DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather

Section 1 : Main Characters : Sergeant Arthur Wilson

CHARACTER: Sergeant Arthur Wilson

PLAYED BY: (1912 - 1983) (All TV and Radio Episodes).

FULL NAME: The Honourable Arthur K1 Wilson

NICKNAME: ‘Wilsie’ (often used by Jones)

ADDRESS: Not known, had a single room in Walmington, but was virtually living with Mavis Pike at her address in Walmington, for which he was paying her £2 a week for ‘housekeeping’. “She has my Ration Book and I go round there for meals and that sort of thing!2” Frank Pike did comment to his Mother once that Uncle Arthur lived ‘miles away.’ There is a very slight possibility single room may have been in Bridge Street as he once mentioned going to Pottery Class with a Mildred Withers who lived in Bridge Street in summer 19323. When promoted to Manager of the Eastgate Branch was going to live in Eastgate much to Mavis Pike’s anguish. After the War in 1947, he moved to Frambourne-on-Sea where he initially had lodgings for about one month with an attractive widow by the name of Gloria Smith until Mavis and Frank also moved there but no addresses known4.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: Not known

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: April 1887, possibly at the family home in Gloucestershire5.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Was about 6’0” tall, with a distinguished gait and manner. Had a medium build, with grey receding hair. Very well spoken, and often compared to the MP Anthony Eden, and with the film star Jack Buchanan of that era. Once described by a Film Costumier as a ‘Dead Ringer for Jack Buchanan’6. Mrs Pike thought he was ‘strong and masterful,and muscular.’ would once describe him as having a craggy and careworn face.

References 1 My Britsh Buddy - radio version 2 Man and the Hour 3 4 It Sticks Out Half a Mile - episode 1 5 Dad’s Army Script book 1975 6 Wake Up, Walmington 1 DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright Jimmy Perry & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather

HOME GUARD RANK: Sergeant. Was reduced to Private for a few days by Captain Frazer for incompetence7. On being made Manager at Eastgate Branch of Swallow Bank, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Eastgate Platoon under Captain Square8. Unfortunately his branch was blown up on his first day, (within a few minutes of opening), and he returned to Walmington Home Guard as a sergeant. Commanded Platoon (as a Sergeant) when Captain Mainwaring temporarily lost his commission, but his leadership on an exercise against the Southgate Platoon was so disastrous when he led the Platoon into an ambush, the Walmington Platoon all wrote to the authorities (except Frazer) asking for Captain Mainwaring to be re-instated. Had an annual report written by Captain Mainwaring in which he did not do too well, and seemed to have a little difficulty in taking it seriously. (See Separate File - ’s Confidential Report.) In 1948 admitted he missed the Home Guard9.

CIVILIAN / DAYTIME JOB: Chief Clerk at Swallow Bank, Walmington Branch. Was Manager at Eastgate Branch for a day. In 1947 took over as Manager at Frambourne-on-Sea Branch10.

WORK ADDRESS: Swallow Bank, High Street, Walmington-on-Sea No address currently known for Frambourne Branch.

WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER: Not Known

EDUCATED AT: Believed to have initially been taught by his Nanny, who used to tell him a few fairy stories. Failed Entrance Exams for Harrow, but due to his Great Uncle being the Headmaster there, he gained admission to Meadowbridge Public School11. Further research revealed that in 1902 he was at Cranborough Preparatory School where he was ‘no end of a wag’ and known as ‘Stinker’ due to his prowess in the Science Lab12. He also used to carry out raids on the Lower Fourth and extort their pocket money. At this time he would be about 14/15 years old so why he was at a Prep school at that age we do not know.

QUALIFICATIONS: None identified.

KNOWN FAMILY / RELATIVES: Parents had a large estate in Gloucestershire5. Late Father worked in the City. Was married at one time to one of Mr Cochrane’s Dance Troupe ladies but was later divorced13. No other details known of ex-wife. One daughter resulted from that marriage, (Lucy?), whom he managed to get to a good school14. Had

References 7 If the Cap Fits 8 A Wilson, Manager 9 It Sticks Out Half a Mile 10 It Sticks Out Half a Mile 11 Dad’s Army script book 1974 12 tbc 13 Dad’s Army script book 1974 14 2 DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright Jimmy Perry & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather three great uncles, one a Peer of the Realm. Another ran a Merchant Bank in the City. Third Uncle was Headmaster at Meadowbridge School. Other Uncles included a Bishop, another who died during the War and a cousin who had a large estate somewhere15. As he had no heirs, ’The Honourable’ title passed to his nephew Arthur16. Grandfather served in the Blues, and spent a lot of time in the Khyber Pass. Also had an Auntie Lettice17. Had another un-named Auntie who dug her garden at nights because it was cooler. Wilson was referred to as Uncle Arthur by Frank Pike but the relationship between the two was wide open to interpretation during the series. When Captain Mainwaring once commented that Pike needed the firm hand of a father Sergeant Wilson replied that he wished he could find someone!

