the flowers many friends now with flowers But, I say what have we learnt? Our duty to freedom we do not shirk Life is short-it was for many Saw the world through fear and beauty Through it all They did their duty And those enemies still of malicious might There will be a reckoning of your spite If our patience does wear thin We will fight again - and we will win Though politicians sell us out For freedom and liberties we will scout Although we struggle through the smoke Never underestimate the common folk So quiet and respectful is our station But we will fight with grim determination Be it now or be it then... Always remember your D-Day men Remember your D-Day men Peter Hanlon
Once again can I thank you both for these insightful, very educational videos. One question I have is, you and others credit Churchill with the formation of the commando force. Was it actually his idea or was it someone else that sowed the seed so to speak and he then went with the idea?
Was Stirling and his happy band influenced by Lawrence of Arabia .who it seems was not loved by his superiors despite his. Successes on many locations.
Really? I do not share all the opinions of all my guests about many things - religion and politics, but would never let that influence my desire to listen to them talk about WWII
If supporting Ukraine offends you mate, then you are the one with the problem. Ukraine isn't perfect but the Russians are most definitely in the wrong in this current war.
Excellent presentation by Damien. I've started the book and it's gripping. Regarding Mayne's modesty it's traditional Ulster trait.
Damien does an excellent job of sharing the SAS founding story. It is important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to these elite units that become legendary in the public eye.
Absolute brilliant show Paul love watching Damien when he's on so passionate about his work and subjects. Very lucky man to get so close to undoubtedly one of Britains greatest ever heroes who was just one of many who served with the SAS during the War.
I don't know how nany times i watched this interwiew, so fascinating.
I love the way Mr Lewis talk about the SAS with such passion and intensity , so touching.
I'm so interested in this subject that I bought all your SAS Mr Lewis, Thank's a lot!
Howdy folks. Outstanding and exciting presentation on the early days of the SAS and the Long Range Desert Group. Incredible insight and knowledge from Mr Lewis and Paul. First class.
I could listen to Damien Lewis talk on the SAS all day
Couldn't we all Mark
@@WW2TV a much easier listen than Gavin Mortimer, both knowledgeable but Damien does not possess the agenda I always think Gavin has
Damien is always worth watching/listening, he's very good. This episode goes well with the other episode on David Stirling done here on @WW2TV, as well as the recent shows on N Africa.
My father knew a Portuguese ex SAS in the 1970s named Rodrigues that was awarded a medal by the King in WW2. He was a friend of the family so I'll try to find more when I'm in London.
I for one are/is/am aghast. This revelation represents a fascinating nugget, that really adds insight to the narrative. We await with baited breath the results of your subsequent enquiries. Your father. What a guy!
Great presentation by a passionate Damien. Looking forward to part 2.
What a remarkable episode Paul. Damien is so impressive.
Thanks Ian
Outstanding show! Damien is always informative and has a great storytelling ability.
Okay, so I just recently watched the BBC dramatized series Season One, SAS Rogue Heroes. My father was stationed in North Africa near the end of WW2 as an engineer responsible for large artillery I believe. So the series had some draw for me, plus I loved Rat Patrol reruns as a child. And, I know that a dramatization probably requires further research to verify the veracity of the presentation. So, after this YT talk, I listened to a YT talk with the author that the series was ostensibly based on. What struck me was how different in many instances the observations of Ben are compared to Damien. Seems like Ben’s perceptions are a little more subjective. But this is all new to me. I need to get these author’s books.
Very good video. Thanks gents. Was fortunate enough to train with the SAS 15 years ago....singularly the coolest thing I have ever done!
Very cool!
Another great one Paul!! A very timely one with Rogue Heroes hitting our screens.
What's strikes me as most remarkable about the war is not how many suffered from PTSD, but that the vast majority appeared not to. Somehow most returned to normal lives.
Not true my father had terrible nightmares sleeping at the fire station when he was on night duty. I was speaking to one of the fire chiefs when dad passed. They had to hold him down! No grassin them days told me he would have got the sack. Men wear men then .
I think a better way of putting it is they hid it better when they went out in public.
1945 still holds the record as the single highest divorce year in the United States. Alcohol and tobacco sales were at an all-time high in the late 40s and all throughout the 50s. Murder rates increased, violent crime increased.
PTSD was all around, but because mental health problems carried a much stronger social stigma, a lot of veterans had to teach themselves how to keep it down when out in public.
Ironically, I believe it was Shifty Powers from Band of Brothers who said that because so many people had served in the War, most guys were sympathetic if they saw someone showing signs of trouble. Kind of an "if you know, you know" understanding.
I also think because they had a lot less digital distractions then, a lot of men became proactive with projects around the home to try and keep the nightmares down.
