John Laurie - Private Frazer - An Intriguing Story From "Dad's Army"

[@paulthurston2883]

I still say Dad's Army is the king of all sitcoms with a fantastic cast and brilliant writers.

[@DavidSmith-fs5qj]

Couldn't agree more Paul, it's all about opinions of course, and Only Fools and Horses came out on top in a poll some years ago, but for me, Dad's Army is the king, it can never age, because it is set in the past, the cast where outstanding and could never be replaced.

[@paulmchugh8695]

Apart from porridge !

[@DavidSmith-fs5qj]

@@analogueavenue In your opinion, and that's fine, ytour eintitled to it, and i am entitled to mine.

[@Bruce-qn6ee]

Yes your correct it is

[@Finny14754]

That and porridge, they certainly don’t make them that good anymore.

[@paulyates2548]

Being a young lad I was brought up on dad's army and today being the right side of 60 years young I'm still watching dad's army it just reminds me of much simpler times

[@stuartriefe1740]

@@keithsunderland8839 It’s just a fantastic British Situation Comedy, Keith. Don’t read too much into it, just enjoy it for what it is. As a Yank, I was only privileged enough to see the show when channels like BritBox and Acorn brought classic British comedy to the states. I loved it so much I binge watched all nine seasons, only possible because I was recovering from a surgery at the time. You are correct Keith, these are crazy times, but I believe shows like Dad’s Army make these times a little bit easier to cope with.

[@keithsunderland8839]

It's one of the best classic comedies but I suspect it has contributed to the widespread belief that all England has to do is turn up at an International football match for Johnny Foreigner to capitulate at the very sight of us, although the reality is that we haven't won a major competition for 3,500 years...but there's always Captain Mannering to restore our sense of National pride! God bless him.

[@paulmchugh8695]

I’m sure u watched it with ur dad as I did ? I then watched it with my babies 👶 ! Timeless

[@VickersDoorter]

@@keithsunderland8839 It's Captain Mainwaring. Do keep up.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching. I hope you enjoyed it.

[@Zakalwe-01]

His lighthouse anecdote in Dad’s Army, (a story worthy of M..R James or Lovecraft!), is my favourite moment in the entire series. Great actor 🌟

[@vinnyganzano1930]

I always loved the "auld empty barn."

[@barryalexander2909]

@@vinnyganzano1930 therrrrrre was nothin' in it! 🤣🤣🤣

[@ashbridgeindustries380]

I prefer his story about Jethro and the ruby: "Death! Death! That ruby will bring you death! DEATH!!!" "Did the curse come true, Mr Frazer?" "Aye, laddie, it did. He died... last year, he was 86!"

[@TheHistoryChap]

A great comic moment.

[@davidprentice5442]

@@vinnyganzano1930 There was nothing in it!

[@lesmaybury793]

Fraser's story of "the old empty barn" sticks in my mine. Only John Laurie could tell the story with perfect atmosphere and the writters placing them in.... an old barn..... was brilliant.

[@MarkHarrison733]

His COPD was scary.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to contribute to the discussion

[@MrHeathums1985]

Here’s The Story of The Old Empty Barn: There was nothing in it!😂😂😂😂

[@Trek001]

There is a great story that Ian Lavender used to tell about Laurie - the pair of them were driving up to a location shoot together and it was a cold and miserable morning. Laurie turned to Lavender and asked if he liked Shakespeare and he replied that he did. Laurie then proceeded to do the whole of Hamlet from memory

[@TheHistoryChap]

Blimey! Impressive

[@WolfeTone66]

Great story, thank you.

[@patbrain913]

I still love Dads Army, To my mind it will never age, , brilliant humour, and superb acting

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@mrkdwld]

I am a great fan of the Dad's Army series. Your series on the backstories of characters and actors hugely increased my appreciation of the actors. Great , humble men who fought for their country with honor, and graced the world with their performances, not just in Dad's Army

[@paulhicks6667]

Yes, and that gentleman Arnold Ridley foremost among them. He carried multiple wounds from terrible close quarter combat in WW1. Fitting that his character was given that episode which highlighted his valour.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You may also enjoy my latest video about the cast's real wartime service: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS5f3Rpa7iGmJY

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

Laurie was a figure I often saw as a child. Walking to the Bakers from his battered Ford Popular or back with a fresh loaf. Like many Scots he loved his fresh bread. He was often to be found quietly helping out with local groups, including the Scouts. An all round nice guy, not at all like Frazer.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice to hear. Thanks for sharing.

[@1mmickk]

Perry and Croft, absolutely genius pair of writers. Each script is faultless and played to perfection. The standard set so high, it cant be followed.

[@tinytheshihtzu4208]

I completely agree.