KNOWN ASSOCIATES: Met up again with old school friends Tony Fairbrother, Chairman of Precision Extrusions, and (now Sir), Stephen Seabag again during the War18. He was also friendly with ‘Fruity’ Buckmaster, ‘Tuppy’ Glossop, Angela Bartholomew (Later Lady Maltby) and Connie. Connie appeared to be a member of a social group which, not only included Arthur but also Police Inspector Baker and Fire Officer Dale18. A Sergeant in the Eastbourne Platoon was also aquainted with Arthur’s Family. Another old school colleague, whom he met up with again in 1948, was ‘Porkie’ Smithers, who by then had become Sir Wensley Smithers, a Senior Civil Servant in London dealing with War Damage claims19.

KNOWN ROMANTIC ENCOUNTERS: During WW2 Arthur was virtually living permanently with Mavis Pike, whom he had first met in Weston- Super-Mare20. The relationship was stromy and Mavis often thought Arthur did not appreciate her ‘Housekeeping’ efforts, once using all her points to get his favourite nursery biscuits21 (biscuits with icing of little children on the top.) She had moved with him to Walmington when he was promoted to Chief Clerk at the Branch there. Captain Mainwaring once said that he would rue the day he met that woman. On one occasion he mistakenly thought Mrs Pike was pregnant and had to propose to her late at night through the letter-box as her Mother was staying overnight. It transpired later that Mrs Pike was merely taking in an evacuee, and she was left stranded at the alter. It took a long time for her to forgive Arthur21. As stated earlier he was married to a lady who was in a dancing troupe and it was by her he had a daughter, who served in the WRENs during the War. Name of ex-wife is not known, but it seems they parted on amicable terms. They were divorced in the early/mid 20s22. There were probably many more romances in Arthur Wilson’s life, as his charming and debonair manner had quite an effect on nearly all the females he came into contact with. Also believed to have associated with tennis playing daughters of stockbrokers in younger days23. Knew Mildred Withers, a Telephone Exchange Operator who lived in Bridge Street and who attended same Pottery Class in summer 1932. She knew him as ‘Awful Arthur.24’ Described as a ‘randy old geezer’ by Hodges’s niece Sylvia. once commented to Captain Mainwaring about the ‘extraordinary influence’ Sergeant Wilson had over women. Rumoured to have been involved at one time with the wife of a Share Pusher, the scandal being exposed by Mr Cheeseman of the Eastbourne

References 15 Dad’s Army script book 1974 16 17 The Captain’s Car 18 Big Guns 19 tbc 20 Man and the Hour 21 Sgt Wilson’s Little Secret 22 Getting the Bird 23 Dad’s Army script book 1974 24 tbc 3 DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright Jimmy Perry & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather

Gazette, but apart from odd comment by Pike, we have very little information on this. Gave a rather emotive speech at Lance Corporal Jones’ wedding where he was best man, toasting the Matron-of-Honour (Mavis), saying how much love and affection she gave but did not get returned. In 1948 when Bank Manager at Frambourne, a Miss Rosemary Perkins who worked in the Bank, possibly as his Secretary, (See separate file on R. Perkins), appeared to have a strong crush on her boss and would have done anything for him. Nowadays she would have been classed as a stalker. One lady who did not fancy Arthur was Mrs Briggs of the Friends of Frambourne Pier Association in 1948 who thought he was too ‘airy-fairy’ for her25.

PREVIOUS MILITARY SERVICE: Served during WW1, first as a Sergeant in the Royal Artillery, later being commissioned in the Middlesex Regiment, a fact Captain Mainwaring was unaware of until he wore his WW1 uniform, at Mrs Pike’s insistence, at Lance Corporal Jones’ wedding. He saw action at Mons, Gallipolli and Paeschendale amongst others26. Known to have spent some time at Catterick.

DECORATIONS: Campaign Medals for the above mentioned actions.

PREVIOUS BACKGROUND: Brought up by his Nanny who used to tell him fairy stories, and teach him how to make mock-ups of rowing boats using chairs etc, on his parents rambling estate in Gloucestershire27. He should have joined the Indian Civil Service but failed his exams28. He then started working for his great uncle at his merchant bank in the City29. After the Great War, worked as an Assistant Clerk at the Weston-Super-Mare branch of Swallow’s Bank, being promoted to Chief Clerk at the Walmington Branch where he was working on the outbreak of WW2.

