I'm an Aussie and I remember watching Dad's Army when I was a Kid. We all loved old Godfrey. He was such a kind old bloke that took all the hits served to him in he's pleasant hearted stride. Rest in peace Arnold Ridley and thank you for your service, on and off the stage.

@frenzalrhomb6919

3 ай бұрын

@Bobbydazzlla ... I deleted my post when I saw your own. It could have (almost) been a word-for-word copy of my own. You described in detail, being a kid when it ran, don't know how old you are, but I got to see it on the ABC, probably during it's first run, during the 1970s when I was coming out of Primary School and then going into high school. You know, if I think hard enough, I think I still smell my Mum's own beautiful cooking, because I always remember it being just about dinner time, I remember the TV time table, why or how, I don't know, but it's just one of those things that "stick with you." Dr Who, GTK, and then the News, I forgotten exactly what weekday, but Wednesday sticks out in my mind. I suppose it's because you're a kid, with no worries to speak of, and in the real peak of your mental and physical faculties and you just remember so much, and so well. Now, I'm just like the old bloke in this video, lucky to remember last Thursday!! Hahaha. Oh well, good luck to you and yours, mate!! And go the Rabbito's!! (South Sydney Rugby League team, for unfamiliar. Ya poor sods!!)

@wendylinton453

3 ай бұрын

God bless our forgotten Hero's.. 🇬🇧

@frenzalrhomb6919

3 ай бұрын

@@wendylinton453 Yeah, even the Pome ones!!

@Westyrulz

2 ай бұрын

Too Bloody Right Mate !!

@frenzalrhomb6919

2 ай бұрын

@@Westyrulz Look mate, I'd say at a glance, that you and me are ya' pretty average Aussie blokes, eh? Well that said, I think that if you're Country has fielded Men on the Field of Armed Conflict, then some of those poor buggers have ended up"brown bread," whilst in the thick of a stink and standing shoulder to shoulder with our diggers, no matter who the hell the enemy was that day, YOU me' old mate, and the brave service Men and Women of WHATEVER the Country is, have more than just "earned" a few brownie points for yourselves. Like the poor, desperate Afghani Interpreter's and their families who were somehow left behind, when the US and it's Allies, including our blokes, decided to pack up and shoot through almost overnight. Well we ended up getting 4100 people out, great effort, but we left around 1,300 people with VALID AUSSIE PAPERS behind somehow, and some of those blokes had been Armed Security Guards in, on and around Aussie Bases and Installations, so some of these Men, were brave enough to go against their whole "family values" (you don't hear ANY Western Government saying stuff like "why aren't we supporting ALL FAMILY VALUES, just those that accord with our World View) so those "family values", including not ONLY putting your life on the line,but your own families life, how do they know that they're under "real threat?" Because half the time it's their own wider family group that come around that either hear of the threat, or even are the THREAT ITSELF, as they've "shamed the family", guess who's back in town? You gotta wonder how many have been killed?

When Jimmy Perry told Ridley that they'd written a part especially for him telling his characters's back story, Ridley's response was 'Jimmy, even if you just say quite simple things, it's good to mention "conchies"...because they went through hell, a lot of them; and a lot of them had high principles...I'm very honoured to play it.'.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

Another white feather incident. A friend tells the story of his great grandfather as a young man sitting on a tram in Ottawa in around 1917. A young lady approached him and presented him with a white feather. He took it, rolled up his trouser leg and stuck in in the knee joint of his wooden leg. She ran away.

@nelotharen8599

Жыл бұрын

Feminists can go to Ukraine in ww3 i will not be defending modern Briton.

@johntomlinson6849

Жыл бұрын

@@andy2550 They never change.

@532bluepeter1

Жыл бұрын

My grandfather was unfit for service. He had poor eyesight yet despite his thick glasses he was presented with a white feather by a woman in the street.

@user-zp4ge3yp2o

Жыл бұрын

@@andy2550 Why is that what you took away from this story?

@peterclarke7240

Жыл бұрын

That's not a female thing, thats a right-wing thing.

I bumped into Arnold in the late 70s as he was returning to the Eastgate hotel in Lincoln whilst he was appearing at the theater Royal what a wonderful polite man he was.

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to watch my video & also for your comments.

Had the privilege of knowing him for a short time around '75, As I was leaving he insisted on taking me for a pint, we had an hour to chat, fascinating charming bloke RIP

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Jay, thank you for sharing that memory. RIP

@jayturner3397

Жыл бұрын

@@TheHistoryChap good article sir

@Beerpopnana

Жыл бұрын

That's fantastic Jay! I am sure he was a lovely Man.

@davesherry5384

Жыл бұрын

You lucky so-and-so. He is a person I would love to have met for a chat.

@itsjohndell

Жыл бұрын

To have a pint with any of them! Wonderful.