[@DavidSmith-fs5qj]

I totally agree, that is why i have never watched the remake, you simply could never hope to replicate the original show, and the characters no matter who plays them.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Check out my last video, which includes Croft and Perry's own wartime service: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS5f3Rpa7iGmJY

[@ianandersonQOS]

I’m also from Dumfries and John was a former pupil at my secondary school, Dumfries Academy. Back in John’s day only the brightest got in Dumfries Academy so he must have been an intelligent gentleman. By my time anybody could and can get in so not sure I can say the same for myself! Other more known pupils of Dumfries Academy includes JM Barrie (author of Peter Pan) and Ray Wilson of the band Stiltskin & was also the singer for Genesis when Phil Collins left (he was on one album called “Calling All Stations”). Anyways John was originally lived in the Troqueer area of the town and his old house is still there. I believe there’s people living there but no obvious sign or any mention that he lived there. I know he was a big fan of Robert Burns too.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Ian, thanks for taking the time to share John's links to Dumfries and the other famous pupils from Dumfries Academy. Very much appreciated.

[@wheelblack35]

What was he like?

[@ianandersonQOS]

@@wheelblack35 I never met John but would have loved to. John sadly passed away when I was just over a month old

[@AJ-55ANS]

More about Shackleton and Scott would be appreciated. Thank you for all your hard work and bringing history alive.

[@simonkevnorris]

I agree with that. Interesting, informative and we'll presented videos.

[@brendanmckenna1983]

Maybe you can look at the history of Tom Crean. The Irish man that went too the South Pole with Scott and Shackleton.

[@theoztreecrasher2647]

@@brendanmckenna1983 I'd like 2 know tu and also two know to whether the north or south of Ireland provided his education? 😜🙄

[@emho5135]

@@theoztreecrasher2647 Ireland hadn't been partitioned yet. Shackleton was irish too, and from the southeast.

[@georgielancaster1356]

How odd. I gave you info on Shackleton's sister and the great story of Shackleton's little brother and it has disappeared. I wonder if it was because I mentioned gay people? Maybe this is not a channel I want anything to do with?

[@PhilORourke]

Magnificent, I'm 66 now I remember it coming on in the late 60's when I was about 11 or 12. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching

[@derin111]

It’s great to find out the detail that they put into Dad’s Army that most of us were completely unaware of. Great series of videos€! 👏🏽🙂

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you have enjoyed them. Thanks for watching.

[@ziggurat-builder8755]

Wow. These videos on Dad's Army combine so much history intertwined with real biography, they make compelling viewing. I'm passing links to my brother in law and nephew who are massive Dads Army and history buffs!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying. Have you seen my final instalment? kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS5f3Rpa7iGmJY

[@thedustofages]

The survival of the crew of the 1914 Shackleton expedition is more remarkable than implied. After getting the crew, lifeboats and supplies off the Ship and onto the ice sheet, they watched the Ship go down, crushed by the pressure. They then dragged these laden boats across a creased frozen sea for days until they reached the mainland. There was no hope of rescue as no one knew where they were. Shackleton with his Navigation Officer and two other men took one of the small lifeboats and set off sailing into the Southern Ocean and by incredible luck, stamina and against terrible conditions, reached the pinprick island of South Georgia, 800 miles away. Then they had to climb a frozen mountain and negotiate the fearful glacias until they arrived at the Whaling station where one of Shakleton's good friends did not even recognise him. This alone enabled a rescue Ship to be organised to go back for the main party left behind. It is a miraculous escape and the ordeal undoubtedly led to Shackletons early death. Heroic in the extreme. The lifeboat still exists in a museum somewhere, I don't recall where, but it was called the James Caird.

[@davidwright7193]

The James Caird is in the National Maritime Museum at Grenwich.

[@thedustofages]

@@davidwright7193 Thanks, that would be worth a visit I think.

[@jillylloyd5069]

It certainly is I love the museum

[@johnmorgan9435]

...and not a single reference to Tom Crean's role in the rescue

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

@@davidwright7193 🤔 The National Maritime Museum is in Greenwich.

[@cyclist68]

As a kid in the 70s Dads Army holds such happy memories of sitting watching it every Saturday night laughing along with my dad who served in the RN before and throughout WW2. Funny story. When the series came out on DVD I bought them and watched them alongside my little daughters. My eldest had started school and my youngest, only 3 would be in nursery. One day I went to pick her up from nursery and the staff were laughing when they asked if we watched a lot of Dads Army? While other kids were singing stuff like three blind mice, my daughter had been walking around singing "Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler if you think we're on the run" They found it hilarious, especially when she carried onto the second verse with Mr Brown going off to town. 😄

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hilarious anecdote. Thanks for taking the time to share

[@donchoco5767]

😅😅😅

[@kiwitrainguy]

Mr. Brown Goes off to town On the eight-twenty-one But he comes home each evening and he's ready with his gun.

