In the gripping third installment of SAS Rogue Heroes Season 2, the Special Raiding Squadron (SRS), led by the enigmatic Lieutenant Paddy Mayne (portrayed by Jack O'Connell), embarks on a pivotal mission to wrest control of the Italian town of Termoli from German clutches. As they advance through Italy, the SRS stands at the vanguard of Operation Baytown, a bold endeavor where wits clash with relentless firepower against their German adversaries.
The episode unfolds amidst the foreboding silhouettes of Berlin, where Hitler utters a ruthless command, ordering the execution of every enemy combatant engaged in commando raids, regardless of whether they were armed or had surrendered. This sinister directive signals a grim escalation in the conflict as September 1943 progresses and the Allies claim victory in Sicily, with the SRS leading the charge into the heart of mainland Italy.
Behind enemy lines, Lieutenant Colonel Bill Stirling (Gwilym Lee) finds himself visited by the relentless French journalist Eve Mansour (Sofia Boutella), who is fiercely determined to locate Paddy Mayne, believing that the true essence of the war resides where he is. Meanwhile, within an Italian POW camp, David Stirling (Connor Swindells) orchestrates his way to the head of the escape line, confidently asserting his unit's crucial role in the invasion of Europe.
David's brother Bill arrives, sparking a fiery debate about the SRS's unconventional tactics and the emergence of Eve Mansour, a journalist and spy whose ignorance of their strategy must be preserved at all costs. Bill further divulges Paddy's impending mission: to liberate Termoli from German occupation, with Italian resistance fighter Pat Riley (Jacob Ifan) dispatched ahead to reconnaissance the town and neutralize a treacherous spy.
At the Gavi POW camp, David Stirling's initial bid for freedom is a breathtaking escapade, entailing a perilous ascent and a daring plunge, only to be foiled by a treacherous Italian guard who severs his rope, sending him tumbling to the ground. Despite this setback, David remains unyielding, landing instead in solitary confinement. Elsewhere, in a more lighthearted milieu, Eve Mansour and Bill Stirling share a bottle of wine at Bagnara Harbour, where Eve's insight into the SRS's movements alarms Bill. However, their brief truce is swiftly shattered by the relentless intrusion of war's harsh realities.
In Termoli, Pat Riley and the Italian resistance fighter Alessia Biondi (Anna Manuelli) stealthily maneuvered through German checkpoints, their hearts pounding with anticipation as they approached the resistance's headquarters. At this crucial location, Riley carried out his duty with precision, executing a collaborator named Giulio Colombo. His assurance that the SAS was en route brought a wave of relief and anticipation among the resistance members.
As the SRS arrived on the outskirts of Termoli, they unleashed a fierce barrage upon the enemy, their bullets tearing through the air like a storm. Yet, amidst the chaos, they displayed acts of mercy, highlighting the dual nature of warfare. Paddy's poignant decision to offer a wounded German soldier a final drink of rum before ending his suffering underscored the profound human cost of war.
As the SRS and the Italian Resistance spearheaded the attack on Termoli, they faced a resilient enemy skilled in guerrilla warfare. The battle was brutal, with hand-to-hand combat becoming the norm. Despite their eventual victory and the capture of numerous prisoners, Paddy remained cautious, sensing that the most seasoned German troops had retreated to plot a counterattack.
Outside Termoli, a detachment was dispatched with the critical mission of destroying the Campo Merino Bridge. However, they were ambushed, and John Tonkin (Jack Baton) fell into German captivity. With Hitler's orders looming over his fate, it seemed as though his end was sealed. As the shelling in Termoli began to wane, Paddy made a grim prediction: the Panzers would soon move in to reclaim the town. He reminded his men of their solemn orders: to hold Termoli until the last man standing, regardless of the personal cost.
"Operation Baytown: The Liberation of Termoli" is a riveting chapter in SAS Rogue Heroes, showcasing the bravery of the SRS and the harsh realities of wartime. With its vivid depiction of the SRS's battles and the intricate dynamics between its members, this episode captures the spirit of wartime heroism and the often-murky moral landscapes that soldiers must navigate with unwavering resolve.
