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'There's no doubt about it, he was a natural leader'

More than eight decades have passed since a small group of commandos wreaked havoc on the Nazis and their Italian allies in North Africa, marking the birth of one of the British Army's most infamous regiments - the Special Air Service (SAS).

Now, there are fresh calls for one of the leaders of those commandos - Blair 'Paddy' Mayne - to be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest British award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

There is fresh interest in the Newtownards soldier and rugby international, who became famous for his daring deeds behind enemy lines, due to the second series of BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes - although his portrayal has been controversial.

Despite being highly decorated, Mayne was never given the highest award of all.

Read more on this story here.

8 hours ago

Northern Ireland

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