[@EsherAcademy]

Thoroughly enjoyed the vids on Jones, Godfrey and Fraser! I would love you to do one on Sgt Wilson who, IIRC, appeared in a WW1 Officer’s uniform wearing an MC, much to the annoyance of Capt Mainwaring! On another tack, I was lucky enough 3 years ago to visit the Huts in the Ross Sea used by Scott and Shackleton, the Discovery, Nimrod and Terra Nova huts. The person who I connected with most was Tom Crean who went on all 3 of those expeditions and also on Shackleton’s Endurance expedition. He was a man of few words so although there is a biography of him it is very much hearsay. There is a floor of Tralee Museum devoted to him with much of his Antarctic gear, discovered in the attic of his Dingle pub after he died. As a Royal Navy PO returning to the west of Ireland in 1919 as the country gained independence, it was prudent to stay quiet. His story is one of strength, courage and determination but also contrasts the Victorian and Edwardian split between Officers and Men. Scott took PO Evans to the Pole to represent the Men, rather than Crean , and many since have speculated that Scott might have survived had he taken Crean instead. There is a story for you!

[@briancarton1804]

Tom Crean's pub ' The South Pole Inn ' is in Anascall Co Kerry. His remains are in a tomb he built himself up a mountain not to far from the pub.

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

🤔 Indeed, but Scott’s decision to add one more person to the original four was in poor judgment. The entire plan for the polar team was based on the needs of four men. Not five. A fatal error in every sense. I recommend the account by Apsley Cherry - Garrard which he wrote about finding the bodies of Scott and three men. No trace was found of the missing man, Laurence Oates. The book is ‘The Worst Journey In The World’. At the time Apsley was the youngest member of that expedition.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to share those well thought through and in-depth views.

[@terrycrane9459]

Thank you. My favorite Frazer story was - The story of the old empty barn

[@TheHistoryChap]

That is a hilarious story.

[@Ercadh]

John Laurie was also in one of my favourite movies Hobson's Choice. He was great in so many roles.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for remembering that film.

[@mikewysko2268]

Another fascinating back story. Fun to see the photos of the Dads Army actors as young men. Well done Sir.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@Charonupthekuiper]

"South" the account of Shackleton's later expedition is a great read. After a tumultuous reception in Chile most returned home to join the war. Many were decorated, not surprisingly given their heroics in Antarctica; they were very tough men.

[@hekatoncheiros208]

They certainly were tough. Unfortunately Chippy McNeish, one of the toughest and responsible for making the longboats seaworthy, was denied the polar medal by Shackleton after an earlier display of insubordination. I can never quite understand this decision, which seems out of keeping with Shackleton’s character.

[@ianb9028]

There are four books of the Endurance expedition (that I have found). South by Shackleton, Endurance by Worsley (a much better read in my opinion), Shackleton’s Argonauts by the expedition photographer Frank Hurley which tells the story of those left on Elephant Isle, and The Lost Men by Kelly Tyler-Lewis which tells the story of the Ross Sea party.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@unclenogbad1509]

Really enjoying this series (and like your others too, btw). John Laurie was one of my favourite actors, partly because he looked like my Glaswegian dad, but mainly for having such a great and resonant voice. We had LP's of him reading Burns' poetry, and he really made them live. Also, he had that great presence, always recognisable, even if most of his screen roles were just caricature Scots (hey, an actor has to live). I'm glad, too that you mentioned The Edge Of The World, in which he was hugely impressive and even managed a brief dig at his Dad's Army character. Thanks.

[@rpm12091]

39 steps is one of my favorite movies.

[@TheHistoryChap]

The Edge of the World captures a bye-gone age.

[@unclenogbad1509]

@@TheHistoryChap Very much so.

[@dwaynemulroy8724]

John Laurie also cast alongside David Niven in The Way Ahead. Private Luke was the character name, and the intro sequence to Dad's Army, as they advance, is an homage to his role as the near identical advance in the sequence takes place in the film.

[@mrjockt]

John Laurie also made an appearance in the short film that could be considered the precursor to “The Way Ahead” called “The New Lot” made the year before.

[@fus149hammer5]

Yes it's a great film. William Hartnell as the sergeant! David Niven was given special leave to make the film. A real hero. He had a successful career in Hollywood but unlike some of his contemporaries he willingly came home to join up instead of sitting the war out in comfort. A film starring a cast who were mostly too old for their roles and some who had served in the previous war. When you see them disappear into the smoke of battle at the end you realise 'This isn't over'. They didn't know at the time of filming, the outcome of the war. I love it. Only we brits can make a film like that.

[@mrjockt]

@@fus149hammer5 David Niven also served in the British Army before becoming a Hollywood actor, he was commissioned into the Highland Light Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1930 but resigned his commission, by telegram from a ship in mid Atlantic on his way to the U.S., in 1933.

[@fus149hammer5]

@@mrjockt True 👍 He was everything John Wayne wasn't.

[@davidjones332]

@@fus149hammer5 Interestingly, David Niven was at school with Douglas Bader. When they met during the war Niven reminded Bader that he used to grind his face in the mud at rugby!

