Dad's Army - Revealing their real wartime service

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  • Опубликовано: 7 июн 2024
  • The fourth & final of the Dad's Army real stories from The History Chap.
    This tells the real wartime stories of, amongst others, John Le Mesurier (Sergeant Wilson) and Arthur Lowe (Captain Mainwaring).
    Join my Membership Channel to get exclusive videos (& more)
    / @thehistorychap
    Related videos in this series on "Dad's Army"
    Private Godfrey (Arnold Ridley)
    • Arnold Ridley - Privat...
    Lance Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn)
    • "Dad's Army": What Was...
    Private Frazer (John Laurie)
    • John Laurie - Private ...
    Whilst this video looks at the wartime service of the main platoon members such as Clive Dunn (Lance Corporal Jones), John Laurie (Private Frazer) and Arnold Ridley (Private Godfrey) it also looks at the stories of some of the lesser known characters too.
    Edward Sinclair (Verger Yeatman) who served in the Ox & Bucks Light Infantry but who missed out on the D-Day landings in Normandy.
    Bill Pertwee (Warden Hodges) who failed a medical to join the RAF and spent the war in a factory making cannon for spitfires.
    Plus we look at Private Walker, Private Sponge and Private Cheeseman, not forgetting Captain Square.
    Finally we look at the wartime service of the co-writers of the show, Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
    It was Perry's experiences of the Home Guard that led him to write "Dad's Army", and his further experiences with the Royal Artillery concert party in Burma & India that led to another of their classic collaborations: "It ain't half hot mum".
    Join my Supporter's Club
    www.thehistorychap.com/Suppor...
    #dadsarmy #brtishcomedy #ww2
    Chapters
    0:00 Introduction
    1:02 Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier)
    4:15 John Le Mesurier's wartime service
    9:12 Arthur Lowe
    10:50 WW1 veterans
    13:39 Clive Dunn (Corporal Jones)
    16:58 Captain Square
    17:50 Privates Pike & Walker
    18:30 private Cheeseman
    19:03 Private Sponge
    19:40 Mr Hodges (Bill Pertwee)
    20:23 Edward Sinclair
    21:20 Jimmy Perry & David Croft
    24:25 Conclusion
    25:10 The History Chap
    Follow me at:
    www.thehistorychap.com
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    Facebook:bit.ly/37IUfkH
    / thehistorychap
    My name is Chris Green and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
    History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
    So rather than lectures or RUclips animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
    My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
    Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern history from the University of Birmingham.
    Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

Комментарии • 1 тыс.

  • @johnmurray1529
    @johnmurray1529 Год назад +529

    A yank Afghan veteran here, I started watching this show because of you. I secretly call this Grandad's Army. My grandad survived the bombing of London as a kid. He and his parents went to the US, when he became of age he joined the Canadian Army. Went back overseas to finish out the war. Then he immigrated to the US. He passed in 02, shows like this make me feel connected to him. Cheers!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +23

      Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching

    • @oscarosullivan4513
      @oscarosullivan4513 Год назад +19

      @@TheHistoryChap It was the era of actors who served

    • @freedomvigilant1234
      @freedomvigilant1234 Год назад +15

      My Dad survived the Blitz. He was born in 1938 in Wimbledon.
      He lived in Rochdale, Lancashire, during his teens until he was about 33.

    • @mombaassa
      @mombaassa Год назад +7

      ​@@pztnskint ...and 'Allo 'Allo.

    • @andrewobrien6671
      @andrewobrien6671 Год назад +3

      He was what they would call nowadays a stoner. He was extremely fond of cannabis

  • @alanknights7296
    @alanknights7296 Год назад +428

    Suffering from PTSD myself after my own Military experiences, i discovered Dad's Army and began watching at least one episode first thing in the morning, and again last thing at night.
    Looking back now, i think that it worked as a kind of sub-conscious therapy.
    Now, years later, i can honestly say without any doubt or exaggeration, that Dad's Army saved my life.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +30

      Wow, what a powerful story. Thanks for sharing.

    • @garybrockwell2031
      @garybrockwell2031 Год назад +12

      LAUGHTER is the Blessing 🆘💯✌️💪🎬🇬🇧

    • @mjspice100
      @mjspice100 Год назад +22

      After WW1 and WW2 a large section of the population had done military service and seen combat, I think that they were able to debrief themselves in the years afterwards as they were able to relate to each other and support each other, this doesn’t mean that PTSD didn’t exist, it did but they at least could understand the effects having been through it themselves.
      Now of course there is no compulsory military service so issues like PTSD are more prevalent because less of the population have an understanding.
      I hope this makes sense, it’s just my own thoughts and is in no way intended to belittle those with this problem.
      Thank you for your service…

    • @lansdorf
      @lansdorf Год назад +14

      My grandfather was in the first war then from 1925 served in the territorials right upto 1939 where he was based at morcambe training young soldiers, having three sons of call up age we think it was too much for him and he took his own life a week before it was announced we were at war with Germany. My fathers older brothers did serve and were captured at Anzio but came home eventually. It's so sad and I we can never imagine what's going through his mind and all those other soldiers that have served their country.

