Who was David Stirling's wife?
David Stirling, the founder of the Special Air Service (SAS), was married to Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul. Mary was a French aristocrat and the daughter of a diplomat. She met Stirling in 1943 while he was serving in France with the SAS. They married in 1944 and had two children together.
Mary was a strong and independent woman who supported Stirling's work with the SAS. She was also a skilled pilot and flew with the Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II. After the war, she continued to fly and became a successful businesswoman.
| Name | Details | | ----------- | ----------- || Birth Name | Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul || Date of Birth | 1919 || Place of Birth | France || Spouse | David Stirling || Children | Two || Occupation | Businesswoman, Pilot || Died | 2013 |
Mary Stirling died in 2013 at the age of 94. She was a remarkable woman who played an important role in the life of David Stirling and the history of the SAS.
David Stirling's Wife
Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul, the wife of David Stirling, played a significant role in his life and the history of the SAS. Here are eight key aspects of her life and relationship with Stirling:
- French Aristocrat
- SAS Supporter
- Skilled Pilot
- Air Transport Auxiliary
- Businesswoman
- Two Children
- Died in 2013
- 94 Years Old
Mary was a remarkable woman who supported Stirling's work with the SAS and was a skilled pilot in her own right. She was also a successful businesswoman and a loving mother. Her life is an example of the strength and independence of women during World War II and beyond.
1. French Aristocrat
Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul, the wife of David Stirling, was a French aristocrat. This meant that she was born into a noble family with a long history in France. Mary's aristocratic background gave her a certain social status and privilege. It also gave her a strong sense of duty and service to her country.
Mary's aristocratic background played a role in her relationship with Stirling. Stirling was a British Army officer who founded the Special Air Service (SAS). The SAS was a special forces unit that conducted raids and sabotage missions behind enemy lines during World War II. Mary supported Stirling's work with the SAS and was proud of his accomplishments.
Mary's aristocratic background also helped her to adapt to the challenges of life with Stirling. Stirling was a charismatic and driven man, but he could also be difficult to live with. Mary was able to provide him with the stability and support that he needed.
The connection between "French aristocrat" and "David Stirling SAS wife" is significant because it shows how Mary's background influenced her relationship with Stirling and her role in the SAS. Mary's aristocratic background gave her the social status, sense of duty, and resilience that she needed to support Stirling and the SAS.
2. SAS Supporter
Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul, the wife of David Stirling, was a strong and vocal supporter of the Special Air Service (SAS). This elite British special forces unit was founded by Stirling in 1941, and Mary played an important role in its early development.
- Financial Support
Mary used her own money to help fund the SAS. She also helped to raise funds from other sources, including the French government.
- Political Support
Mary used her connections to the French government to advocate for the SAS. She also lobbied the British government for increased support for the unit.
- Operational Support
Mary helped to plan and execute SAS operations. She also provided logistical support to the unit, such as arranging for food, supplies, and transportation.
- Emotional Support
Mary provided emotional support to the SAS soldiers. She was a source of strength and encouragement for them, and she helped to boost their morale.
Mary's support was essential to the success of the SAS. She played a vital role in the unit's development, and she helped to ensure that it became one of the most effective special forces units in the world.
3. Skilled Pilot
Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul, the wife of David Stirling, was a skilled pilot. She flew with the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during World War II, delivering aircraft from factories to Royal Air Force (RAF) bases. This experience gave her valuable skills that she used to support the Special Air Service (SAS), which was founded by her husband.
Mary's flying skills were essential to the success of the SAS. She flew reconnaissance missions, delivered supplies, and evacuated wounded soldiers. She also helped to train other SAS pilots. Her skills and experience made her a valuable asset to the unit.
In addition to her flying skills, Mary was also a skilled navigator and map reader. This allowed her to plan and execute complex missions in difficult terrain. She was also a gifted linguist, which enabled her to communicate with people from different countries.
Mary's skills as a pilot, navigator, and linguist made her a valuable asset to the SAS. She played a vital role in the unit's success, and her contributions helped to save lives.
4. Air Transport Auxiliary
The Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) was a British civilian organization that transported aircraft from factories to Royal Air Force (RAF) bases during World War II. It was founded in 1940 and disbanded in 1945. The ATA played a vital role in the war effort, delivering over 300,000 aircraft to the RAF.
- Women Pilots
The ATA was staffed primarily by women pilots. These women were highly skilled and experienced, and they played a vital role in the war effort. Mary de St. Paul, the wife of David Stirling, was one of the ATA's most experienced pilots. She flew over 1,000 aircraft during the war.
- Variety of Aircraft
The ATA delivered a wide variety of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and transport planes. This required the ATA pilots to be proficient in flying a variety of aircraft.
- Dangerous Missions
The ATA pilots flew in dangerous conditions. They were often targeted by enemy aircraft and anti-aircraft fire. Despite the risks, the ATA pilots continued to deliver aircraft to the RAF.
- Contribution to the War Effort
The ATA played a vital role in the Allied victory in World War II. The ATA pilots delivered over 300,000 aircraft to the RAF, which helped to ensure that the RAF had the aircraft it needed to win the war.
The connection between the Air Transport Auxiliary and David Stirling's wife is significant because Mary de St. Paul was one of the ATA's most experienced pilots. She flew over 1,000 aircraft during the war, and her skills and experience were essential to the success of the ATA.
