Dads Army Short Stories

By Bernard Wilds

Life in the Seaside resort of Walmington-on-Sea on the South Coast of England in the 1940s during the Second World War as seen through the exploits of a band of men who got together to form the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard in response to a plea from Secretary of State for War Anthony Eden.
Like many reading this book, you will have a memory of the TV Series Dads Army with the fantastic characters, such as Arthur Lowe playing the ever so proud but pompous Captain Mainwaring. Desperately trying to withhold the might of the German Army from the Novelty Rock Emporium to the pier head in the seaside town of Walmington-On-Sea. Alongside him, the endearing Sergeant Wilson superbly played by the great John Le Mesurier. Lance Corporal Jones played by Clive Dunn. His enthusiasm for combat and his ‘they don't like it up 'em', a catchphrase we all remember. Memories of John Laurie's portrayal of the Local Undertaker Jock Frazer, a miserly old Scrooge type character, a storyteller that kept you engrossed, befitting the Shakespearian actor he was.
Who can forget James Beck playing the role of the Spiv Character Joe Walker, who as a tribute to him, his character is kept alive in these short stories although sadly James Beck passed away during the making of the TV series.
Arnold Ridley playing Private Godfrey as the amiable, vague, lifelong bachelor who lives with his sisters in an idyllic cottage. He played the part so well that you found yourself wishing he was your grandfather! Then, without doubt, the catalyst for many situations Ian Lavender playing the role of Frank Pike the youngest member of the platoon. Supplemented by characters such as the ARP Warden played by Bill Pertwee and the Vicar Reverend Timothy Farthing, Frank Williams and his right arm the Verger Roy Yeatman played by Edward Sinclair and not forgetting Mavis Pike played by Janet Davies playing the overprotective Mother of Frank and Landlady or Girlfriend of Sergeant Wilson (We never do find out if he is really the Father of Frank) All these characters and more make up the never to be forgotten and wonderfully written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft ‘Dads Army'. Because of all of this I pay tribute to the Dads Army team, by carrying on in their tradition different stories, different situations but the same gregarious characters I give you a sequence of imaginable new stories. Please enjoy, get your Dads Army hat on and put yourself into a World of funniness' Thank you... Bernard Wilds

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bernard Wilds
• Release date: Jan 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310042225

Bernard Wilds

Interested in: The JFK Assassination Elvis Presley Dads Army Manchester United FC

Book preview

Written by Bernard Wilds

Life at the Seaside resort of Walmington-On-Sea, on the South Coast of England in the 1940’s during the Second World War as seen through the exploits of a band of men who got together to form the Walmington-On-Sea Home Guard in response to a plea from Secretary of State for War Anthony Eden.

The Rt Hon Anthony Eden’s Speech May 14th 1940

‘I want to speak to you tonight about the form of warfare which the Germans have been employing so extensively against Holland and Belgium - namely, the dropping of troops by parachute behind the main defensive lines. Let me say at once that the danger to us from this particular menace, although it undoubtedly exists, should not be exaggerated. We have made preparations to meet it already.

‘Let me describe to you the system under which these parachute raids are carried out. The troops arrive by airplane - but let it be remembered that any such airplane seeking to penetrate here, would have to do so in the teeth of the Anti-Aircraft defenses of this country. If such penetration is effected, the parachutists are then dropped, it may be by day, and it may be by night. These troops are specially armed, equipped, and some of them have undergone specialized training. Their function is to seize important points, such as aerodromes, power stations, villages, railway junctions and telephone exchanges, either for the purpose of destroying them at once, or of holding them until the arrival of reinforcements. The purpose of the parachute attack is to disorganize and confuse, as a preparation for the landing of troops by aircraft. ‘The success of such an attack depends on speed. Consequently, the measures to defeat such an attack must be prompt and rapid. It is upon this basis that our plans have been laid. You will not expect me to tell you, or the enemy, what our plans are, but we are confident that they will be effective. However, in order to leave nothing to chance and to supplement, from sources as yet untapped, the means of defense already arranged, we are going to ask you to help us, in a manner, which I know will be welcome to thousands of you. Since the War began the Government have received countless enquiries from all over the Kingdom from men of all ages who are for one reason or another not at present engaged in military service, and who wish to do something for the defense of the country.

‘Now is your opportunity. We want large numbers of such men in Great Britain who are British subjects, between the ages of 17 and 65, to come forward now and offer their service in order to make assurance doubly sure. The name of the new force, which is now to be raised, will be the ‘Local Defense Volunteers’. This name, Local Defense Volunteers, describes its duties in three words. It must be understood that this is, so to speak, a spare-time job, so there will be no need for any volunteer to abandon his present occupation.

‘Part-time members of existing civil defense organizations should ask their officers' advice before registering under the scheme. Men who will ultimately become due for calling up under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act may join temporarily, and will be released to join the Army when they are required to serve. ‘Now a word to those who propose to volunteer, when on duty you will form part of the Armed Forces, and your period of service will be for the duration of the war. You will not be paid, but you will receive uniform and will be armed. You will be entrusted with certain vital duties, for which reasonable fitness and knowledge of firearms are necessary. These duties will not require you to live away from your homes. In order to volunteer, what you have to do is to give in your name at your local police station; and then, as and when we want you, we will let you know.