    • @Soundpj
      @Soundpj Год назад +14

      I agree Alan I have PTSD, but from severe burns following cancer....dads army helps me in the evening....because they are such fine people. Kim.

  • @paul68z
    @paul68z Год назад +65

    Arnold Ridley (Godfrey) saw active service in WW1, sustaining several wounds in close-quarter battle. His left hand was left virtually useless by wounds sustained on the Somme; his legs were riddled with shrapnel; he received a bayonet wound in the groin (no antibiotics in those days) and the legacy of a blow to the head from a German soldier's rifle butt left him prone to blackouts after the war. He was medically discharged from the army with the rank of lance corporal in May 1917, yet the volunteered for WW2. The generations of the past are just in a different class. Selfless, non complaining with surely something to teach us today?

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +7

      You are correct. I went into those details in my video specifically about Arnold Ridley:
      ruclips.net/video/w7NwNFn5AWQ/видео.html

    • @carolcasey5441
      @carolcasey5441 10 месяцев назад +5

      Beautiful boys.
      ❤❤❤

  • @simonsmith1974
    @simonsmith1974 Год назад +48

    To think that Ridley and Laurie both survived terrible battles and still managed to smile and give us moments of laughter is incredible.

  • @martinputt6421
    @martinputt6421 Год назад +130

    One of my favourite shows. Amazing that John Le Mesurier essentially was as laid back in real life as he was in Dad's Army.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +14

      I bet he annoyed some people around him 🤣

    • @martinputt6421
      @martinputt6421 Год назад +6

      @@TheHistoryChap I bet he did, certainly seems to have had an impact on the Sergeants and Officers training him. 😆

    • @DieWitness
      @DieWitness Год назад +4

      I always thought they were just actors this show certainly brings back childhood memories

    • @martinputt6421
      @martinputt6421 Год назад +6

      @@DieWitness I think the experiences of many cast members really helped to bring the realism out.

    • @windsorSJ
      @windsorSJ Год назад +5

      I think he was a British icon, so many memorable movies and TV appearances. I felt sad when I learned about his life with Hattie Jacques.

  • @rawschri
    @rawschri Год назад +136

    As funny as it was, the most memorable scene is at the closing of the final episode, where the platoon are stood down on the seafront, after a false invasion alert sent them scurrying from Jones's wedding celebration. The major cast members discuss the Home Guard from all over the Country, and in a piece to camera, raise their glasses in a toast to " Britain's Home Guard " .... always brings a tear to my eye !!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +6

      Thanks for sharing.

    • @memybikeni9931
      @memybikeni9931 Год назад +13

      I know what you mean, gave me a lump in my throat too.

    • @jakobgrimminger
      @jakobgrimminger Год назад +5

      Same here, as my grandad was in our local Home Guard

    • @richmaniow
      @richmaniow Год назад +4

      I can't remember whether I've seen the last episode or not tbh, I don't think the later series get repeated that often now but hopefully it'll do the rounds again at some point, excellent video as always 👍

    • @paulcarter2258
      @paulcarter2258 11 месяцев назад +3

      Snap!!!

  • @rodneytregear7407
    @rodneytregear7407 10 месяцев назад +2

    A great documentary. I was born in 1945, My Dad served through the war in the Royal West Kent Regiment and was evacuated at Dunkirk and then his war ended when he was wounded at the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944/ His life in tatters much of it spilled over to me. Dad,s Army a one off. Cannot and will not ever be repeated. Thank you so much for this very thoughtful and informative presentation.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  10 месяцев назад

      My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

  • @msgfrmdaactionman3000
    @msgfrmdaactionman3000 Год назад +70

    Amazing stories, thanks a lot! I'm across the pond, a retired US Navy veteran who enjoys military comedies like Dad's Army and Hogan's Heroes. I served alongside the Aussies in Iraq in 2004. When Dad's Army was made, those were the days when many actors, writers and film makers were veterans. Now, at least in the US, they are a very rare thing. Perhaps that's why I don't watch newer shows anymore, its gone against my patriotic morals too much. I'm happy Dad's Army had a long run so I can watch all those episodes I haven't seen yet!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +3

      Glad you enjoyed. It is amazing how many veterans were in the show but, as you say, in the 60's and 70's every other man probably was one!

    • @flyingwombat59
      @flyingwombat59 Год назад +3

      Comedian Rob Riggle is a US Marine reserve Lt. Colonel

    • @keithparker5103
      @keithparker5103 Год назад +4

      MsgFrmDa ActionMan. I agree, I was born during WW2 and no longer watch ANY modern TV shows or series. I am very choosy what movies I watch too.

    • @kellysouter4381
      @kellysouter4381 Год назад +2

      You know all episodes are on RUclips?

  • @paulgrahamcarsalesman.7012
    @paulgrahamcarsalesman.7012 Год назад +69

    As a young male in the UK growing up, "Dad's Army" was must see tv. I knew a little of the stories, but you wove them together much better than any newspaper story I ever read on the subject. Well done!