Oh, I was expecting the Guy from Band of Brothers. But, the presentation was fantastic - I've always been interested in the 'Who Dares Wins' lads.
Damian Lewis from BoB, Damien Lewis the author
The Green Beret selection course incorporates the vehicle accompanying the hard driven route march and the TAC NCOs encourage the potential recruits to give up as well to this day. A friend of mine was rejected from the Special Forces during his attempt to join. He found out that he was only about 100 meters from completing the march-very heartbreaking. This is an idea adopted by the OSS which I think adopted it from the SAS concept. This was an amazing discussion by a man who has an obvious passion for the incredible subject.
All of the men in special units that require extreme physical ability and psychological temerity should be paid accordingly. They really are super athletes/soldiers and should get at least the lowest level of NFL pay.
Thanks
Another great show, guys. I think I'm being guided by the algorithm to go back and find all these shows you've done with Damien. Not that I'm complaining - I've loved every minute. One thing on the honourable treatment of those who've surrendered. Word gets back to enemy and at least potentially makes it easier on the missions as the Germans/Italians will be more likely to put up their hands, knowing they're not going to be taken away and shot.
Excellent talk and great audio! Thank you.
A brilliant show, Paul, as always! Sorry I couldn't watch it live. I've read the book and can vouch that it is absolutely superb. Probably the best account of the early SAS you could read. You get to learn of who exactly these people were. Reads like a movie.
Yep, it's a brilliant book
Will buying the book!
Thank you
Read a lot about what the SAS did, but this is the best I saw about the personal/human side.
Fascinating stuff. I’ve only heard of Paddy Mayne that he was with the SAS. Thanks for enlightening me on him and his organization
Check out ( Peter Forbes) talk on PADDY. Damien actually gets some of his information about Paddy through Peter... ✌
I haven’t red about a better solder then mayne he was a one off truly remarkable man
Thoroughly enjoyed this thank you.
Great! , thank you and well done 👏🏻 . Looking forward to part 2
The comments about PTSD, imagination and empathy and the toll it takes on one really reminded me of a friend who passed not so long ago. Not a soldier which I also appreciate Mr. Lewis pointing out. Went through hell several times over and was always trying her best to pick others up. I like him pointing out how creative, caring and brave people can accomplish great things but it is at serious cost to themselves. That is far too often not sustainable for a lifetime. The help available even for 101st and JSOC guys here locally isn't great. Back in WW2 and until fairly recently there was nothing at all. or worse. My uncle who came back from Vietnam had it and it's pretty rough to see when it gets bad.
All war inflicts trauma on so many. it's far too easy to forget when looking at maps tanks and planes. Try to remember that. And it'd be nice to have an author on who wrote about the civilian experiences of the war as well to my way of thinking.
Great show though and i think because the author has so much experience of war zones. Buy that guy a beer for me. I like him. He's real and honest.
Thanks very much. Yes Damien is the real deal
Such a great video on the SAS. Ì'm proud to be from England. My thoughts and prayers to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Also to their families left behind. 💪🏻🙏🏻✨
Fantastic, many thanks!
Paddy Mayne ripped the dashboards out of ten Italian aircraft after running out of explosives!? Then he took one dashboard as a souvenir. Brilliant story!
Excellent interview, I was surprised about retaining German POW’s. Has anyone ever traced and interviewed any of the German POW’s, it would be good to read their perspective of the SAS.
that one was a good one cheers woody
I have heard that the USN SEALs now use the term "DOR" (drop on request) for washing out; not sure where I heard that or if it's true.
A British Admiral, I think it was Henderson, once said, "It takes 3 years to build a ship, 30 years to train a crew, and 300 years to build a tradition."
Syria/Lebanon in WW2 is an area I didn't think of until about a year ago. I watched something that talked about the fight to control the Mideast Oil fields between Vichy and the British.
50:25 a friend (ex Para Regt) told me that system was also used when he was a recruit in the 70s: you either "Took It on The Chin" or "Face Orders". The latter entailed getting charged, put in the guardhouse and don't get paid for the day. Most, including himself took it on the chin!
Interesting to return to this interview, after binge watching both the newer 6 part Rogue Heros and the 3 part BBC Rogue Warriors series, on Iplayer.
Mayne was obviously an incredible inspirational leader
Fascinating
Thanks Paul-QUESTION-Was there any connection between SAS and Hugh Dalton and the SOE? Great show.