[@williamnethercott4364]

Its about time someone gave credit to John Laurie, a fine and versatile actor, one of the few whose name on the cast list might inspire me to watch the film regardless of the subject. Thanks for that. An interesting presentation with quite a mixture of unusual facts.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you

[@residentelect]

Big thanks for these Dad's Army videos, Chris. My auntie is a massive fan of the series, and these videos are her first KZbin experience. She's now hooked, and searching out as much content as possible! Not bad for a girl in her late 70s! Keep up the great work!

[@TheHistoryChap]

That’s great to hear. Best wishes to your auntie.

[@neilpage901]

What a fascinating man he was. I had no idea when I was watching the series. Thanks again for the effort you go to and the detail, Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure Neil. Thanks for watching.

[@matthewboyd3653]

I've been waiting for this one! I grew up with Dad's Army and Fraser was a favourite of mine.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you liked it

[@vincentlavery2568]

I remember watching him in the 39 Steps and The Four Feathers. Have a read about the author of The 39 Steps.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Dr.Cassandra]

Loving this series! Thanks for these great videos, excellent work!😊

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying.

[@monarchist1838]

Actor James Beck who played the lovable cockney spiv Private Walker was too young to have served in WW2. Still, his character did win a prestigious foreign decoration, the Sacred Order Of The Golden Cross of Abu Dhabi. While working in a Park Lane London hotel, an Arab Sheik arrives without any of his 34 wives. The Sheik's Prime Minister approached the hotel staff requesting another woman for his boss. Walker says, "I'll see what I can do." So I gets on the blower to a friend of mine, and he was very grateful. I got this, a kiss and ten quid.'' Unfortunately, Mainwaring wasn't impressed with Walker's medal and assumed it was from some musical comedy.

[@carlbirtles4518]

In a missing episode, “The Loneliness of The Long-Distance Walker”, Walker ended up drafted into the Army and was discharged due to an allergy to corned beef. In another episode, “When You’ve Got to Go”, Pike was drafted into the Air Force and was discharged due to having a rare blood type.

[@ashbridgeindustries380]

@@carlbirtles4518 UK Gold actually remade the lost episodes a few years back. It's not quite the same with different actors, but they did a fantastic job!

[@dougearnest7590]

@@carlbirtles4518 - A missing episode? I thought I saw the one in which Walker was discharged from the Army. Is my mind playing tricks on me? Maybe it was referenced in the next episode?

[@carlbirtles4518]

@@dougearnest7590 It was mentioned in “Room at The Bottom”.

[@TheHistoryChap]

He was Mainwarings next inspection after Frazer. It was all going wrong for him 😆

[@David-rg8iy]

I've loved this wee series. I knew a little but never this much about Godfrey, Jones et all but your series has been absolutely amazing, thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

You might enjoy my last one in the series: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS5f3Rpa7iGmJY

[@maxreed2343]

Oh you have GOT to do a video about the great Sir Ernest Shackleton for sure, mate, cos I've been familiar with his most famous expedition from 1914-17 for years, including the mini-series based on it in which Sir Kenneth Branagh played the man himself, but to hear some about his earlier journeys in this once again amazingly done video about one of the beloved men from 'Dad's Army' John Laurie/Private Fraser... buddy, I must credit you so much for doing what you're giving us, I'm loving everything that you're doing and learning so much about our country's military history, and of course certain individuals, which I didn't know about whatsoever

[@TheHistoryChap]

Max, thanks for your support. The Sir Kenneth Branagh mini-series was a good watch. I will look at the earlier stuff.

[@dalemoss4684]

I'm loving this dad's army character series, it's got me watching the episodes again

[@TheHistoryChap]

They are still great shows

[@barbarawright5774]

Thank you so much. Fabulous. We are not doomed. We are blessed.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Nice words. Thanks for sharing

[@johnbuxton6009]

Just as usual brilliant. It shows these guys were heroes. Just normal people. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@PaperSmiles]

One of Shackleton's descendents was my head of year when I was at the Royal Grammar School Newcastle. I distinctly remember him doing an assembly about the man, and it was fascinating.Would love to hear more.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the vote. He is moving up the list.

[@CGM_68]

@@TheHistoryChap How about a video or two about Tom Crean? He was a member of three of the four major British expeditions to Antarctica. It'd give a different perspective on that part of history.

[@fordprefect80]

Frazer was my favorite character and Laurie himself had to be the most talented of the Dad's Army cast.

[@TheHistoryChap]

You may enjoy this video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS5f3Rpa7iGmJY

[@joefulham]

very interesting. more emphasis though on his incredible film career. He was in Hobson's Choice, Powell and Pressburger films, a film about the Home Guard in the 1940s and in a lot of the great classic Scottish films. The early Hitchcock film is Juno and THE Paycock, a play as famous and Irish as Shackleton himself.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@AndrewCastlemaine]

Would like to add my voice to those asking for more about Shackleton & Scott. On a personal note (in a "previous life" as an actor), I portrayed Lawrence Oates in a stage adaptation of Douglas Stewart's "The Fire on the Snow" in Australia. All five of the actors were deeply affected playing these "real life" people and felt a huge responsibility to do these great men justice.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the suggestion. I need to think how best to cover this subject without simply going over "old ground"

[@SirGarnetGaming]

Loving this series. Keep up the good work!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support

[@joelwuttke5673]

Greatings from OZ. I grew up watching Dad's Army, thank you for bring it all back. Keep up the great work.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support from "Down Under".