    • @mariarusso3790
      @mariarusso3790 Год назад +2

      Hi Paul how are you doing. Have a nice Sunday 😊

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +2

      Many thanks

    • @robertstrong6798
      @robertstrong6798 Год назад +4

      I’m 42 my daughter is 17 she loves it , stands the test of time 🕰️

  • @cal9064
    @cal9064 Год назад +31

    Undoubtedly one of the best, in a long line of British comedy series. Never get tired watching these fine actors at their work. "Dad's Army" will always be a personal favorite.

  • @dereknewbury163
    @dereknewbury163 Год назад +33

    My Father, ex Home Guard and ex India/Burma absolutely loved this show and I especially am thankful for the pleasure it gave him and the link it helped me forge with him

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +3

      Thanks for taking the time to share.

    • @setbellic6916
      @setbellic6916 Год назад +4

      My Grandfather served in the Home Guard, I remember he was annoyed that the show was a comedy. It was a very desperate time, expecting an invasion by the Nazi's, and he didn't feel it was a subject for merriment. But he did watch it and mentioned to me that the beginning was accurate. First they were issued with arm bands, a little while later they got a rifle, sometime later they were issued with three bullets - with these they were expected to stop Hitler invading. I still have his arm band.

  • @genwoolfe
    @genwoolfe Год назад +37

    My granddad was injured at Passendael while serving in 'K11' during WW1
    (11th bn Essex Regt/Kitcher volunteers)and was a Sgt in the 'Mutton Lancers' (West Surrey Regt/Home Guard) during WW2. He always laughed at Mainwaring & Co because it was so true to life.
    My mother recalls being blown off the outside loo at the age of 6 when a doodle bug landed nearby and blew the window in.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +5

      Thanks for sharing and I hope you enjoyed the video.

  • @stillstanding123
    @stillstanding123 Год назад +45

    Soft easy humour, addictive viewing, every week a new episode. What made it work so well for me was the contrast between the characters and their interplay. Little did i realise how much of this was based on their real wartime experiences. Thank you for your detailed research and story. I would never have known.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +6

      It's my pleasure. I think you summed up the show beautifully in your opening line: "Soft, easy humour".

    • @mariarusso3790
      @mariarusso3790 Год назад +1

      Hi Lee how are you doing. Have a nice Sunday 😊

  • @stephenterrilltraveller
    @stephenterrilltraveller Год назад +16

    I grew up watching Dads Army, now I'm in my 40's. It's the greatest British comedy in my eyes.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      Thanks for taking the time to comment.

    • @skylarkman2000
      @skylarkman2000 Год назад +2

      Dads Army was so well cast . All the characters were amazing !!

  • @danielmcaloon4691
    @danielmcaloon4691 Год назад +16

    Been watching Dads Army since I was 4 years old, I am nearly 60 now and still watch any episode I can. Thank you for the background info on the actors

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      My pleasure.

    • @kenh3344
      @kenh3344 10 месяцев назад

      Well you seem to have to have some sort of record here? Mmmmmm

  • @aminullah2628
    @aminullah2628 Год назад +10

    I am a retired British soldier. This presentation is absolutely brilliant... thank you.

  • @johnhanson5943
    @johnhanson5943 Год назад +11

    Happiest memories watching Dad’s Army with my Dad in the 1970’s. Every Saturday evening after dinner. Britain was still a great country then.
    My Dad loved this show. He was in the RAF training in Wellingtons as a navigator at the end of the war. Luckily missed having to go into action.
    Thank you for the great memories.

  • @TheAndrewJBaker
    @TheAndrewJBaker Год назад +50

    My father was sent to be disciplined by Captain Le Mesurier for something very silly. He said he was exactly the same in the real army as he was in Dads Army.

  • @maggiebrinkley4760
    @maggiebrinkley4760 11 месяцев назад +7

    I loved 'Dad's Army' when I were a lass. Also, my children, both born in the 1980s, adored 'Dad's Army', they found it very funny. My parents (born 1916 and 1919 and both in the Forces in the 1940s) also loved the show, of course they remembered those days. It's timeless comedy, performed by great actors. An absolute classic.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  11 месяцев назад +1

      Thanks for taking the time to comment.

  • @cliftonmanley3882
    @cliftonmanley3882 Год назад +11

    Dad lied about his age in 1936 and joined the Queens Light Husars because he liked the uniform. The girls liked it too.
    When the horses were dropped he didn't go to tanks, he became a motorcycle dispatch rider, they had a choice.
    Dad's Army was his FAVOURITE TV show, he loved it. I now wonder if he knew he served with a Walmington on Sea veteran. He probably did, but wouldn't talk about his 5 years in a Japanese PoW Camp. He was captured in Hong Kong.
    Loved this series 👏 it took me back to laughing 😃 with Dad. Great memories. Thank you 😊

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +4

      Thanks so much for watching and for taking the time to share the stories about your dad.

    • @annwilliams6438
      @annwilliams6438 Год назад +3

      Five years! Ouch. He must have been an incredibly courageous man to have survived that.