Arnold was a friend of my father at Bath Rugby club. In the late 1940’s he would often enjoy watching a game and a pint with players afterwards. My father described him as a true gentleman and talented author/play writer.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this memory

My grandson age 9, has just discovered Dad's Army. He is fascinated by the history, learning his great-grandfathers wars. He also shrieks with laughter. That's a fine legacy to leave.

@davidhamilton6612

Жыл бұрын

He has to watch all the classic Brit Coms (Allo Allo, Are You Being Served, On The Buses, Some Mother's Do Ave Em).

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Great to see younger viewers enjoying that classic show.

@itwoznotme

Жыл бұрын

@@davidhamilton6612 some are not deemed suitable for 'modern audiences'

@peterclarke7240

Жыл бұрын

Bless him. Dad's Army, MASH 4077th and Blackadder Goes Forth. I hope he discovers all of them as he grows up.

@Mercmad

Жыл бұрын

@@itwoznotme Especially 'till Death do us part...' A;f Garnett was incredibly funny.

I found this video very moving. The popularity of Dad's Army is partly because it was made clear that the "doddering old fools" were all in fact brave men who wanted to help their country. If the invasion had happened, they would have done their duty. I can't imagine they would have held up the invaders for long, but they would have taken out a few. RIP Arnold Ridley, thank you for your service, both as yourself and as Charles Godfrey.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to post your comment

@Varanization

Жыл бұрын

The gentlemen of the Home Guard suffered over 1,200 of their ranks killed in action during the war. Some were also assigned special duties took take up after invasion - 600 sabotage units were established, probably a sucicide mission for most had it happened. The German forces did not wish to meet these terrifying old men.

@andylane247

Жыл бұрын

If there was an invasion, the home guard would be the first to face the invaders.

@SamuelBlack84

8 ай бұрын

They were all very brave men

@whitepanties2751

8 ай бұрын

The Home Guard also included 17 year olds, who received military training there in the company of older men who were veterans of the First World War and could tell them something of the realities of war, before they transferred to the regular armed forces at 18. In addition to the figure for members of the Home Guard 'killed in action' (I assume engaged in tasks like bomb disposal, manning anti-aircraft guns and training accidents) there will have been a probably unknown number of ex-Home Guards who had joined aged under 18, who later on gave their lives serving in the regular forces.

Arnold Ridley, a true gentleman, a fine actor and an inspiring example of a honest and totally unselfish human being.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Nice words. Thank you.

One Thing Arnold Ridley and his character Private Godfrey did have in common besides their bravery is their modesty. Both he and Godfrey didn't brag about the kinds of heroes actaully were, thanks for covering Ridley's service in both World Wars it was nice to learn more about him.

@davidjones332

Жыл бұрын

It's usually the way. I've met three or four genuine WW2 heroes; they never spoke about what they had seen or done, and I only found out in one case from reading a book, and in the other cases by someone else telling me their stories.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Nice comment

@SamuelBlack84

8 ай бұрын

My grandfather was in the Royal Navy and was there during the D-Day landings My other grandfather, whom I never met, was on a ship that was torpedoed and saved a nurse from drowning Neither of them said very much about their time

@HughTube-ni6kb

5 ай бұрын

Well said.

This is a legend of a man. I served 30 years in the army and police. Nothing compares with this man’s commitment to his country. I’ve never experienced the ferocity of his combat he genuinely knew how bad it was but understood the complexity of war to play a conscience objector. This man suffered in his life for our freedom. I will always remember him.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Lovely words.

@margaretflounders8510

Жыл бұрын

@@TheHistoryChap Made me tear up too!

@simonsmith1974

Жыл бұрын

Agreed Kevin. Gentleman with a steely core

@gilesellis8002

Жыл бұрын

My Father would never talk the War, Captain REME, he it was Too Terible to Talk about. R.I.P.

I'm so glad that the real life story of Arnold and the ficticious Godfrey are so wonderfully and touchingly entwined. Another slice of vanished England.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

I always used to love Mr Godfrey 's references to " my sister Dolly's pineapple upside down cake". It gave him such a domestic gentle aura. It didn't let us know that deep down he was a real tough man.

@davidcopson5800

Жыл бұрын

I don't remember the "pineapple" reference but I loved to hear about his sister Dolly's upside down cake.

@recall2880

Жыл бұрын

Not sure pineapple was ever in a cake

@y_ffordd

Жыл бұрын

Tough men can like cake too you know.

@rosemarycousins5501

Жыл бұрын

@@recall2880 pineapple upside down cake is definitely a thing, I was taught to make them in Home Economics at school.

@recall2880

Жыл бұрын

@@rosemarycousins5501 I meant in the show

Great video thank you. My great uncle really did win the MM as a medical orderly in WW1 having been a conscientious objector. Rescued two badly wounded men under heavy machine gun fire. Took a shovel and used it to drag them back to the trenches, first one then went back for the other. Seeing that Dad's Army episode years ago was very special.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Wow, what a special story. i bet you are very proud.