[@SnoopReddogg]

Replays of Dads Army was on one of the Free to Air stations a few years ago. Ironically it was on Tuesday night around 7pm... I know, because we used to watch it in the Boozer before first parade at my army reserve depot in Melbourne.

[@charliebryce3783]

The best episode of DA, was Frazier telling the story of 'the old empty barn'.

[@col4574]

But there was nothing in it..........

[@TheHistoryChap]

So many people have mentioned that episode in these comments.

[@paulwilson7234]

Great series of Dads Army videos.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying

[@squid310861]

Thank you for all these excellent pieces of work

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching them

[@mattn2249]

Loving this series!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you

[@rule3036]

We dont have real heroes like these anymore Modern actors are far from patriotic or in touch with their countrymen. I feel privelidged that I was able to meet some of these heroes of WW1 and 2 as a boy and young man. We must never forget them.

[@philwilliams2505]

I was only saying this today ...a privalidge indeed..xxx

[@paulbellingham3948]

A neighbour of mine was 1 of the first desert rats to liberate Rommels headquarters. He showed me Rommels private photo album, hand tooled leather, but he’d thrown all pics out, years before, never to be seen again.Also confiscated a Luger when he disembarked ship

[@malcolmscrivener8750]

I reckon there’s plenty of heroic people out there , Harry . We just don’t know their stories . The quiet courage of a person enduring their daily life to keep their family together , when all they want to do is escape the drudgery and please themselves . Not many people are in a position to break away and seek their dreams , or are ruthless and selfish enough to do so . These days attention seekers and glory hunters , are called narcissists or psychopaths !

[@greavsiethespur]

Their generation is dying out. The current crop of stars you refer to are merely a benefactor of the sacrifices they made. Nostalgia shouldn't colour the current crop of "stars" who have had no wars to fight by and large to Fraisers generation, no matter how shite they are.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@MColeProductions]

Only just discovered this channel - have loved Dad's Army since I was a boy in the early 2000s. I would like to recommend two possible subjects for future exploration - the first on Captain Mainwaring and Sergeant Wilson together as their fictional stories are in complete contrast to the lives of their actors (notably their military service). The second is Captain Square, who like Jones, has a long military history being connected to Lawrence of Arabia. Although there isn't much on him, his decorations are essential to his character as well as his links to one of the greatest British heroes of all time. Looking at a shot of him in his first episode 'Command Decision', he has the cap badge of the Suffolk Regiment. Though as to whether this was Square's actual regiment is debatable, especially as L/Cpl Jones in the first episode has the cap badge of the Leicestershire Regiment on his WW1 hat. Otherwise, a great channel! 👍👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support. Check out my most recent video what covers all three men.

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

03:35 - he was fabulous on that St. Kildare movie, it's stuck in my head still. 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

I enjoyed watching that film too.

[@thisveterancan7666]

Thank you, these episodes are fantastic!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks. Have you seen my last one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS5f3Rpa7iGmJY

[@thisveterancan7666]

@@TheHistoryChap I have, and really enjoyed it

[@mikeyhau]

More about Shackleton? A big YES PLEASE!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@Gungho1a]

Thank you. Great little snippet about Shackleton and Scott. My grandmother, a scot coincidentally, had emigrated to Australia, and was working as a photo developer in a new company called 'Kodak', which was tasked by the government to develop the footage and pics from Sir Douglas Mawson's australian polar expedition. She only ever told snippets of what was on film and photo, as she was signed to enduring silence under the Official Secrets Act for her life time.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Wow, what an amazing story. Thanks for sharing.

[@anthonywilliams6764]

I was in the army cadet force in the 1950's and met a young recruit who was being bullied rather a lot at a summer camp near Mansfield , the recruit coming from the Chatham detatchment of the Royal Engineers, his name was Shackleton, and I put a stop to the bullying, and he turned out to be a decent young man. I have often wondered if he was related in any way to the Great Ernest Shackleton .

[@TheHistoryChap]

I wonder. Well down for stopping the bullying.

[@idontknowpreston3673]

This series is a great and imaginative addition to your channel

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Lassisvulgaris]

I know your schedule is full, but may I suggest one on the story behind "Whisky Galore", and one on Philip Toosey, the story behind "The Bridge on the River Kwai"....?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Philip Toosey is on my list. Thanks for the nudge.

[@SteDews]

There's also another role of Frazers that's mentioned in the episode with the shooting competition, he says he was on mine sweepers, as when he aims his gun he sways with the rocking of the seas

[@TheHistoryChap]

I do recall that. Another great Frazer moment!

