Inside the life of William Stirling - the man who inspired new SAS Rogue Hero boss
BBC One's SAS Rogue Heroes is back for a second season, set in the spring of 1943. The reins of the SAS have been handed over to Paddy Mayne (portrayed by Jack O'Connell) following the capture of David Stirling (played by Connor Swindells).
The focus shifts from North Africa to mainland Europe, with Paddy facing challenges as GHQ questions the future of the regiment.
The team also grapples with the arrival of a second unit and a wave of new recruits. In the opening episode, Gwilym Lee takes on the role of William 'Bill' Stirling, the brother of Swindells' character.
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Without revealing any spoilers, Paddy Mayne and William Stirling cross paths under complex circumstances, with both characters inspired by real-life war heroes.
William initially joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE), an intelligence agency, and served as Chief Instructor at Inveraillort.
During the Second World War, he established Popski's Private Army, a unit later commanded by his cousin, Vladimir Peniakoff.
Also referred to as Penforce, this unit carried out operations across Italy and the Balkans.
After being captured by Axis forces in North Africa, Lieutenant-Colonel Stirling continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership despite his prisoner-of-war status.
Following his capture, he led a second SAS unit, guiding the team towards his original vision of conducting parachute operations behind enemy lines to gather crucial intelligence.
Bill Stirling is often referred to in historical accounts as the "brains behind the operation" of the SAS.
In the SAS War Diary, he was characterised as a "man from the shadows", preferring to stay out of the limelight.
Stirling initially joined the SOE in March 1940 and set sail for Cairo in 1941. It was during this time that he conceived the idea of a small special forces unit, which would be led by his brother David.
Despite some initial success, David's leadership saw the first SAS regiment lose its direction.
Bill later took personal command of a second SAS regiment, 2SAS, leading them with a fierce determination.
The regiment moved from Italy to France, then through Holland and into Germany. However, their achievements have often been eclipsed by narratives centred on David.
SAS Rogue Heroes season 2 can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