    • @cliftonmanley3882
      @cliftonmanley3882 Год назад +3

      @@annwilliams6438 he never blamed his captors, he blamed the politicians. "None of them wanted to be there either. They wanted to be home." My dad was a difficult to know. Always his own person and took shit from noonday. Very respected and liked. Rarely talked about the PoW Camp unless he was drunk. I miss him.

    • @nigeldewallens1115
      @nigeldewallens1115 Месяц назад +1

      @@cliftonmanley3882 I am so sorry to hear of your dads experiences! Mine did not serve as he was in a protected service being in the civil engineering trade and worked on that I know of Airports and the building of the Mulberry Harbours! We got to know of a service man that tried to come out with us on our boat but could not cope he too was out in the field that you dad was and I think a POW! He never talked about it either! I miss my dad too! He died in 1999

    • @cliftonmanley3882
      @cliftonmanley3882 Месяц назад +1

      @@nigeldewallens1115 it's hard to see what's happening in Ukraine. Dad said he wanted to escape Europe's endless wars. It's why I was born in Australia. Putin is straight out of Hitler's playbook.
      And again we have the US dithering... it makes me angry

  • @newy2242
    @newy2242 Год назад +5

    i can't believe that picture of the back of Tidworth camp you showed. I was based there during the 1980's, and we used to run up that hill every friday before going home for weekend leave. great seiers on Dads army one of my favorite programs thanks

  • @kennedysingh3916
    @kennedysingh3916 Год назад +3

    Watched from Jamaica, and remember Dad's Army well.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад

      Thanks for watching. Hope Jamaica is warmer than Worcester!

  • @Starman2319
    @Starman2319 Год назад +23

    We will remember them. Thank you for telling us their stories.

  • @clive3490
    @clive3490 Год назад +5

    Arthur Lowe "where he served on searchlight duties" gives the impression he was operating search lights. As he was RAOC (and later REME) it is more likely that he was FIXING searchlights

  • @johnfiler6448
    @johnfiler6448 Год назад +7

    Dad's Army was a classic British comedy with many great actors. Excellent coverage of these gentlemen. Thank you and Stay Safe.

  • @davidgray3321
    @davidgray3321 Год назад +4

    I have my great grandfathers obituary, a Pipe Major Royal Scott’s and Scott’s guards, fought in Sudan , Boer war, and was still in the army at The Somme in WW1, where his service and life ended, aged 54, rest well Murdo, he also had taught the royal family Scottish dancing. Two of his sons were also pipers. These men existed.

  • @harryshriver6223
    @harryshriver6223 7 месяцев назад +4

    What a wonderful mix of stories and histories of the cast, I will have to discover that comedy since I enjoy British comedy. Well done, sir you have paid a wonderful tribute to the men of this historic series.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  7 месяцев назад

      Thank you for your very kind comment

  • @brashers759
    @brashers759 Год назад +9

    My Grandfather served in the RTC as a Sergeant, he met John Le Mesurier before he was posted to India, but maintained contact with each other whilst my grandfather carried out duties as an instructor, they remained friends until John’s death in 1983, my grandfather died in 1985. The greatest generation!

  • @sandfly
    @sandfly Год назад +11

    I feel quite nostalgic. What a wonderful series it was with such engaging characters.

  • @davidberlanny3308
    @davidberlanny3308 Год назад +11

    Dads Army was always a great favourite of mine, I guess I'm part of the 18million who watched it back in the day!! Most of the episodes are on RUclips so I went through them all one after the other a few years ago.
    Amazing stories of each actor from the past .
    Thanks very much and good luck from Spain!!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +2

      Thanks for watching and commenting too.
      I hope Spain is warmer than it is here in Worcester.

    • @davidberlanny3308
      @davidberlanny3308 Год назад +1

      @@TheHistoryChap Hi Chris, Well should be up over 20° today but only a few days ago it was freezing here. We get some pretty cold weather down here in winter unless you live on the coast. I'm about an hour inland and high up in Granada, southern Spain. The mountain tops down here are still covered in snow and people are still skiing. In taht cold snap of a few days ago there was some heavy snowfalls in Majorca would you believe!!
      Have a great weekend!!

    • @petermcculloch4933
      @petermcculloch4933 Год назад +1

      I own the entire series on DVD and still watch episodes frequently

  • @No1sonuk
    @No1sonuk Год назад +10

    WRT Clive Dunn: It's my opinion that him being younger than the other "old" characters is why so many of the "dangerous" things happened to him - Despite looking old, he was probably one of the fittest members of the main cast.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад

      Indeed, that is why he ended up doing some of the mad antics (plus he enjoyed doing them!)

  • @aswclassicsiow8588
    @aswclassicsiow8588 9 месяцев назад +1

    My daughter who was born in 1984 loved Dads Army from a very young age use to watch it every week, she is now 39years old and still watches it every chance she get

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  8 месяцев назад

      Thanks for taking the time to comment

  • @EsherAcademy
    @EsherAcademy Год назад +23

    Thanks Chris, great round-up of the Dad’s Army cast service record. It was a wonderful series and it is illuminating to realise how much of the characterisation must have come from their own experiences. Keep ‘em coming!