FAVOURITE PHRASES: ‘Do you think that’s wise Sir?’ ‘Would you mind falling in, in three, nice, neat, rows.’

AILMENTS: Sometimes wore monocle for weak right eye30. Anaemic31. Captain Mainwaring suspected Wilson may have had an alcohol problem, once calling him a drunkard. Suffered from rheumatism in right knee32. Once got caught astride a barbed wire fence by Private Sponge’s Sheep Farm - we can only guess at his injuries. According to Frank, he sustained a black eye from Mavis on one occasion after ‘having one over the eight’ and chasing her around the house. Had to attend dentist for attention to wisdom teeth33. In 1948 caught a severe cold, possibly due to his visits to Frambourne Pier. Also had a tooth fall out

References 25 It Sticks out Half a Mile 26 27 Dad’s Army Script book 1975 28 ibid 29 ibid 30 If the Cap Fits 31 When You’ve Got To Go 32 tbc 33 tbc

4 DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright Jimmy Perry & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather during a picnic with Miss Perkins that year34. Also in 1948, fainted in Harbour Authority Office in London35. Sometimes got a bit light headed after a few drinks. Claimed heart started pounding when people were rude to him. According to Mavis once had trouble with his chest after some manoeuvres36. Sustained slight head injury whilst trying to sneak into Captain Mainwaring’s Air Raid shelter in the garden to exchange Captain Mainwaring’s boots for a smaller size37. On one occasion had a bad headache at work made worse by Frank Pike’s pen nib making a noise as he made up the Bank ledgers.

PETS: None known. Once turned up for rehearsals for a ‘Wings for Victory’ Campaign in which Captain Mainwaring was playing St George, with an Old English Sheep-dog, claiming every Knight used to have one, but there is nothing to indicate where he got it from38.

HOBBIES / SPORTS: Enjoyed listening to a little Noel Coward. Reading the Picture Post magazine. On the sporting front was Captain of the local cricket team39 and still a capable boxer despite his age, having learnt the noble art at school. Was once a fair rugby player. Was able to play the piano40. Member of the Walmington Golf Club but did not play. On going to Frambourne, joined the Golf Club there and started playing, becoming an ‘absolute natural’ despite getting confused with the rules of the game41. Was also a member of Frambourne Rotary Club. Did a bit of amateur dramatics in younger days, playing the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland in a school play42. Claimed to be good at Monopoly. Was asked by Rev Farthing after becoming ‘The Honourable’ whether he wished to be co-opted onto the Parochial Parish Council and to choose a crest for his own private pew43.

VEHICLES OWNED: Had a driving licence but did not own any vehicle. During the War was supposed to ride the platoon motorcycle, but had difficulty in mastering it. Thought motorcycles were ‘awfully noisy things.’ Despite lack of skill was in charge of ‘driving’ within the platoon44. Had a bicycle in early part of War.

CHARACTERISTICS: A laid back attitude to life, almost to the point of idleness, reflected in his failure to check the Platoon rifles frequently for cleanliness. On taking over as manager at Eastgate told staff he liked to work in a nice quiet relaxed kind of atmosphere. Always polite, even to the extent of asking Chief Warden Hodges to stand up before hitting him45. His politeness coupled with his laid back attitude sometimes gave the impression of incompetence. Had a dry sense of humour. Was a fluent French speaker46. Could not stand people being rude to him, nor people being miserable. Captain Mainwaring once doubted he had the

References 34 It Sticks Out Half a Mile 35 It Sticks Out Half a Mile 36 tbc 37 Boots, Boots, Boots 38 Knights of Madness 39 40 41 It Sticks Out Half a Mile 42 tbc 43 The Honourable Man 44 ibid 45 High Finance 46 The Captain’s Car 5 DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright Jimmy Perry & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather stomach for a fight against the Germans, his suspicions being no doubt strengthened by catching Wilson listening to the Vicar’s radio in his office, which was tuned to a German station47.

