Lieutenant Colonel Robert Blair Mayne,, better known as Paddy Mayne, was a British Army officer from Newtownards, capped for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions at rugby union, lawyer, amateur boxer, and a founding member of the Special Air Service (SAS).
Paddy Mayne near Kabrit, Egypt, in 1942
Mayne's grave Movilla Abbey graveyard in Newtownards
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, as well as formerly of other parts of the Commonwealth, awarded for operational gallantry for highly successful command and leadership during active operations, typically in actual combat. Since 1993 it has been awarded specifically for "highly successful command and leadership during active operations", with all ranks being eligible. It is a level 2A decoration (order) in the British system of military decorations.
Obverse and reverse, reign of George V
Image: Distinguished Service Order badge (United Kingdom) Tallinn Museum of Orders
Major Marie-Edmond Paul Garneau, of the Royal 22e RĂ©giment, with the DSO he received for "gallant and distinguished services in the combined attack on Dieppe" after his investiture at Buckingham Palace in October 1942