  • @jamesabernethy7896
    @jamesabernethy7896 Год назад +17

    I found your channel because of your Dad's Army videos and really love them. I've only watched a handful of your other videos so far. Your videos are informative, very well presented, enthusiastic and so so warm. They are so great to watch with a splash of humour to keep things upbeat while never showing any disrespect to the serious sides of the real war. Fantastic. My father did his national service, he did some of his duties at Suez but rarely spoke about his experiences. More down to modesty than anything else. He also was in the background of 'I was Monty's double' he was much too small to see but he knows that was part of the filming.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +3

      James thanks for commenting and also sharing about your father.
      Glad you are enjoying my videos.

  • @benkai09
    @benkai09 Год назад +1

    I'm so glai i got recommended your channel. You've made me appreciate Dads army and the cast behind it even more than i did. Heres to many more enjoyable episodes on many more interesting topics

  • @shawngilliland243
    @shawngilliland243 Год назад +2

    @TheHistoryChap - Thanks very much for this! It's fun and entertaining and also helps to ensure that the memory of the wartime service of so many British men is kept alive. I'd say "yes" to videos from you on both the Battle of Sedgemoor and Lawrence of Arabia.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      Thanks for watching and for your votes on future videos.

  • @timarmes2207
    @timarmes2207 Год назад +10

    Thank you for this Chris - it was enjoyable and brought back the nostalgia of watching Dad's Army. Also yes please to the battle of Sedgemoor including the'King's Drain', the wetlands & John Churchill. I think many people today only know it as a busy service station on the M5 on their way to Devon and Cornwall or towards Bristol, the Midlands and the M4. Thank you again for all the videos.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад

      I think you are right that most people link Sedgemoor to a service station (which isn't as good as South Gloucester!)

  • @robertcorradi8573
    @robertcorradi8573 Год назад +21

    Thank you so much for this ..... A timeless masterpiece. An absolute classic which I can watch on repeat. Fantastic.

  • @ronti2492
    @ronti2492 Год назад +10

    Thanks Chris, what a wonderful tribute you've created to a great generation. Thanks again!

  • @RetroGamesCollector
    @RetroGamesCollector Год назад +7

    Fascinating stuff. I remember reading in Le Mesurier's autobiography 'A Jobbing Actor' about how he and Arthur Lowe never got on. I suppose that made their parts much easier!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +2

      Lowe & Dunne shared very different political views and had to agree to disagree on set.

    • @danielomar9712
      @danielomar9712 Год назад +3

      It's the irony of the class conflicts we saw in the Dad's Army too

  • @diannehogarth3030
    @diannehogarth3030 Год назад +8

    I’ve loved this series. I’ve been watching Dads army since my early teens, and still catch the occasional one that I’ve missed in the repeats shown almost daily on TV. It is a testament to the series that they are all still loved and enjoyed 50 years later. Listening to this background history produced by Chris Green has given some wonderful insights into the actors and their counterparts in the real Home Guard. My grandad was too old to serve in WWll but he proudly joined his local Home Guard in Norwich . I just wish I had asked him more about it whilst he was alive. I’ll bet there were some wonderful stories. Thanks Chris!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      My great uncle was in the Home Guard in Enfield. He certainly had some stories to tell.

  • @daniellebcooper7160
    @daniellebcooper7160 Год назад +3

    Thank you for putting these pieces of history together.

  • @grahamblank8367
    @grahamblank8367 Год назад +4

    Thanks THC. Brings back wonderful memories of my late Dad, an Aussie WWII veteran, and I roaring with laughter when watching Dad's Army together.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад

      Still hilarious and a gentle sort of humour.

  • @deusvult539
    @deusvult539 Год назад +2

    Chris, You often ask for suggestions to research topics. I have one that you may like to consider, and it goes back 60 years or so when I collected Indian Army cap badges. I recall regiments that I had no clue about, and it was before the age of Internet so difficult to research. Regiments such as Probyn's Horse, Hodson's Horse, "Jumbo" Lancers and countless others. As Indian regiments (and Pakistani Regiments) played such a part in the 14th Army and so many other theatres of both World wars, you may like to consider doing some episodes. If you are up for it you might want to look at doing similar with East and West African regiments - maybe West Indian also.
    Do keep up the good work. John.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      Great suggestions. I will add to my (ever growing) list.

  • @dianecheney4141
    @dianecheney4141 Год назад +5

    I worked for an older lady whose husband became a radio operator on American bombers. By the time he got to England at the age of 40. She said all the crews called him Pops and she was the first person to use the phrase Dad’s War

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      Interesting. Thanks for taking the time to post.

  • @graemecatty9921
    @graemecatty9921 Год назад +3

    Great information Chris and presented in a most enjoyable style.

