Fifty years since it first aired, classic BBC TV sitcom Dad’s Army will be commemorated on a new set of postage stamps from Royal Mail.
Eight much-loved characters from the long-running show are featured on the new stamps, alongside their best-known catchphrases. They are:
On a first class stamp, Captain Mainwaring (played by Arthur Lowe), commander of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon, with his catchphrase aimed at the bungling Private Pike: “You stupid boy!”- Also on a first class stamp, Lance Corporal Jones (Clive Dunn) with his immortal line: “Don’t panic! Don’t panic!”
- On one of two second class stamps, Sergeant Wilson (John Le Mesurier), who would often enquire of Captain Mainwaring: “Do you think that’s wise, sir?”
- On the other second class stamp, Private Pike (Ian Lavender), the youngest member of the platoon who, whenever he felt picked on, threatened: “I’ll tell Mum!”
- On a £1.45 stamp, small-time spiv Private Walker (James Beck), with his catchphrase: “It won’t cost you much…”
- Also on a £1.45 stamp, the platoon’s Scottish undertaker Private Frazer (John Laurie) and his classic line: “We’re doomed. Doomed!”
- On a £1.55 stamp, the platoon’s elderly medic, Private Godfrey (Arnold Ridley), who would often politely ask: “Do you think I might be excused?”
- Finally, also on a £1.55 stamp, Captain Mainwaring’s nemesis, Chief Warden Hodges of the ARP (Bill Pertwee), who would bark: “Put that light out!”
Running from 1968 to 1977 and comprising 80 episodes, Dad’s Army regularly attracted more than 18 million viewers at its peak and remains a true classic of British TV comedy. It followed the antics of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon, a motley collection of volunteers ready to defend Britain against invasion during the Second World War.
Ian Lavender – the only surviving cast member featured on the new stamps – commented: “I didn’t believe you could have someone still alive on a stamp, apart from the Queen. Being on a stamp is not something you hope for simply because it’s so unlikely. You can hope for an OBE or a Bafta – those are things that happen – but to be on a stamp, well it really is so nice. What a lovely surprise.”
Speaking at the launch of the new stamps, Philip Parker, of Royal Mail, said: “Few TV comedies have inspired as much affection, or given us as many catchphrases, as Dad’s Army. On its 50th birthday we hope these new stamps will raise plenty of smiles.”
The stamps will be available from Tuesday June 26th. They will be on sale from 7,000 post offices across the UK, either individually or in presentation packs and collector sheets. You can also buy them online direct from Royal Mail in various formats designed to appeal both to stamp collectors and fans of Dad’s Army, including a limited edition framed set personally signed by Ian Lavender. For full details click here.