[@SteDews]

isnt that the one with the late Babs Windsor?

[@mykehyslop198]

In one episode Walker called Fraser "Taffy".🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Love your content.👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sarajoolae8197]

YES HE USED TO CALL HIM TAFFY ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS 😂😂

[@ovepayne]

Thank you for the very interesting back stories of the brilliant actors of Dad´s Army! The show was a huge success in Sweden as well and as a kid I saw every episode. Of course I bought the whole series DVD-box and can enjoy it and laugh whenever I want good and timeless entertainment.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@irishlad8797]

Another catchphrase of his was "I never doubted you" very good video

[@stuartgmk]

😜🇦🇺😜🇦🇺

[@TheHistoryChap]

Indeed.

[@derekp2674]

Really interesting, thanks Chris. Folks interested in the role of Radar (or RDF to use the original term) in the Battle of Britain may be interested to know about the 1946 film 'School for Secrets. This starred Ralph Richardson, Richard Attenborough, David Tomlinson and John Laurie. It was written, produced and directed by Peter Ustinov. i see it as fictionalised account of, and tribute to, all the boffins and service personnel who worked at TRE in WW2, developing the British ground radar airborne radars that served as force multipliers for the RAF.

[@pacificostudios]

That's interesting that they would make a feature film about the development of radar, and yet keep all the triumphs at Bletchley Park under wraps for another 60 years.

[@derekp2674]

@@pacificostudios Radar stations were readily visible around the countryside and many military personnel had been trained in its use. Both Watson-Watt and A P Rowe also published memoirs not long after the war. But secrecy around BP (Bletchley Park) wàs maintained for years. That allowed code breaking and intelligence gathering to continue. My late uncle served in the Army in the war. From his teenage years, he was a keen radio amateur. But I only learnt that he had served at BP when I attended his funeral.

[@pacificostudios]

What concerns me is that, by extending classification of Bletchley Park far after WWII, the history of digital computing was warped. I was taught decades ago that the first digital computer was ENIAC created in 1947 in the United States. The secrecy behind Colossus contributed to the impression that British computing was an "Also Ran" effort to rival the USA; a factor that may have helped cause Britain to lose its historical lead in electronic computing.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@gerrypowell2748]

Brilliant video,he was greatly respected in Scotland.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@indigohammer5732]

Thank you for this. I wasn't aware the Polar Medal was such a pretty wee thing. It's really rather lovely.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@riharikaa809]

Absolutely brilliant , best thought out TV programme ever. Well done again.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@Story-Voracious66]

I have just discovered your channel, and have thoroughly enjoyed the stories of the Dad's Army cast. Thank you. I love the early photos of the actors because it shows them in the full bloom of their handsome youth, their world a place worth defending. How lucky my favourite old codgers were to end their time gently compared to the boys that were left behind.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@steveclarke6257]

In terms of actors who did extraordinary things, it has to be Sir Christopher Lee....playing great Villain's on stage and screen, Death metal singer ( there are 4 albums) and spoke 4 languages (English, French German and Italian) fluently and it is believed in both SIS and SOE in WWII- When asked about his wartime service in a TV interview, Lee responded " Can you keep a secret", "Yes" replied the journalist..... Lee responded "Well so can I". His wartime service says he was in the RAF and he ended the war with rank of Flight Lieutenant and he actually leaned to fly before all the secret squirrel stuff, but had medical issues with headaches and joined the intelligence corps when he was informed he would not fly again. He ended the war looking for Nazi war criminals in Austria.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Maybe Sir Christopher Lee should be another video story?

[@andrewsteele7663]

Chris, thank you for a brilliant the telling of another amazing story. I have mentioned that my formative years were spent watching Dads Army. My actually dad was a young lad during the war and would regal us with stories of picking the spent cartridge cases that would drop from dog fights over head. They made a sport of chasing as much of this brass as possible so as to trade it in at the scrap merchant. It was the same story he told when we watched Dads Army, Cheers

[@TheHistoryChap]

Andrew, glad you are enjoying these videos. Thanks for your ongoing support.

[@andrewsteele7663]

@@TheHistoryChap Chris, you are a enthusiast storyteller, and you pull the listener in, Thanks for doing what you do. Cheers

[@theflyingfool]

Another tour de force! I'm loving this series!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you.

[@jamesabernethy7896]

As I commented on the Ridley / Godfrey, I'm quite new to your channel and have only watched a few of your other videos. I've been hooked on these Dad's Army ones, loving how you tell the actor's and character's stories together. I haven't read the other comments but I find it a little strange that young photos of him look a little like Peter Capaldi. Edge of the World was set on St Kilda but filmed in Shetland, where I'm from, These videos are informative, fun and incredibly friendly.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks

[@derekmills1080]

I happened to come across this clip and found it fascinating. Perhaps your subscribers might be interested in that the 1907 South Polar Expedition had a modified (fuel and lubrication because of low temperatures, and structure because of terrain) Arrol-Johnstone 12/15 hp model. I stand corrected, but, although not entirely successful, it was a pioneering moment being the first motorised vehicle, ever, to be used on such an expedition. George Johnstone was a brilliant designer of motor vehicles, trained originally in locomotive engineering and Sir William Arrol was the eminent civil engineer responsible for the construction of Sir Benjamin Baker’s monumental Forth Railway Bridge and many others including Tower Bridge, London. He was mainly a financial backer in the partnership with Johnstone.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Derek, thanks for sharing. I had no idea.