  • @andrewsteele7663
    @andrewsteele7663 Год назад +4

    Good morning, Chris [Oz time], This particular Dad's Army series has been brilliant. As a lad from England, I loved the Dad's Army series. I now have a couple of special edition DVD sets. Thank you again for another brilliant video. Cheers, I am off to get a coffee with a huge grin on my face.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад

      Glad I have helped start your day with a smile 😀

  • @charlesxix
    @charlesxix Год назад +2

    Another great video, thanks.

  • @stevej3296
    @stevej3296 Год назад +7

    Brilliant series. Love the theme tune as well. Jimmy Perry wrote the lyrics and Bud Flanagan nailed it in one take. It was his last recording as he passed away shortly afterwards.

  • @davidwoods7720
    @davidwoods7720 Год назад +3

    awesome as always,thanks so much

  • @guyh9992
    @guyh9992 Год назад +1

    My father was a member of the RAAF who served with the RAF in England for three years during WWII. He was in his early 20s at the time and before he passed away described the sight of, what were to him, elderly Englishmen marching with broomsticks. Dads Army on Australian TV in the 70s and 80s certainly brought back memories for him before he passed away.

  • @BMW7series251
    @BMW7series251 Год назад +2

    Just found your channel and love it. Doing catch up now. Really interesting vlogs. Thank you, regards, John.

  • @richardcastle3204
    @richardcastle3204 Год назад +3

    I don't often find well-researched, well-written content on YT but here I have. The engaging commentary is a bonus. Good work!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      Thank you very much. Please do subscribe to my channel.

  • @TimvanderLeeuw
    @TimvanderLeeuw Год назад +3

    ❣️
    My favourite comedy about the wartime is 'Allo 'Allo, somehow I never latched on onto Dad's Army to the same extend, but it has always been enjoyable to watch.

  • @AndrewCastlemaine
    @AndrewCastlemaine Год назад +2

    Marvellous presentation. Thanks for putting it all together 👍

  • @petermainwaringsx
    @petermainwaringsx Год назад +1

    Great series which was unmissable from the first episode. Thanks for the video.

  • @markdavis2475
    @markdavis2475 Год назад +3

    What a lovely story told with clarity and enthusiasm! I watched Dad's Army in the 70s with my parents. Happy days!

  • @memybikeni9931
    @memybikeni9931 Год назад +4

    Watched this as a kid, will always love it. The very first episode, “The Man and the Hour” was set in present day 1968, when the series started, Cpt Mainwaring gives an address at the rotary club from memory, recalling his memories of his time with the men of the Walmington on sea Home Guard. It then flashed back, and stayed flashed back for the entire 80 plus episodes over the 9 years it ran. They don’t make TV like this anymore !

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +3

      It was a great series in so many ways.

    • @memybikeni9931
      @memybikeni9931 Год назад +1

      @@TheHistoryChap I visit Great Yarmouth with the kids frequently, Arthur Lowe’s statue is sat on a bench by a canal in Thetford, Norfolk, I always visit. The Dads Army museum is also worth a view, which is a few minutes away.

  • @revellien
    @revellien Год назад +1

    A few years ago I was suffering from a really serious period of depression - couldn’t read newspapers, listed to radio, watch TV etc. I did however have the complete DVD set of Dads Army which was the only thing that I could watch and also had the BBC radio versions which i listened to at night via headphones when I couldn’t sleep. Loved this programme and owe it so much. How far has the BBC fallen.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад

      Thanks for taking the time to comment.

    • @revellien
      @revellien Год назад

      @@TheHistoryChap Meant every word.

  • @paul-t-geist4245
    @paul-t-geist4245 9 месяцев назад +1

    An absolute classic British comedy, used to watch it when first aired and still enjoy it today.

  • @fenman1954
    @fenman1954 Год назад +3

    What a wonderful list of real life characters and their stories thank you.

  • @SimonAmazingClarke
    @SimonAmazingClarke Год назад +10

    Absolutely facinating. You have an easy listening voice and write interesting notes. I'd be interested to hear of other actors war time activities.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +2

      Thanks for your kind words. More videos about wartime experiences of actors in the pipeline including Richard Todd and Tommy Cooper.

    • @trooperdgb9722
      @trooperdgb9722 Год назад +2

      @@TheHistoryChap Richard Todds story is a fascinating mix of fiction and fact interacting! He was a Lt in real life in the Para relief force to the Ox and Bucks at Pegasus Bridge (Benouville) on D-Day...and then played Maj John Howard (CO of that coup de main unit) in the movie The Longest Day! Fantastic!

    • @mariarusso3790
      @mariarusso3790 Год назад +2

      Hi Simon how are you doing. Have a nice Sunday 😊

  • @tacraling
    @tacraling 10 месяцев назад

    Having seen your previous Dad's Army videos, I've finally got around to watching this one as well. Another excellent job! Many thanks.

