William Stirling was a real unsung hero behind SAS Rogue Heroes success
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SAS Rogue Heroes is making a return on BBC One and the second season is set in spring 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 the strife in North Africa to mainland Europe. Paddy finds himself in a challenging situation as GHQ casts uncertainty over the future of the regiment.
The men also face trying times when a second unit and a wave of new recruits arrive. In the first episode, Gwilym Lee takes on the role of William 'Bill' Stirling, the brother of Swindells' character. Without revealing any spoilers, Paddy Mayne and William Stirling encounter each other under difficult circumstances, and both characters are based on real-life war heroes.
William initially joined the Special Operations Executive (SOE), an intelligence agency, and assumed the position of Chief Instructor at Inveraillort. During the Second World War, he established Popski's Private Army, a unit that would later be commanded by his cousin, Vladimir Peniakoff.
Also referred to as Penforce, the unit carried out a range of operations across Italy and the Balkans. Lieutenant-Colonel Stirling was subsequently captured by Axis forces in North Africa and despite being a prisoner of war, he continued to exhibit exceptional leadership.