[@derekmills1080]

@@TheHistoryChap 👍

[@markjames6669]

Having grown up watching dads army , I’m really enjoying the history behind these characters, both fictional and real. Please do all the main characters!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will be working on them.

[@markjames6669]

@@TheHistoryChap that would be superb! Am looking forward to future releases!

[@joezephyr]

Thank you. There is footage of Laurie being interviewed and talking of the Great War. Probably in the late 1970's

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

An idea for some videos might be based on the series ‘Danger UXB’. Every one of the bomb tasks is based on a true story. For example, the survivor of the pier incident (who was blinded during it) used to come to Mess dinners and was a strong supporter to the TA bomb disposal squadron in Brighton for many years…

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@ralphsimpson5230]

When I worked on Zanzibar and in Kenya in the 70's my young wife would record the short wave BBC radio show and it would be a must to listen to. Even today 50 plus years later I still watch it at regular intervals.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. “Dad’s Army” is still a classic classic

[@ludovica8221]

That was super. The catchphrase "We're doomed" is still common currency in my family...

[@TheHistoryChap]

I've heard it a lot in these comments too.

[@nicofolkersma2535]

Great story. Frazer was one of my favourites on the show, even though the actor didn't like it. He seems to have said to Perry, "I played every Shakespear part and I'll be remembered for this sh*t." Or a sentence like it. He also didn't get along with Ridley, but I've never found out why. If you do an episode on Shackleton and Scott, do include Amundsen, he played to big a part to be left out and it is a great comparrison in the type of leadership, or lack thereoff.

[@ChrisShute62]

Amundsen learnt from Shackleton's earlier mistakes, recounted at public lectures. Notably, Shackleton recommended that fuel cans be sealed by soldering, to prevent evaporation during prolonged high winds. Scott did not do this, so his depleted paraffin supplies ran out just before he reached a supply dump.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Totally agree about your point regarding Amundsen.

[@peterbinnersley3101]

I was also at Birmingham University in the early 1980's. The Chancellor until 1983 was the naturalist Sir Peter Scott, only son of Scott of the Antarctic.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Indeed. The university has changed a lot since then. My daughter graduated from there a couple of years ago...but the Dilshad is still going strong!

[@huwzebediahthomas9193]

Frazier and his gold sovereigns - anyone remember that scene in Dad's Army? Very funny. The eyes of joy!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Oh, I had forgotten that one!

[@kiwitrainguy]

"I might buy myself a wee herring as a treat"

[@gavinbennett1849]

Great actor , highly talented man

[@TheHistoryChap]

Indeed he was.

[@timec2002]

Another great video Chris. Specific pieces on Scott and Shackleton would be good. However, you can’t leave the Dad’s Army cast without doing something on Sgt Wilson aka John Le Mesurier.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Check out my latest one, he is in it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS5f3Rpa7iGmJY

[@piperbob2]

John Laurie is my inspiration whenever I am asked to asked to recite the 'Address to the Haggis', after piping it around the tables at Burns dinners and lunches.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m sure he is almost standing with you!

[@ianharding8578]

Another soldier turned actor is Richard Todd. He played Major Howard in The longest Day. On D-Day Richard Todd was an officer on the Pegasus Bridge assault. Not only did he do it for real but also recreated the action on film but playing his commanding officer. Might make a good video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Richard Todd is on my list of future talks.

[@jimmorrison5493]

Another excellent piece.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/naS5f3Rpa7iGmJY

[@huntergray3985]

John Laurie as Hamlet: "To be or not to be, We're doomed! Doomed I say!" John Laurie as Richard the Third: "A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse! We're doomed! Doomed I say!" John Laurie as Macbeth: "Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day to the last syllable of recorded time, And all our yesterdays have lighted fools the way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! We're doomed! Doomed I say!"

[@TheHistoryChap]

Hillarious. Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@huntergray3985]

@@TheHistoryChap My pleasure. Thank you. 👍

[@hughwalker5628]

You've set a great precedent with these tales. Beyond Dad's Army, there is a wealth of brilliant characters to examine. But Dad's Army, perhaps, offers the best.

[@TheHistoryChap]

I have gone and set the bar high. Need to follow it up 😳

[@hughwalker5628]

@@TheHistoryChap yep.

[@stigg333]

Great story and well told, Scott and Shackleton story would be brilliant. Thanks and stay well.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support.