@peterclarke7240

Жыл бұрын

Yep. The grief conscientious objectors got was horrific, but they were the bravest of the brave. They weren't refusing to help, they were refusing to protect themselves with a gun. They would still run into danger though, while unarmed, and get wounded people out of terrible situations with no regard for themselves.

@davidrixon3549

Жыл бұрын

God bless your uncle he might have rescued my great uncle. He was wounded 3 separate times and still made it back home.in fact he was in the ward next to my wounded grandfather who didn't realise his brother was in france let alone next door. They both made it home to Australia but both very affected by the great war.

@markpullar3993

Жыл бұрын

You know it's funny given the huge loss of life,I think conscientious objectors were probably the smartest people involved in that debacle. History has proven then correct

@robbieredball

Жыл бұрын

@ECN019 true, it was how it was described to me as a child hearing the story that's why I still use that term. You're right to correct it.

what an incredible story of a very very brave man

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

he was indeed.

@stephencairley172

Жыл бұрын

Well said 🇬🇧

Private Godfrey was by far my favourite Dad’s Army character. Such gentleness and modesty but underneath a very brave man. Arnold Ridley’s war time experiences must have helped him play the character so very well .

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Hopefully this honoured your favourite character

@davidfoster1762

Жыл бұрын

It very much did thank you.

Arnold Ridley became a father late in life. His Son told a story of waking up his Father who was asleep in His chair. Arnold, being startled immediately put his hands around his Son's throat, such was his experiences of the Western Front.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

I think many men of his generation were haunted by their experiences and also rarely talked about them. Thank you for sharing.

@charliesmith_

Жыл бұрын

My father DFC pathfinder Squadron WW2 did the same with his 3rd wife who woke him from a nightmare.... Let ALL sleeping men who have been soldiers, sailors and air crew, *wake up naturally.* Be gentler.

@covidenslavement8918

Жыл бұрын

My father had a terrible time in a German POW camp , said the food was terrible , accommodation awful and cold . Mind you he said it was worse for the prisoners.

@davesherry5384

Жыл бұрын

@@covidenslavement8918 It was terrible when it came to underwear changes. Hut A always had dirtier undies than the other huts.

@covidenslavement8918

Жыл бұрын

@@davesherry5384 the trick is to turn them inside out with the chocolate spread away from the skin .

Thank you. That was quite humbling. As a long-term fan of Dad's Army, I now see Godfrey in a totally different light and with great respect.

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

I’m glad you found it both interesting and humbling. Thanks for watching and please do subscribe to my channel.

I had the great privilege of commanding a medical platoon during the Vietnam War. Most of my men were CO’s they were a brave lot; many Bronze Stars for valor, several Silver Stars, and a Distinguished Service Cross. “If you are hurt; we will come.”

@carlbirtles4518

Жыл бұрын

Although, the Vietnam War wasn’t popular with the American public, especially with Vietnam veterans.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing.

@iriscollins7583

Жыл бұрын

Strange comment?

@andrewdriver3318

Жыл бұрын

@@iriscollins7583 It's a comment about Conscientious Objectors serving bravely under a video about Conscientious Objectors serving barvely.....

@andrewdriver3318

Жыл бұрын

@@carlbirtles4518 Despite the war's unpopularity CO's in Vietnam were still discriminated against, the volunteers disliked them because they thought they were cowards, and the draftees thought COs had exploited a loophole they couldn't.

Dad's Army is from those halcyon days when we loved people who made us laugh, rather than merely finding them funny or amusing. Mr Godfrey is my favourite member of the platoon, and I always thought an evening with him would be the most fulfilling - he is so self-deprecating yet brave (rescuing Pike from the mined beach, for example.) I enjoyed your video immensely - it has added an extra layer of appreciation for Arnold Ridley.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Many thanks for that thoughtful post. Glad you enjoyed the video too.

@norahmcphee4928

Жыл бұрын

Dad's army is from a time when they didn't need to swear, or need sexual innuendoes to make it popular, it was just good family fun but with a reference to just what Britain felt and went through during that terrible time. My son now watches it and laughs heartedly at it but has done his history to realise the perils and carnage of those wars. Sometimes you wish Mrs mary Whitehouse was still around today by the way that television programmes and adverts have went more explicit in various things.

@kiwitrainguy

4 ай бұрын

There is also the episode where a bomb crashes through the bank and ends up in the cellar but doesn't explode and Mainwaring and Wilson balance it on their knees ("Is that a bomb you're holding on to down there?"). Godfrey comes down and gives them a cup of coffee.

My Grandad, born in 1890, served as a sergeant in the Army Medical Corps in the Middle East and North Africa during WW1. During WW2 he was a captain in the Home Guard. This story really rang a bell with me.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed.