  • @stevealharris6669
    @stevealharris6669 Год назад +2

    There's a statue of Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring by the river downtown ~ Hello from Thetford , Norfolk the filming location of the TV series (but not the Films)

  • @Mr1990hjc
    @Mr1990hjc Год назад +12

    I have watched this whole series at least 4 times, and can't help but wonder if "thats really wise" because it never gets old, and I may develop an addiction to it ! When Mainwaring said, "In the name of King George the sixth, I demand you open this door !" To the caretaker of the armaments museum, who was Jones' Dad, Jones told Mainwaring, "It won't do you no good to talk to him about King George the sixth, he still thinks Queen Victoria is King !" I was hooked !

  • @Thomo2461
    @Thomo2461 Год назад +2

    Amazing stories all who continued to serve in the field of entertainment to the benefit of us all. A great story preserving their history. Thanks Chris

  • @stephenbrown1077
    @stephenbrown1077 Год назад

    Absolutely fabulous video and history, well put together brining it all to life. Many thanks, keep them coming.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад

      Thanks for your support. Michael Caine in Korean War coming this week.

  • @wizardofthenorth8352
    @wizardofthenorth8352 Год назад

    First time I've seen this channel and what a gem. Well researched and narrated - nothing too heavy and goes down well with a cup of tea and a good dose of nostalgia. Will enjoy viewing all the others. 🙂

  • @Arthur54321
    @Arthur54321 Год назад +16

    Well done Chap. I was noodling around on YT looking for something light and entertaining (in all this current horror) and boy did I get it. Brilliant presentation. The charachters always put a smile on my face and it is humbling (as a Vet myself) to understand what they contributed in WW1/WW2. My late uncle was a 17yo member of the Home Guard while doing his engineering apprenticeship at Camell Laird and of course the family joke was that Pike was created in his image. Great to know that other former service men from recent conflicts have found Dads Army "thereputic" (good on you lads)

    • @mariarusso3790
      @mariarusso3790 Год назад +1

      Hi how are you doing. Have a nice Sunday 😊

    • @jeffbrooks8024
      @jeffbrooks8024 Год назад +1

      Something light 8n that vein. Check out "It ain't half hot"

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      Thanks for taking the time to comment. Please make sure you subscribe to my channel.

  • @dickygeemusic
    @dickygeemusic Год назад +7

    One of the back row of the platoon, a non-speaking role, was show advisor and actor Alec Colman. He was also a Home Guardsman before joining the regular army. I had the privilege of interviewing him for my documentary about the Home Guard and Civil Defence. My grandad was a warden :)

  • @jonathanpatrick8506
    @jonathanpatrick8506 Год назад +2

    I can remember when Dad's army came up to Thetford for filming most of the cast would stay at main hotel while the film crew stayed at my grandparents hotel except there was also one cast member who would also stay with with us as well and that happens to be John Laurie. In the mornings he would come down for breakfast but never ate in the restaurant but use to come into the kitchen to eat. I always think he enjoyed the company. Yes I have in fact met most of the cast when I was young but I also remember many of the film crews who use to disappear in the morning without paying and the BBC film crews were notorious for doing this. One call to the director general of the BBC by my grandparent and all accounts were settled out of their wage packets. Also David Croft lived in Honington which is just a few miles away from Thetford so hence a good reason why many of Dad's army outdoor scenes was filmed up and around the army battle areas near Lynford , West Toffs

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      What lovely memories. Thanks for sharing.

    • @annwilliams6438
      @annwilliams6438 Год назад +1

      Not cool that the BBC would not even pay the hotel dues of their lower paid staff!

    • @jonathanpatrick8506
      @jonathanpatrick8506 Год назад +1

      @@annwilliams6438 BBC crews were earning far above what the average wage of the time. In fact it's not cool of the crews to disappear very early in the mornings not paying when they knew they would get reimbursed in the first place.

    • @annwilliams6438
      @annwilliams6438 Год назад +1

      @@jonathanpatrick8506 of course it wasn’t. I get the basis of the comment - I am making an additional observation - why were the BBC not paying for board and lodging for assignments away from home?

  • @thepeskytraveller3870
    @thepeskytraveller3870 Год назад

    Still watching in 2023! Thank you for your service and great memories with this show.

  • @gordonfrickers5592
    @gordonfrickers5592 Год назад +4

    Proper job, thank you History Chap.

  • @simonhodgett4598
    @simonhodgett4598 Год назад +6

    Thanks for this series: really fascinating to find out about the cast’s real life service history. And yes please to a video on the Battle of Sedgemoor too! I grew up in Westonzoyland, so I’ve always been aware of it: we celebrated the Tercentenary in a big way in 1985 and, to mark leaving the village primary school, we always went for a night-time walk up to the battlefield around the date of the anniversary. So looking forward to watching that- thanks!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      Simon, thanks for watching and for your vote for Sedgemoor.

  • @michaelamos4651
    @michaelamos4651 Год назад +2

    Absolutely brilliant. Some great research. Thankyou

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +2

      It was great fun researching it. Thanks for watching.

  • @ednammansfield8553
    @ednammansfield8553 Год назад +1

    Wonderful history of the Dad's Army cast. Thank you for your research and posting this video.