‘This appeal is directed chiefly to those who live in small towns, villages and less densely inhabited suburban areas. I must warn you that, for certain military reasons, there will be some localities where the numbers required will be small, and others where your services will not be required at all. Here then is the opportunity for which so many of you have been waiting. Your loyal help, added to the arrangements which already exist, will make and keep our country safe.’

CONTENTS

Introduction

Main Characters

Chapter One THe Audit

Chapter Two A shock for walker

Chapter three The Compromise

chapter four Jonesy’s demise

chapter five gifts at xmas

chapter six the last parachutist

Introduction

Like many reading this book, you will have a memory of the TV Series Dads Army with the fantastic characters, such as Arthur Lowe playing the ever so proud but pompous Captain Mainwaring. Desperately trying to withhold the might of the German Army from the Novelty Rock Emporium to the pier head in the seaside town of Walmington-On-Sea. Alongside him, the endearing Sergeant Wilson superbly played by the great John Le Mesurier. Lance Corporal Jones played by Clive Dunn. His enthusiasm for combat and his ‘they don't like it up 'em', a catchphrase we all remember. Memories of John Laurie's portrayal of the Local Undertaker Jock Frazer, a miserly old Scrooge type character, a storyteller that kept you engrossed, befitting the Shakespearian actor he was.

Who can forget James Beck playing the role of the Spiv Character Joe Walker, who as a tribute to him, his character is kept alive in these short stories although sadly James Beck passed away during the making of the TV series.

Arnold Ridley playing Private Godfrey as the amiable, vague, lifelong bachelor who lives with his sisters in an idyllic cottage. He played the part so well that you found yourself wishing he was your grandfather! Then, without doubt, the catalyst for many situations Ian Lavender playing the role of Frank Pike the youngest member of the platoon. Supplemented by characters such as the ARP Warden played by Bill Pertwee and the Vicar Reverend Timothy Farthing, Frank Williams and his right arm the Verger Roy Yeatman played by Edward Sinclair and not forgetting Mavis Pike played by Janet Davies playing the overprotective Mother of Frank and Landlady or Girlfriend of Sergeant Wilson (We never do find out if he is really the Father of Frank) All these characters and more make up the never to be forgotten and wonderfully written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft ‘Dads Army'. It’s because of all of this, I pay tribute to the Dads Army team, by carrying on in their tradition different stories, different situations but the same gregarious characters I give you a sequence of imaginable new stories. Please enjoy, get your Dads Army hat on and put yourself into a World of funniness' Thank you… Bernard Wilds

MAIN CHARACTERS

Captain Mainwaring

(Born 1885) George Mainwaring the Local Bank manager. Self-appointed Captain of the Walmington-On-Sea Home Guard Unit. Very brave and unerringly patriotic - Pompous self-opinionated, very shallow man, plays above his station but a guy you would want by your side when the going’s tough. Born leader. Often in conflict with the ARP Warden Hodges.

Sergeant Wilson

(Born 1887) Arthur Wilson the Chief Clerk at the bank. Platoon Sergeant. He is very upright and astute. Understated social superiority, public school education. Anything for a quiet life though, quite typically English and has a calming effect on all. He is too laid back at times but cannot be underestimated; he treats the War as an inconvenience. But he is often the one that resolves a tricky situation.

Lance Corporal Jones

(Born 1870) Jack Jones the Local Butcher and Platoon member in charge of section one. He served in the First World War; he would walk through brick walls for you. Volunteers first for everything! He fights above his weight. As a huge admiration for his higher-ups, to the point of crawling, but again a man you want on your side. Very quick to attach his bayonet and yell ‘they do not like it up em…

Private Walker

(Born 1905) Joe Walker a Platoon member. Jack the lad, the local Spiv; he’s a man that can get you anything you want. Treats the War as his own way of making money. He should be conscripted but he has a medical condition that involves corned beef. He is however an invaluable member of the platoon whose conduct at times is sassy. Captain Mainwaring treats him very leniently.

Private Frazer

(Born 1872) Jock Frazer. He is the Local Undertaker and a Platoon member. A Scotsman, he served in the royal navy, always grousing. He is very careful with his money. He ridicules Captain Mainwaring mercilessly. Very morbid, and spins a fine yarn. However, he is a valuable and reliable member of the team

Private Godfrey

(Born 1870) Charles Godfrey a Platoon member. Serves as the medical orderly. He is a retired gentleman who lives with his sisters in a farm cottage outside the town. He is very righteous and correct although he has a weak bladder. Frazer calls him a dithering old fool because of his age. He was a former Conscientious objector. He once saved Captain Mainwaring’s life during a Training exercise.

Private Pike

Born 1922) Frank Pike a Platoon member. He is the youngest member in the platoon. Captain Mainwaring treats him as a gofer. He is only 18. He cannot join the services because of his blood type. He is very