This is without doubt my favourite episode. I know his son objected to Arthur playing the part but honestly, he played Godfrey as just as brave a man as he was himself. If you're lying in the middle of no mans land and there are none of your men left to save you, you see the bravery if an unarmed man with a medical armband who drags you back to your own trenches.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.

used to watch Dads Army with my Grandad, I was too young to truely appreciate it, I've since watched it several times as an adult bringing fond memories of my Grandad who was a war hero himself, he would never talk about his time at Arnhem and other places, after he died back in 1980 he left me his written memoirs, everything I ever needed to know of him and the horrors of war, myself I served almost 20 years before being injured and Medically Discharged, I guess my Grandads diaries didn't deter me, I just wanted to be like my Grandad. fond memories, people like Armold Ridley were the backbone and saviours of this country and without hero's like him we'd all be speaking German now. x

@TheHistoryChap

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to write that lovely post about your grandfather. So many men served in small, but vital ways in the war and their efforts should never be forgotten.

By coincidence my maternal grandfather was also born in 1896 and was also in the Somerset Light Infantry in WWI. He served in Gallipoli where he lost an eye at Suvla Bay and was invalided back to the UK via Malta. The once showed me his campaign medals, kept in an old biscuit tin. In WWII he was an air raid warden. His working life was split between coal mining between the wars and at ICI's industrial smelting plant ay Avonmouth after WWII. He married my gran - 18 years his junior - and they had 9 children. He made it to 94 years of age before passing away.

@la_old_salt2241

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Andrew. God bless, Rob

@freddiehips4019

Жыл бұрын

He married a lady 18 years his junior ? Nice work if you can get it. Well done to him.

@aqueenslander

Жыл бұрын

Salt of the earth. Don't make 'em like that anymore.

@gavinbennett1849

Жыл бұрын

Men of a stoicism rarely seen nowadays, the horrors , injurys, coming back to tough Manuel jobs , ,just getting on with it

@margaretflounders8510

Жыл бұрын

@@gavinbennett1849 Yes even Manual! Sorry..Manuel was in Fawlty Towers....x

That story could be that of my grandfather, he signed up to be a stretcher bearer. Proud of him, he always stood up for what he believed in.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Good thing to be proud of your grandfather

What an interesting character both in fiction and real life. Thank you for this

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

David, I'm glad you found it interesting. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.

Another great video! William Coltman's memory lives on at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield. Once the Depot and RHQ of the Staffordshire Regiment, it is now home to HQ Defence Medical Services and the Defence Medical Academy. DMS HQ is in a building named Coltman House. Arnold Ridley's legacy lived on for many years in the Army. Well into the 1990s, the standard 10 person First Aid Kit came in a webbing satchel, affectionately known as the Godfrey Bag. Oh, and a very minor criticism, please do not omit the 'Royal' from the Royal Army Medical Corps. Formed in 1898, the RAMC and its antecedents have 29 Victoria Cross recipients and 2 Victoria Crosses with Bar (one of these had a MC as well).

@c0l57v49

Жыл бұрын

Those barracks are a couple of mile from me

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for sharing about it Whittington Barracks.

@harbourdogNL

3 ай бұрын

Victoria Cross and Bar...imagine...winning the VC twice!!

As a veteran myself, I can say that many, perhaps most, of those who have served in combatant roles truly respect those who have conscientious objections to fighting. This goes double for those who stuck to their principles in an intolerant era, when it would have been much easier to volunteer for a role that kept them well out of the way of the enemy. Our contempt is reserved for those who prefer comfort to duty, or who profit from the suffering of others.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Nice words. Thanks for sharing

Brave man with bags of talent.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Indeed he was. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.

Thank you for Arnold Ridley’s background. All these men, some merely boys, were true heroes.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Couldn't agree more!

What a HERO....and he could act the clumsy private so convincingly. Arnold Ridley should be remembered for allways!!!! RESPECT!!

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching my video and for your comments.

I shall never watch dad's army in the same way again Arnold Ridley what a guy

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching my video and your comments. If you haven't already, please subscribe to my channel so that you don't miss future videos.

Dear Private Godfrey - beloved of our entire family generations from grandparents to the youngest of grandchildren. Thank you for sharing his real life story and now we are in this digital age i am going to share it with more of his faithful fans - my grandchildren.

@TheHistoryChap

Ай бұрын

thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

My father who was a POW at Stalag 8b after being wounded on Crete and participated in the Lambsdorf death march, would point out all the old actors who'd been in WW 1 and 2, when they came on TV. He had a respect for them, the likes of David Niven, Lee Marvin, James Stewart, Claude Raines, Ronald Colman, Basil Rathborne, Leo Glenn, Christopher Lee just to name a few. Though it was the days before the Internet he seemed to be well aware of what they'd been involved in.

@johnsowerby7182

Жыл бұрын

David Niven would be a good one to look into. He ended up in SAS Phantom patrols.

@joannehartung9692

Жыл бұрын

@@johnsowerby7182 ooo mn

@peterclarke7240

Жыл бұрын

I wonder what he'd think of draft-dodging "fortunate sons" like Trump.