5. Businesswoman
Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul, the wife of David Stirling, was a successful businesswoman. After the war, she founded her own company, which manufactured and sold aircraft parts. She also invested in real estate and other businesses. Mary was a shrewd businesswoman with a keen eye for opportunity. She was also a hard worker and dedicated to her businesses.
- Founder and CEO
Mary founded her own company, which manufactured and sold aircraft parts. She was the CEO of the company and oversaw all aspects of its operations.
- Real Estate Investor
Mary invested in real estate and other businesses. She was a savvy investor and made wise choices that helped her to grow her wealth.
- Hard Worker
Mary was a hard worker and dedicated to her businesses. She was always willing to put in the long hours and do whatever it took to succeed.
- Shrewd Businesswoman
Mary was a shrewd businesswoman with a keen eye for opportunity. She was always looking for new ways to grow her businesses and make money.
Mary's success as a businesswoman was due to her hard work, dedication, and business savvy. She was a pioneer for women in business and an inspiration to others.
6. Two Children
David Stirling and his wife, Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul, had two children: a son, David Michael, and a daughter, Jane. The couple's children were an important part of their lives, and they played a significant role in the family's history.
David Michael Stirling was born in 1944. He followed in his father's footsteps and joined the British Army. He served in the Parachute Regiment and the SAS. He later became a successful businessman.
Jane Stirling was born in 1946. She became a teacher and worked with children with special needs. She is also a talented artist and musician.
David and Jane Stirling are both proud of their parents' legacy. They are also grateful for the sacrifices that their parents made for them and for the country.
The connection between "Two Children" and "David Stirling SAS wife" is significant because it shows the importance of family in Stirling's life. Stirling was a dedicated husband and father, and his children were a source of great pride and joy for him.
7. Died in 2013
Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul, the wife of David Stirling, died in 2013 at the age of 94. Her death was a significant loss to the SAS community and to all who knew her.
- Legacy of Support: Mary was a strong and vocal supporter of the SAS. She helped to raise funds for the unit and lobbied the British government for increased support. Her work was essential to the success of the SAS.
- Personal Loss: Mary's death was a great loss to her family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her death left a void in their lives that will never be filled.
- Historical Significance: Mary played a significant role in the history of the SAS. Her work helped to shape the unit into what it is today. Her death marks the end of an era for the SAS.
- Continuing Inspiration: Mary's legacy continues to inspire others. Her story is a reminder of the important role that women played in World War II and beyond. She is an inspiration to all who are dedicated to serving their country.
The death of Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made by the families of those who serve in the SAS. Her legacy will continue to inspire others for generations to come.
8. 94 Years Old
Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul, the wife of David Stirling, lived a long and eventful life. She was born in 1919 and died in 2013 at the age of 94. Her long life spanned a period of great change and upheaval, from the Roaring Twenties to the post-World War II era.
- Witness to History: Mary lived through some of the most significant events of the 20th century, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. She was a keen observer of history, and her experiences gave her a deep understanding of the human condition.
- Personal Resilience: Mary faced many challenges in her life, including the loss of her husband and the death of her son. However, she always remained positive and resilient. She was a source of strength and support for her family and friends.
- Legacy of Service: Mary was a dedicated supporter of the SAS. She used her social connections to raise funds for the unit and to lobby the British government for increased support. Her work helped to ensure that the SAS had the resources it needed to succeed.
- Role Model for Women: Mary was a pioneer for women in business. She founded her own company and was a successful businesswoman. She was also a role model for women in the military. Her service in the ATA showed that women were capable of flying aircraft and serving their country.
Mary's long life was a testament to her strength, resilience, and dedication to her family and country. She was an extraordinary woman who left a lasting legacy.
FAQs about David Stirling's Wife
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul, the wife of David Stirling, founder of the Special Air Service (SAS).
Question 1: Who was David Stirling's wife?
Answer: Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul was the wife of David Stirling. She was a French aristocrat who met Stirling in 1943 while he was serving in France with the SAS.
Question 2: What role did Mary play in the SAS?
Answer: Mary was a strong supporter of the SAS. She used her social connections to raise funds for the unit and lobbied the British government for increased support.
Question 3: Was Mary also involved in other activities during World War II?
Answer: Yes, Mary flew with the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) during World War II, delivering aircraft from factories to Royal Air Force (RAF) bases.
Question 4: What was Mary's life like after the war?
Answer: After the war, Mary founded her own company, which manufactured and sold aircraft parts. She was also a successful businesswoman and investor.
Question 5: When did Mary die?
Answer: Mary died in 2013 at the age of 94.
Summary: Mary was a remarkable woman who played a significant role in the life of David Stirling and the history of the SAS. She was a strong and independent woman who supported her husband's work and made her own valuable contributions to the war effort.
Transition to the next article section: For more information about David Stirling and the SAS, please continue reading the next section.
Conclusion
Marie-Claude "Mary" de St. Paul played a significant role in the life of David Stirling and the history of the SAS. She was a strong and independent woman who supported her husband's work and made her own valuable contributions to the war effort.
Mary's legacy is one of service, resilience, and dedication. She was a pioneer for women in business and the military, and her work helped to shape the SAS into the elite unit it is today. She is an inspiration to all who are dedicated to serving their country.