  • @carlwilson6631
    @carlwilson6631 Год назад +11

    Thanks for doing this. I watched your other videos relating to Dads Army and this wraps it up excellently. Born in 1964 I watched the original showings of this series with my family. At the time I found it quite funny but didn’t really understand much about it. Now in later years I re-watch it through the eyes of an amateur historian and its still nothing short of wonderful. I’m sure I’m not the only one who seriously appreciates the amount of research you put into this.
    I wonder how you feel about doing a similar format with the shows, It Ain’t Half hot Mum and Get Some In? I,m pretty sure you would please not only myself but a damn good number of others who watch this. Oh yeah, I subscribed too! Wouldn’t want to miss another posting.
    Good show major, jolly good show!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +2

      A fair few requests for "It Aint Half Hot Mum", so watch this space!

  • @eveb446
    @eveb446 Год назад +3

    Thank you for this most informative and interesting video about Dad's Army. We do appreciate all of your hard work to bring us all of this information, about such a great comedy written by great Jimmy Perry and David Croft.

  • @jasontuck-smith3896
    @jasontuck-smith3896 Год назад

    Excellent video. You have a good voice for this - clear and easy to listen to.

  • @neilpage901
    @neilpage901 Год назад +1

    Brilliantly researched, as usual Chris. Thanks

  • @neilgriffiths6427
    @neilgriffiths6427 Год назад +3

    Thanks, a great show - I feel educated :)

  • @jakobgrimminger
    @jakobgrimminger Год назад +3

    I had the pleasure of chatting to Colin Bean about 20 years ago. He was a really nice fella and told me quite a bit about the cast's roles in the war. I have to say this was an interesting video, thanks

  • @smithy280663
    @smithy280663 Год назад +1

    it's a good day when wandering about in RUclips and you find a gem like this......brilliant stuff

  • @theflyingfool
    @theflyingfool Год назад +1

    Thanks for another brilliant exposition on such a fabulous subject.

  • @melbeeswax6087
    @melbeeswax6087 Год назад +4

    A great show. It proves that there is always a bit of humour to be found in everything.

  • @rogermolineux9741
    @rogermolineux9741 Год назад +5

    Co scriptwriters Jimmy Perry and David Croft, drew on their own experiences during WW2, especially Perry. It also must have brought back mixed memories for most of the cast and the many viewers. I believe the acting was much in line with their real characters, and Clive Dunn would ad lib his lines at times. Wonderful.

  • @petewoodman4736
    @petewoodman4736 Год назад +1

    Loved all the Dad' Army videos. I remember watching the program as a lad, with my Mum & Dad .... thanks

  • @colinjames1920
    @colinjames1920 Год назад +2

    Amazing stories,Thank you so much for this 10/10

  • @brendanhaley3668
    @brendanhaley3668 Год назад +9

    Great video. Lawrence of Arabia by yourself would be very welcomed! Your delivery and passion makes these topics come alive.

  • @midnightroadstudios
    @midnightroadstudios Год назад +28

    Dad's army is the best!

  • @burnbrae6948
    @burnbrae6948 Год назад +2

    Nice round up to the series Chris 👍

  • @telemachus53
    @telemachus53 Год назад +3

    What a wonderful story. Maybe you could do an episode on the many songs used in the show? I'm constantly humming : "You ought to be in pictures..." and lots more.

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад +1

      Well that’s a new request! Let me give it some thought. Thanks for the suggestion

  • @jacquelinepaddock7535
    @jacquelinepaddock7535 Год назад +7

    My parents ( ex RAF) were avid fans of Dads Army and one of Mum's brothers was in the real Dad's Army, so I had to watch too, no complaints except ache ing ribs from laughing.

  • @nicholasmiller872
    @nicholasmiller872 Год назад +1

    Well done really enjoyed your documentary on the cast of dad’s army thank you so much it was interesting to learn of the casts war time experiences, thank you again.

  • @Oscarspoem
    @Oscarspoem Год назад +2

    Love your videos. To me, it's the best one yet. My young life growing up on Dad's Army, I love it so. You do know Chris that they don’t like it up em. Thanks.

  • @Golo1949
    @Golo1949 Год назад +3

    Very informative video, I've just finished watching both the box sets of Allo Allo and Dads Army, classics, next set will be Hi de Hi then It Ain't Half Hot Mum, looking forward to them.

  • @kiwifruit27
    @kiwifruit27 Год назад

    Fascinating, thanks for all your research and as always your presentation is lively, enthusiastic and informative

  • @danzydan2479
    @danzydan2479 Год назад +1

    Great content. Thank you.

  • @KONYT427
    @KONYT427 Год назад +3

    Im subbed mated! I love your channel i watch it all the time keep it up!

    • @TheHistoryChap
      @TheHistoryChap  Год назад

      Very kind of you. Thanks for your support.

    • @KONYT427
      @KONYT427 Год назад

      @@TheHistoryChap you have the same intrests as me

  • @Fatherofheroesandheroines
    @Fatherofheroesandheroines Год назад +5

    Never did I think one of your videos would have even a small connection to Star Wars! Also I am not surprised the sergeant figured out that bolt trick. I was a sergeant and we looked for that kind of insanity lol.