ECCENTRICITIES: Tended to mother and mollycoddle Frank Pike (if he hadn’t he would have been in trouble with Mavis), and it seems he used to tell him bedtime stories when he was younger.48 Would not lend his gold fountain pen to anyone. This was a 21st Birthday present from his friends (ironically he did lend it to Hodges of all people in 1948). Probably felt he was the steadying influence on the excesses of an over enthusiastic Captain Mainwaring. of whom he admitted never taking much notice of anyway. Was quite useless at anything practical, even to the extent of holding the stepladder whilst Mavis painted the ceiling.49 Mavis known to have said he couldn’t use a tin opener. Was a regular attendee at society do’s especially the annual Tramp’s Ball at St Paul’s in London.50 Often had the collar and cuffs undone on his Home Guard tunic. Would turn up for weekend camps with a suitcase and pyjamas. Always thought it was a good idea to keep the words to the absolute minimum. Captain Mainwaring believed that Wilson was a slacker and a shambles, had a ‘Blimp mentality’, and thought he was decadent when he found he used eau de Cologne (but only at weekends)51. Also described him as ‘Peter Pan’ and thought Wilson was jealous of him.

FURTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: Wilson’s frequent reminiscences about his upper class upbringing, and time at Public School was a constant source of irritation to Captain Mainwaring. When Arthur became the Honourable and was invited to join the Golf Club, after Captain Mainwaring had been trying to get in there for years, his envy knew no bounds. Wilson’s comment of “I believe they’re awfully particular” did not help matters. Once described as a ‘Capitalist Lackey’ by a serving lady in the British Restaurant when he failed to take away his dirty plates52. Captain Mainwaring once thought Wilson was a sycophant, and along with a few others was quite suspicious of just what Wilson’s relationship with Frank Pike was, strongly suspecting they were more closely related than was being acknowledged, especially when Wilson revealed Frank used to call him ‘Daddy’ when he was a little boy. After Frank’s short lived engagement to Violet Gibbons he advised him he was very wise not to be getting married53. He once accused Mavis of mollycoddling Frank too much. Once played a Nazi Officer in a Home Guard Training Film. When in Walmington, had sat on various boards including the Military Hardship Committee54, and was a regular blood donor, before becoming anaemic55. He enjoyed tete-a-tete suppers once a year with Mavis Pike on the anniversary of their meeting. Claimed to Mavis he was awfully fond of veal and ham pie. Claimed he liked fresh baby carrots with home made steak and kidney. Jam roly-poly was his favourite sweet but by 1948 he was finding Mavis’ too heavy for him56. On taking over his own Branch at Eastgate was told by Mr West that he would have had his own

References 47 tbc 48 tbc 49 Getting the Bird 50 Wake Up, Walmington 51 Come In,, Your Time is Up 52 A Brush with the Law 53 War Dance 54 The Loneliness of the Long Distance Walker 55 When You’ve Got to Go 56 It Sticks Out Half a Mile 6 DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright Jimmy Perry & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather branch years ago if it had not been for Mr Mainwaring. Despite working in a Bank, claimed he did not like asking strangers for money and also that he was never very good at figures. Cigarette smoker. Believed the Platoon going on Weekend Efficiency Tests was courting disaster. Thought the platoon should not vandalise the Town Hall clock, despite it being German made and there was a German Pilot dangling from it. Known to lie on Mavis’ settee with his muddy boots on57. When he was promoted to second Lieutenant he let Captain Mainwaring know that Captain Square was very impressed with what he (Wilson) had done with the Platoon! Map Reading could have been as bad as Captain Mainwaring’s the platoon finishing up outside a country house when they should have been in Walmington High Street. Sometimes drank Port, but by 1948 was drinking Gin and Tonics. When Commissioned into Home Guard bought uniform items at Bloxham’s in Eastbourne58. Admitted he did not know Morse Code. In early days of Home Guard wore his late father’s suit for Home Guard training. It would appear that he went to London in uniform with Mavis and Frank on VJ Day, and, contrary to Hodges’ experience on that day, was kissed by all the girls59. May have been one of the very few people to have actually met Mrs Mainwaring whom he considered as ‘a bit odd’ and difficult to describe.

POST WAR: In 1947 Arthur was made Manager at the Frambourne-on-Sea Branch of Swallow Bank, moving there with Mrs Pike with Frank joining him later. He was on the local Council, and in 1948 became involved with Frank and Ex-Chief Warden Hodges in a business scheme to buy Frambourne Pier (see File on Frambourne Pier). On first arriving in Frambourne found lodgings with a Gloria Smith who was an attractive widow. During his time in Frambourne he was constantly being chased by Miss Perkins from the Bank who had a strong crush on him. Wilson was still alive in 1968 and attended the Walmington ‘I’m Backing Britain’ Dinner in Walmington60.

POSTSCRIPT: In a Dad’s Army Documentary broadcast by the BBC on 28th of May 2000, stated that after all the Dad’s Army programmes were recorded, David Croft had told him that was Sergeant Wilson’s son.

References 57 The Love of Three Oranges 58 tbc 59 It Sticks Out Half a Mile 60 The Man and the Hour 7