January 2nd 2025.
The second season of SAS Rogue Heroes has made its highly-anticipated return to the BBC, bringing with it the thrilling story of the elite British military force and their formation. This season delves deeper into the origins of the Special Air Service, a special forces unit in the British Army that was first established during the tumultuous days of World War Two.
Led by Sir David Stirling, portrayed by the talented Connor Swindells of Sex Education fame, the SAS was initially formed under extraordinary circumstances. It was disbanded after the war in 1945, but was reinstated two years later as a regiment. Today, the unit still operates in strict confidentiality, carrying out missions such as counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and covert reconnaissance.
But who were the real SAS Rogue Heroes? The series follows the story of the founding members of the SAS, including Stirling himself, Paddy Mayne, and Jock Lewes. Stirling, a Scottish officer and skilled mountaineer, was the driving force behind the creation of the regiment in 1941. His ambition to climb Mount Everest was put on hold when he volunteered for a commando unit in the Middle East during the Second World War.
During his service, Stirling suffered serious injuries from a failed parachute jump. It was during his recovery that he and his comrade Lieutenant 'Jock' Lewes came up with the idea of using small teams of expert soldiers for sabotage missions behind enemy lines. With Stirling's charm and connections, he was able to get his ideas approved by Middle East Headquarters and recruit 67 members from the recently disbanded Layforce.
The new unit, known as 'L Detachment Special Air Service Brigade', operated in the North African desert and proved to be a formidable force against German and Italian forces. Their motto, 'Who Dares Wins', personally chosen by Stirling, reflected their daring and successful operations. This motto is still used today and is even the namesake of the popular reality TV show, 'SAS: Who Dares Wins', where members of the public undergo intensive SAS training.
The show's creator, Steven Knight, known for his work on Peaky Blinders, emphasized the importance of keeping the story as close to reality as possible. He even had the opportunity to speak with Mike Sadler, the last surviving member of the original SAS who was 99 years old at the time. One of the scenes in the show, where Stirling and Sadler had to flee a bar after a hand grenade was thrown, was based on a true story.
The drama also features an all-star cast, including Dominic West as Dudley Clarke and Gwilym Lee as Stirling's brother Bill. The production team worked closely with the SAS Regimental Association to ensure the authenticity of the story and pay tribute to the real soldiers and their families.
The second season, which introduces new cast members such as Jack O'Connell and Sofia Boutella, stays true to the real-life events and the struggles and sacrifices of the SAS members. It highlights their numerous successes, including the destruction of hundreds of enemy vehicles and over 250 aircraft, as well as their failures and losses.
SAS Rogue Heroes is an intriguing and powerful retelling of the formation of the SAS and the brave men who risked their lives for their country. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in military history or thrilling, real-life stories. All episodes from both seasons are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, be sure to get in touch with The Agency entertainment team – they'd love to hear from you.
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