Explore Mike Sadler Wikipedia page to learn about the member of the original wartime SAS. Find about his heroic actions, military career, and post-war contributions.
Major Mike Sadler was a key figure in the original wartime Special Air Service (SAS).
Recruited by SAS founder David Stirling in 1941, Sadler played a vital role in night-time raids in North Africa and was parachuted into Nazi-occupied France post-D-Day.
Awarded the Military Cross, he later served in MI6 and had a piece of the Antarctic named after him.
Mike Sadler Wikipedia And Bio
Major Mike Sadler’s life, spanning over a century, was characterized by extraordinary contributions to military history, particularly as a distinguished member of the Special Air Service (SAS).
Sadler left school in 1937 and began working on a farm in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. When World War II erupted in 1939, he joined the Rhodesian Army artillery unit.
In 1941, David Stirling, the founder of the SAS, recruited Sadler.
Initially participating in night-time raids against Axis airfields in Libya, Sadler’s exceptional skills and courage soon led to his parachuting into Nazi-occupied France following the D-Day Normandy landings in 1944.
A pivotal figure in the SAS, Sadler navigated the challenges of unknown desert territories during the early years.
He played a crucial role in the success of the first SAS raid on Wadi Tamet airfield in December 1941.
His service extended to Italy and France, where he continued to demonstrate remarkable leadership and bravery.
Post-war, Sadler’s adventures took him to the Antarctic, where he received the Polar Medal for his efforts in the Falkland Islands dependency’s Antarctic survey.
Throughout his life, Major Mike Sadler was recognized for his exceptional bravery and contributions. In 2018, he was awarded France’s highest honor, the Legion d’honneur.
His legacy was further immortalized in the BBC’s SAS: Rogue Heroes, where actor Tom Glynn-Carney portrayed him.
Mike Sadler Age: How Old Was He At The Time Of Death?
At the time of his death in 2024, Major Mike Sadler was 103 years old, having been born in 1920.
His remarkable longevity mirrored the extraordinary breadth of his life experiences and contributions.
Born into a world on the cusp of major global conflicts, Sadler’s journey unfolded through the tumultuous events of the 20th century.
Sadler’s passing at the age of 103 marked the end of an era, and his legacy continues to resonate as a testament to a life well-lived, characterized by courage, commitment, and a profound impact on military history.
Second World War Last SAS Mike Sadler Family Details
Sadler, the last surviving SAS member from World War II, had a life intertwined with remarkable achievements and personal aspects.
Born in 1920, Sadler’s family details reveal a journey marked by dedication to service.
His family history includes two marriages. In 1944, Sadler married Anne Hetherington, although the union was dissolved after two years.
Later, in 1958, he married Pat Benson, who remained his wife until her passing in 2001. They had a daughter named Sally, who survives him.
Post-war, Sadler continued to contribute to military and exploration efforts, earning the Polar Medal for his Antarctic survey work. His career also included service in MI6, the Secret Intelligence Service.
Beyond the battlefield, Maj. Mike Sadler’s family life reflects a journey through the complexities of wartime relationships, the challenges of personal endeavors, and the enduring legacy carried forward by his daughter, Sally.