The new movie is about to make this video go viral. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
The struggle of these SAS “rogue” leaders and forward thinkers coming up against the established order reminds me of a scene in Chariots of Fire:
Harold M. Abrahams : Gentlemen, you yearn for victory just as I do. But achieved with the apparent effortlessness of gods. Yours are the archaic values of the prep-school playground. You deceive no one but yourselves. I believe in the pursuit of excellence - and I'll carry the future with me
Please get someone on to enlighten us about the PPA...Popskis Private Army
As with any subject, it's all about finding a suitable guest
Brilliant book
Some fine guardsmen there
For gods sakes tell us the SAS lyrics to lili Marlaine.
They are in Damien's book - another reason to get copy lol
I was by myself
TV in bedroom
A single malt whiskey
Watched the programme
Sheer bliss
Two people who know and live their subject
A tour de force
I going to do three things
Buy the book
Continue to watch WW2 TV
Ask Paul if he could do a programme on Wilfred Thesiger who fits the daring do of people talked about.:- SOE in Syria and SAS
I don't know anything about that chap, but I will investigate
Thanks:- Did you ever find anything on him? I have a book.
BTW attended D-Day commemorations in Manchester area and asked to perform my D-Day poem. Hope you don’t mind me posting:-
Title:-‘Be it now or be it then’
They came across gun metal sea.
A grisly fate they could foresee
Thoughts of family left on land
They were about to hit the sand.
Spotted mines and hedgehogs steel
Cliffs and smoke it seemed unreal
Bunkers as squat as horny toads In their bellies fascist hoards
D-Day common people had to fight
Against the shadows they held a light
The mortars moaned with smoking breath
Each man contemplating his potential death.
Hit the land and beached
an ecstasy of fear
Running ashore In full combat gear
To the house where vipers nest
Cost 100 lives and the rest
Soldiers soon were crossed
For freedom that was the cost
We now know Germans
Fought and fell
They were as scared as us
You could tell
D-Day common folk
Ordinary lives in fire and smoke
Hardly brave to full degree
They just wanted to be free
‘On the dunes I seemed alone
My friends now with swaying seaweed
And bleached bone’
They called this day the longest hour
Many friends are now with the flowers
many friends now with flowers
But, I say what have we learnt?
Our duty to freedom we do not shirk
Life is short-it was for many
Saw the world through fear and beauty
Through it all
They did their duty
And those enemies still of malicious might
There will be a reckoning of your spite
If our patience does wear thin
We will fight again - and we will win
Though politicians sell us out
For freedom and liberties we will scout
Although we struggle through the smoke
Never underestimate the common folk
So quiet and respectful is our station
But we will fight with grim determination
Be it now or be it then...
Always remember your D-Day men
Remember your D-Day men
Peter Hanlon
Once again can I thank you both for these insightful, very educational videos. One question I have is, you and others credit Churchill with the formation of the commando force. Was it actually his idea or was it someone else that sowed the seed so to speak and he then went with the idea?
I think it was mostly Churchill himself, based on his recollections of the Boer war
Thanks for the very prompt reply, I was ot expecting that. And as regards Churchill, I thought that would probably be the case.
I try and respond to all the questions
What an account of an amazing individual, extremely powerful stuff thanks Paul and Damian.
Late comment, I started watching this because I thought the guest was Damian Lewis the English Actor. Live and learn.
Both great at what they do but yep we have the writer/historian as a guest. Although I have spent time with the actor too
Me too bur watched the whole episode and really enjoyed it also subscribed😊@@WW2TV
Mick Sadler, the famed desert navigator, has died, aged 103.
Blinder!
ANSWERED
We might all be speaking German but for the deeds and feats of arms of this generation.so why not respect and venerate them.
Not sure what you mean by this. Are you suggesting that someone is NOT repecting them?
No-one has mentioned Ben Macintyre………
Because it would be unfair to refer to another author's work
51 and 52 commandos were briefly used as shock troops in Eritrea - not their best use.
Was Stirling and his happy band influenced by Lawrence of Arabia .who it seems was not loved by his superiors despite his. Successes on many locations.
Not an Etonian game of cricket it's war
Isle of Erin?????????? WTH is that?????? My first girl friend had an island?? (D must be CS grandson)
Sorry, started watching then saw the little 🇺🇦 pin, lost me then
Really?
I do not share all the opinions of all my guests about many things - religion and politics, but would never let that influence my desire to listen to them talk about WWII
@@WW2TV they can talk however don't push/display their agendas. All guests should be advised of this. Thank you for your reply 👍
If supporting Ukraine offends you mate, then you are the one with the problem. Ukraine isn't perfect but the Russians are most definitely in the wrong in this current war.
6:59 caring for your troops, they’ll know if you are. They will move mountains for you.
“Ungentlemanly? At times one has to get their hands dirty and not play by the “rules” to get the job done. 19:56