@1paparico

Жыл бұрын

Good for your dad to know that, everybody was in involved in someway during the war ,actors ,and those who went on to be famous´. My fathers oficer ,was Bernard Lee, who was flush from the Bond films saw my dad in a bar in Osterly middx, and they went on a massive bender, just because they survived I suppose.

@markhedger6378

Жыл бұрын

Lee Marvin actually received medals

I have the honour of having a grandfather that served in both world wars. Sadly he has now passed on but to me he is a hero and a remarkable man. I also had 2 great uncles who sadly died within days of one another in WW1, one in the Somme and the other on the passendale ridge. They, like my Grandfather will never be forgotten.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to share your family story

There is a 1951 educational film called Surprise Attack. In the film John Le Mesurier is a village doctor dealing with an outbreak of smallpox. One scene takes place in a pub where one of the patrons is none other than Clive Dunn. Very good video I'm glad to see that there is still so much interest in Dad's Army.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

That's fascinating. I seem to recall that Le Mesurier refused to do "Dad's Army" unless Clive Dunn was offered a role.

@Kevin-mx1vi

Жыл бұрын

@@TheHistoryChap Indeed, John Le Mesurier & Clive Dunn were close friends in real life, often getting each other parts in productions.

@TheChipmunk2008

Жыл бұрын

Indeed, you can still elicit a chuckle from many people, both old and young, with 'Don't tell him your name, Pike!'

@johnrae4633

Жыл бұрын

And Clive Dunn, who was much younger than the character he played, had been in the RAF in WW2, and spent time as a POW! I guess it was his time in the Stalag that initiated his acting career.

@carlbirtles4518

Жыл бұрын

@@Kevin-mx1vi On the other hand, Clive Dunn (LCpl. Jones) and Arthur Lowe (Capt. Mainwaring) weren’t on good terms due to politics.

Great video. The Vietnam war saw a number of CO medics who continued the legacy of courage under fire. Most answered the call of "Medic Up" without regard for their personal safety. Not all survived. May they rest in peace.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing that story from Vietnam War.

What a wonderful story and darling actor in dad's army. He outsmarted the others many times but couldn't even kill a mouse. A friend of my father found a rabbit with mixamosis and couldn't kill it and called dad to despatch it. He was a red beret paratrooper captured at arnhem and POW in mines in silesia.about 6 foot 3 but couldn't kill a rabbit and was post master at kentucky South Australia in early 1970s.He was a gentle giant nearly shot by Germans after capture. They don't make em like that any more

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

David, thanks for sharing

I actually think Branded is one of the best episodes of dads army for depth. each of them has a different way they look at contentious objectors. Mainwaring and Fraser - both see it with shame and dismay. Wilson and Walker both feel sorry for him but ultimately do nothing as they understand the world they are in and feel they have to go with the norms even if they disagree with them. Jones - doesn't really give it a second thought he is a lifelong soldier so he doesn't really understand it but also doesn't really think about it and Pike - being young and inexperienced in the times, doesn't understand what the issue is and often gets chastised for treating him normally. I just think it very subtle but shows the depth of each character and how they would react to it.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that particular episode.

@rachelhenderson2688

2 ай бұрын

"CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS" "CONTENTIOUS" has an entirely different meaning!

Easily my favorite video in your history series. I'm a Yank unfamiliar with "Dad's Army" but now know a bit of its humor and even its real-life lessons thanks to your beautifully told story. Chris, you're the best.

@TheHistoryChap

9 ай бұрын

Very kind of you.

Donald Pleasence when making" the great escape "started advising the other actors and props people how to do their job. John sturdiness the director went into a rage and asked him what is he doing handing advice on his set. Someone took it aside and said Donald Pleasence actually was an RAF pilot and was shot down and ended up in a Stalag Luft camp, After that he would regularly ask Pleasence for advice.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

I'm chuckling. What a way to bring the director down to earth.

Thank you so much for honouring this man. He is an example to us all by teaching us the lesson of war by playing Godfrey in the series despite having had a real life experience of the horror of trench warfare. I think his attitude that a man who refuses to bear arms yet will risk his life to drag wounded men through no man's land is the real truth of conscientious objectors. I suspect that episode where Godfrey reveals he won the MM had a lot of input from Mr Ridley. 🙂👍

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment.

What a true British Warrior Major Ridley was. Someone we should ALL be proud of.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Indeed. Thanks for contributing.

An admirable man, a true heroic figure, and a man of upright principles and valour. It is a pity that our generation will never see his like again. 👊👍

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

I grew up in 70's watching dad's army. I loved Godfrey and how he would talk of his sister Dolly, who made such lovely cucumber sandwiches. I still eat them today. Thanks Godfrey. I loved all the cast but Godfrey was always my favourite, he did remind me of my grandfather a little, who was an unsung war hero himself. Such a generation with great morals, fortitude, courage and downright decency. It's a different world nowadays.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for those poignant words.