[@TheStobb50]

I have a little bit of a mystery, my grandfather served in the first world war, and knew John and told me he was originally from Saint Kilda and left her with his family, probably at the time of the Saint Kilda evacuation i’ve looked on various sites and they all seem to say the same as you, interesting, thank you

[@TheHistoryChap]

He did star in a film about the St Kilda depopulation in the 1930s. Very good film about a (now) vanished world

[@erikM64]

Fascinating as always ! The only reply that could come from me and the Icy North, as it were - is the fact that the very word "Kyrkparad" for "Church Parade" is still current in Sweden, albeit in a slightly antiquated context. It belongs to the old Allotment System, in full swing until 1901 - as this system actually provided the vast majority of soldiers until that year, when universal conscription was introduced. "Church parades" - at least every sunday during the summer half of the year - was certainly the norm in the 1880's, and as for "Prins Husar" or the "Crown Prince Hussars" - a rank regiment, later amalgamated with the Royal Scanian Dragoons - in which I was to serve before 1990 - they still did "Church Parades" around 1910-1912 apparently - on what later became and still is an Airbase - my oldest cousin trained there with the F5 Wing, later to become a pilot on Saab 29 and J 35 fighter jets..

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for sharing.

[@stephenrose1343]

Marvelous, what a wonderful backstory, I have learnt so much.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@babiryeethel8582]

Very good work, thank you. Our entertainment is doomed if you don't add more Dad's Army character research programs.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Then I will…just for you 😊

[@j.harbottle8928]

Even though Frazer was a cook during Jutland battle, he defended that by saying that (nor verbatim) "being down below making Shepherds pie for 200 men takes a man, while there's battle raging above". Always stuck with me as a quote to represent the people on Navy ships even today who are under fire, but no way to defend themselves physically per se. Love these vids my friend, keen to learn here !

[@TheHistoryChap]

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

[@kenattwood8060]

He also stared in the Wartime Army training film "The New Lot" and in "The Way Ahead", the feature film that was based on it. He successfully played Private Luke, a dour Scot, in the later film - the character being about half the actor's actual age.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@fus149hammer5]

It seems I have to apologise! I commented on a previous upload about Cpl Jones that how could Frazer be cooking shepherds pie at Jutland and on Shackletons expedition at the same time? I realise now that he was on an earlier expedition.🤦‍♂️ Frazer is possibly my favourite character. His stories are not just funny but absorbing too. They also show that John Laurie was a cut above the rest of the cast when it came to acting. I would have loved to see him in Shakespeare. Apparently even Olivier said he was the greatest actor of his generation. That I can believe. Anyway, Have ye no heard the story o' the auld empty baaarn? No?..... 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching.

[@davesherry5384]

Great video! Yes, please do some on Shackleton and Scott! Especially Oates - his famous last words are usually all we hear about him.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Okay. I will add to the list.

[@manofkent4472]

Shackleton's brother Francis was an interesting chap...certainly worth a talk on.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@paulbearman4653]

Fascinating, would love to hear some more about polar explorers. Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for the suggestion. Some of the African and Asian explorers too.

[@michaelevans7247]

Absolutely brilliant Stories on Dad's Army Chris.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@martinhogg5337]

Great stories! Very informative and entertaining. What more could we ask?

[@TheHistoryChap]

More to come!

[@roberthayes9842]

Dad's Army is timeless, still stands up today as a comedy great, used to have a rule if a woman I dated didn't like the show I knew that relationship was doomed and I was right

[@TheHistoryChap]

Chuckling. Thanks for sharing

[@allandavis8201]

Thanks for sharing this story with us all, and thanks for your hard work and research 😀👍, but,and there is always a but, I was disappointed that you didn’t mention John Lauries best film performance, and that’s the film “The Way Ahead” alongside on of our most popular film stars, David Niven, amongst quite a few other household names, where Laurie is portraying a Scottish farm hand called up during WWII into the army and it follows his platoon’s journey from basic training to their first and last combat in the Middle East where they also encounter a curmudgeonly bar owner played by Peter Ustinov. Thanks again for this very interesting and informative video. P.S Subscribed 😀👍🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇦

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your sub. David Niven would be excellent so I have added him to my (ever-growing) list.

[@ldg1952]

Very interesting piece. I noted that in the photo of John Laurie in character as Pte Frazer he was wearing the medals on his right side. That is the normal position for wearing medals that are not one's own but were awarded to a relative or close friend. Medals won by the wearer are usually worn on the left side of the chest. I wonder if Laurie felt that even though he was playing a character he could not in conscience wear them on the left, that's just my thought but certainly a possibility. Many people won't be aware that Laurie was a regular cast member of the Ken Dodd radio show on BBC in the 1960s and was usually introduced by Dodd as "wee Johnny Laurie from Invercockieleakie"

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to post your comment.

[@monarchist1838]

You deserve so much more subscribers!

[@TheHistoryChap]

I’m working on it. Thank you.