Calls for Posthumous Victoria Cross Gain Momentum
#BlairMayne #VictoriaCross #SAS #WWIIHero #PaddyMayne #MilitaryHistory
The long-running campaign to award legendary Newtownards soldier Lt Col Robert Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC) is set to be debated in the House of Commons next Tuesday, April 8.
Strangford MP Jim Shannon has tabled the motion, urging the UK government to “make right” what many believe to be an unjust denial of the VC, despite Mayne’s exceptional wartime bravery.
A Hero’s Legacy: Who Was Blair Mayne?
Blair Mayne was a founding member of the Special Air Service (SAS) and one of the most decorated soldiers of World War II. His achievements include:
✅ SAS Co-Founder – instrumental in shaping Britain’s elite special forces
✅ Four-time Distinguished Service Order (DSO) recipient – for bravery in Africa, Sicily, and France
✅ Ireland & British Lions Rugby International – showcasing his leadership on and off the battlefield
✅ Accomplished Lawyer & Boxer – excelling in multiple disciplines beyond the military
Despite his remarkable service, Mayne was controversially denied the Victoria Cross, the UK’s highest military honor for gallantry, sparking decades of debate and ongoing efforts to rectify this historical oversight.
Renewed Push for Recognition
The upcoming Parliamentary debate follows a recent decision by the Ministry of Justice to deny the posthumous award. However, campaigners—including veterans, historians, and Mayne’s family—continue to fight for the recognition they believe he deserves.
MP Jim Shannon credits a recent BBC drama on Blair Mayne for raising awareness of his heroism. He vows to use the debate in the House of Commons to reinforce the case for Mayne’s rightful place in history.
“I will meet with those interested in this campaign over the next week to gather further support. On April 8, I will present the case for our local hero, backed by MPs from my party, Northern Ireland, and across the UK.” – Jim Shannon MP
Growing Political & Public Support
The campaign has gained backing from North Down MP Alex Easton, who fully supports Jim Shannon’s efforts.
“Paddy Mayne was not only one of Northern Ireland’s greatest war heroes, but an iconic figure whose extraordinary bravery and leadership helped secure crucial victories during the Second World War.”
He added that it is never too late to recognize Mayne’s true heroism:
“We owe it to his memory and legacy to continue fighting for the highest recognition of his bravery.”
Will the Government Finally Act?
As the House of Commons prepares for this crucial debate, supporters remain hopeful that this renewed push will finally see justice served for one of Britain’s most decorated war heroes.
📢 What do you think? Should Blair Mayne receive the Victoria Cross? Join the conversation using #BlairMayneVC.
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