My late father, Geoffrey Baird, was in the Parachute Regiment from 1943, when he was 18, but prior to that he was in the Home Guard for a while. He absolutely loved Dad's Army because he said it was so true to life! This was regular watching in our household when I was growing up and every one of these characters is a touchstone for me remembering my early life. Arnold Ridley, what an incredible man. His was a particular favourite character for me when I was young. A life well lived and I'm going to go and pay him a visit in a couple of weeks when I'm next in Bath.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing those memories of your father and of your love for “Dad’s Army “

Just how close many of the cast came to death it could have been a very different comedy show! Or never written at all!What an hero! We salute and admire you!

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching the video & your comments.

I never thought of Godfrey as "a doddering old fool". He was my favourite, because he was such a gentle, lovable character. Fine actor, too.

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching my video.

There is a very good BBC Radio radio documentary about Arnold Ridley where his son spoke about his fathers recurring nightmares due to his First World War experiences. Also about how he found himself in a shell hole with a German soldier and killed him in hand to hand combat. If you can find it, it's very affecting. Great work History Chap.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing that info. I have heard that Ridley had recurring memories (nightmares) from WW1. I also read that during 1940 whilst in France those memories came flooding back.

I watched Dad's Army all through my childhood in the 1960s and 1970s and I still watch it today. I always adored the Character of Godfrey. I truly think that Ridley's true character really shone through into the character he portrayed. I believe he was a thoroughly decent man who was courageous, modest and empathetic.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thnaks for taking the time to comment.

I remember him as Doughy Hood in the Archers - that makes me feel quite old! I used to know a guy in our village who was a Quaker - so an automatic conscientious objector. He served as a stretcher bearer and ambulance driver in WW2, and had some seriously interesting tales to tell (which he told often!). My U3A has a talk tomorrow on exactly this topic ""Private Godfrey's Real War""

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Great memory to remember him as Doughy Hood. Well done!

Your history videos are fascinating - especially for a Yank who believes that the UK saved the free world in the beginning years of WWII and gets no respect nor credit for it. Thank you.

@kerriwilson7732

Жыл бұрын

Nonsense. The UK is fully respected for her contributions in ww2... except of course in France, Russia, & Hollywood. 💕🇨🇦

@jb6027

Жыл бұрын

@@kerriwilson7732 Well done!

@iriscollins7583

Жыл бұрын

Thank you.

@The0rs

Жыл бұрын

​@@kerriwilson7732 You've obviously never gone to the D-day beaches & wandered through the museums. The French show great respect for the British (& other allies) sacrifices there.

@kerriwilson7732

Жыл бұрын

@@The0rs I was remembering de Gaulle & reading Facebook posts.

Great idea. I remember the episode when Godfrey was ostracised for being a conschy… it was an incredibly moving and well done piece of tv. BBC was great then

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

Absolutely and completely amazing. People such as Mr Ridley put us to shame

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

You state your argument perfectly, Mr Ridley was a brave man and a wonderful character in Dad's Army but he was the genius behind "The Ghost Train" also. What a wonderful man.

@TheHistoryChap

2 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

The memories he must have had Dad's Army has always been one of my favourites

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

What a remarkable man! Such bravery deserves respect.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Indeed he does.

Fascinating. My grandfather served in WWI. He enlisted prior to the US involvement; and was a drill sergeant when the war began. He refused to carry a gun in war; but requested transfer to the medical corps. Due to rank, he was an ambulance driver. Served throughout the US presence in France and was demobilized in 1919. Spent his war service in front line duty. Almost earned himself a dishonorable discharge for bringing back German wounded soldiers.

@lordchickenhawk

Жыл бұрын

The very bloody essence of conscience mate. Respect. Few of us ever stick to any standard with that little compromise... myself for example...

@janetstevenson9580

Жыл бұрын

My grandfather volunteered at 16 lost two brothers in the 1st we. Iv a photo of before and after he looks thirty in the last photo before the war was over.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking the time to share.

Great presentation Chris. Dad's army was filmed in many locations but the title roll of the troop advancing over heathland was filmed at Knettishall heath, Suffolk and several acts in many episodes filmed in and around Thetford, Norfolk. There is still much fondness of the old bungling characters in and around the Suffolk/Norfolk locals.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Funny to think that Walmington-on-Sea was actually inland at Thetford :)

@stuartbuxton4316

Жыл бұрын

@@TheHistoryChap as far as I know coastal scenes were Kent [ obviously ] But as the cast stayed in The Bell Hotel [ still a hotel ] when on location, every effort was to use local area for location work for cost effectiveness. As Suffolk born and bread it's always been a family pastime to watch and try to pick out local area!

@bluebadger

Жыл бұрын

Much of it was filmed on STANTA. I remember being on exercise with the RAF regiment, and sweating round in full kit and Bergans, a double decker bus passing us, with civies taking photos. Our flight Sergent explained that they were members of the Dad's army appreciation society on a tour of the locations.

@robshirewood5060

Жыл бұрын

John Mills came from Belton in Norfolk, not far from Great Yarmouth served as a second lieutenant

Godfrey character was never a dodgering old fool to me 💎💎💎💎💎

@TheHistoryChap

Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment

Really interesting. Both my Grandfather's fought in WW1 and my Father WW2. I can remember him saying he envied the conscientious objectors. The fact they refused to acquiesce to the butchery and how the medics would risk their lives continually..

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Interesting. Thanks for sharing

The Private Godfrey “Branded” episode you referenced was one of Dads Army’s best

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

I think so. As I said in the video, we really shouldn't judge books by their cover.

@francesdady5476

Жыл бұрын

That's a particular favourite episode of mine (although each and every episode was pure genius!), coupled with "Sergeant, Save my Boy" where Godfrey crosses a mined beach to bring Pike a pair of water wings and a blanket when he's caught in barbed wire at the water's edge with the tide coming in.

Loved Dads Army - one of the best series on television ever. Thank you.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

Thanks for sharing that. I live in Thetford Norfolk where the cast used to stay while filming. Still laugh at Dads Army now.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

I was watching some episodes and they still make me laugh too😀

Thank you for this interesting video . I wasn't aware of any of his background despite growing up in Bristol and a visitor to Bath on countless occasions. I was born after the second world war so knew nothing of the actual conflict but the bravery of ALL the young men of Britain at that time never ceases to bring tears to my eyes.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching and for posting a comment too.

I was aware of his service,amazing man like many,RIP.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed.

Amazing history, amazing man,we never stop learning

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed my video

My late uncle was in the Home Guard and the stories he used to tell made Dad's Army look like serious drama. As children he would have us laughing our heads off, while my aunt was wiping her cheeks as the tears ran down

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

My great-uncle also had hilarious stories from his time in the Home Guard.

I absolutely love 'Dad's Army', one of my very favorite Brit Coms.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing.

It is such a shame that we still have the lost episodes from series 2. I do look forward to the day when they can recreate them using the images of the original cast in perfect detail. What a wonder to behold that would be for these great men of a past bygone TV era.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

I agree with you.

@duncanmcdonald5250

Жыл бұрын

They did remake 3 of the "lost episodes" in 2019; "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Walker", "A Stripe for Frazer" and "Under Fire". And I thought Timothy West's recreation of Godfrey was quite good.

There's a mention of Arnold on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path as you approach the remains of Mangotsfield Station. Its on the sign just before the route divides telling the story of how a time at the station inspired him to write The Ghost Train.

@TheHistoryChap

Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching my video & for taking the time to comment.

@mark-nm4tc

Ай бұрын

@@TheHistoryChap You're welcome, its a little bit of history near where I live, frequently think of 'My sister Dolly'....when I pass through the station on my bike. You can now visit the entire path on GE streetview but its a bit hard to see the sign the way the images are stitched together. Lucky to grow up with Dads army in the 70's.

My grandfather, a humble gardener by trade, was a conscientious objector in WWI and did indeed serve in the medical corps in the front line trenches. He was gassed which left its mark on his health for the rest of his life including TB. He was sheltering in a dug out with others when German soldiers attacked and sent a grenade (or as the term then was " a bomb") into the dugout killing most there but fortunately my grandfather survived with shrapnel wounds and was taken prisoner. He endured an arduous march to a POW camp but the Germans looked after him medically. He kept a diary during his wartime service which is now somewhere in a London war museum but we still have the transcript which details his hard life in captivity.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Fascinating. Thanks for sharing

My Grandfather was turned down at the start of WW1 with a s light curvature of the spine. By 1916 he recieved an invitation to join the fray. He was shot in the arm and his medical officer, who was a vet, wanted to amputate but his arm was saved by a Canadian doctor back at the field hospital.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Kevin, thanks for sharing that story about your grandfather.

Wonderful video. I had no idea of Arnold's record and bravery. May he Rest In Peace. My own grandfather was a member of the RAMC during the First World War. He was a trained male nurse long before the war broke out in 1914. In 1906 he was married and on his wedding certificate his occupation was listed as a " Poor law officer" ie he worked for the Workhouse authorities. In 1911 at my fathers birth he was listed as a "Trained Nurse" at the Bethnal Green Infirmary in London's East End. I have no other information other than he was in the RAMC or anything about his service or what he saw during that time. I don't think he said anything to his three children as my father never told us anything about his RAMC service. And probably did not know anything about it.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing. What a fascinating family history

@margaretflounders8510

Жыл бұрын

I'm sure you could find out from the service Records, that's how i found the uncle I never met, in the RFC then the RAF....

First class..well researched written and presented. 15 minutes very well spent

@TheHistoryChap

17 сағат бұрын

Thanks for watching my video, glad you enjoyed it.

My grandad used to tell me a friend of his dads was a conscientious objector in world war 1. He used to get bullied and called a coward for refusing to fight. That stopped when they saw him walking out unarmed and under fire in to no mans land bringing back the wounded. In fact it didn't just stop, the men he served with regarded him as the bravest man they had ever met, no small feat given the company he was in in the trenches.

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching my video and for taking the time to share your family story.

Dad's Army was such a funny series with such wonderful characters played by wonderful actors . Just a little fact about Arnold Ridley and the graveyard he is buried in at Bath , he was the last person to be buried in that graveyard .

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing that point about his being the last burial in the church yard.

this guy was a bloody legend

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to comment

@keithcornell692

Жыл бұрын

Was also interested in the story of colour sargent bourne have both Zulu films

What a hero didn't know that Cheers for sharing

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure. Thanks for watching

I met Arnold Ridley in 1980 while working at the Watersmeet centre, in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. Many years later while cycling on the cycle route linking Bath and Bristol I read information about how he had created "The Ghost Train ". One day he was sitting on a seat on the platform of a railway station. At this time he could hear a train but could not see it. At the time there used be 4 railway lines linking Bath with Bristol.

@TheHistoryChap

14 күн бұрын

Thanks for watching my video & for sharing your interesting story.

PLEASE keep these coming! You might have a look at the American Actor Lew Ayres, who a major Star was vilified and blacklisted for being a CO in WWII. However by the end of the war his exceptional personal bravery under fire, in the Medical Corps, became known he was again lauded into stardom.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Great story. Thanks for sharing

Once again another absolutely brilliant video. I can now no longer imagine a world without the history chap, how ever did we do without you sir?

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for those kind words.

1:37 "tribuneral" 🤣😂

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching my video

Arnold Ridley opened a garden fete for my grandfather around 1970. He seemed like a lovely gent and as a boy was my first brush with fame

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for watching my video and your memory of Arnold Ridley.

Thank you again for a well crafted production. I'm really glad that the true stories of the conscientious objectors are at last being told. I'm of a generation whose father's and grandfather's fought in WW2. My father was a Policeman all during the war and when at school we played "war" I was sometimes excluded, because my dad had not really done his bit. I got dad to tell me some stories from his time in CID during the war that soon got me with the 'in' gang! It's a shame when films or TV is made about the wars the home front is not always fairly portrayed. Men, especially in WW2, are shown as either spivs, farmers or a couple of other occupations but the characters are not truly fleshed out. So sorry rant over.

@mjspice100

Жыл бұрын

Foyle’s War went some way to giving a decent representation of life on the home front especially for a policeman. The civilian services faced a lot on the home front especially in the major cities, so they most certainly “did their bit”.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching.

My auntie got an autograph from the man when she still possessed the great surname. "From one Ridley to another, never forget where you hail from"

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Interesting

Superb story. Thank you for researching.

@TheHistoryChap

10 ай бұрын

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

He was a teacher in the West Country and taught my grandfather!

@TheHistoryChap

10 ай бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to share

I went to see The Ghost Train at Bristol Old Vic twenty or more years ago; the lead actor was Ian Lavender. Great night out and great Dad's Army connections. Also, my grandfather was in his local Home Guard - some of his stories about the unit would not have been out of place in 'Dad's'!

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

What a great connection.

Arnold Ridley was also the Great Uncle of actress Daisy Ridley who portrayed the Jedi Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy.

@barrythatcher9349

Жыл бұрын

I've wondered that. Thank you for confirming that.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Indeed he was.

Wow! 'Don't judge a book by it's cover' most certainly sums up this guy.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Indeed it does.

Loved Dad’s Army down under in Aotearoa New Zealand.

@TheHistoryChap

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching my video.

I'm loving the Dad's Army content. You must do videos on Captain Mainwaring and Sergeant Wilson please.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Have now done one on them.

What a brave soul he was and god bless him, thank you and stay well.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching

Anyone who served deserves full honours and respects. Always. Mr Ridley reminds me of my Grandma's neighbors. Including one gentleman who served though the 100 Days Offensive. I Remember "Young" Bob Young, must have been in his 80s then. He was working shirtless in his garden. I asked him what those 4 funny round scars were. He reply; "not much, boy. Just a kiss from the Huns." He was stitched by an MG08 at the Canal, and still took the position with 4 rounds through him. Lest we forget.

@TheHistoryChap

5 ай бұрын

What a fascinating story, especially about that gentleman who is injured in the war. Thanks for sharing.

Loved this weeks, always loved Private Godfrey ❤

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed. A very interesting gentleman.

The episode where he shows his courage and modesty is my favourite episode

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

It is a great episode

Yet again, thank you for your dedication, hard work and thoroughness in bringing these episodes to us. Your uploads brighten my day no end!!

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

It’s my pleasure.

Written & performed by the best of the best!

@TheHistoryChap

6 ай бұрын

A classic era in British comedy

I cannot think of anything more brave than being on a battlefront, under fire, but only armed with a stretcher or carrying another wounded soldier! I never knew one of my grandfathers because he was gassed during world war one and died from those effects in 1920.

@TheHistoryChap

Жыл бұрын

Nice sentiments. Thanks for sharing