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

Section 1 : Main Characters : Private Frank Pike

CHARACTER: Frank Pike

PLAYED BY: (All TV and 64 Radio Episodes. Also in all 13x Episodes of ‘It Sticks Out Half a Mile’).

FULL NAME: Frank Pike

NICKNAME: Pikey

ADDRESS: Number 20, (Road not known), Walmington-on-Sea After war moved to Frambourne-on-Sea with Mother and Uncle Arthur. No address currently known (interior seen in ‘When You’ve Got to Go’).

TELEPHONE NUMBER: Not currently known for Walmington but was definitely on the phone. In Frambourne number was Frambourne 742.

DATE & PLACE OF BIRTH: 1923 in Weston-Super-Mare

BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Tallish gangly youth, medium build, Brylcreemed black hair, slightly baby faced and with a simpleness in his high pitched voice. Height about 6’1” Described on one occasion by Captain Ogilvy of the Highland Regiment as puny looking for his age and round shouldered. Believed once he looked like Ronald Coleman, the film star of that time even to the extent of crayoning a black moustache above his lip. Told by Sylvia he looked like Robert Taylor, another film star. She also told him he had eyebrows like Tyrone Power.

HOME GUARD RANK: Private, but was promoted briefly to Lance Corporal by Captain Frazer when he was running the platoon, as he thought Pike had hidden qualities of drive, tenacity and leadership. On seeing Pike wearing his stripe Lance Corporal Jones burst into tears. Was disappointed not to be made Sergeant along with the rest of the platoon. Was the platoon’s Official Runner, and was appointed ‘Information Officer’ on formation of LDV. once, incredibly, thought Pike was of NCO potential. This only lasted a few moments, however, until he realised Pike had put the wrong day’s plan in the bank for air raids into operation in front of Mr West, an Inspector from Head Office. Was going to join the proposed Home Guard Commando unit but could not find HQ when he went for his interview. Stood in as tea boy when Godfrey was ‘blacked’ for being a conscientious objector.

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

CIVILIAN / DAYTIME JOB: Bank Clerk, Spent a very brief time as Chief Clerk. Post War: Trainee Deputy Assistant Under Manager at Woolworth’s (Ironmongery). Also spent some time on toy counter In 1948 became joint owner of Frambourne Pier with Ex-Chief Air Raid Warden Hodges.

WORK ADDRESS: Swallow Bank, High Street, Walmington-on-Sea (Up to 1948) After war worked at Frambourne branch of Woolworth’s (No address known), then in Spring 1948 became involved with Uncle Arthur and Ex-Chief Warden Hodges in a venture to refurbish and re-open Frambourne Pier.

WORK TELEPHONE NUMBER: Not known for Bank or Woolworth’s. Number for Frambourne Pier was Frambourne 272.

EDUCATED AT: Presumably local schools in Walmington leaving in 1938

QUALIFICATIONS: School Certificate. Scout badges for Tenderfoot, Knots and Splices, Fire Making, First Aid and Elementary Tracking (used to be in Owl Patrol). Captain Mainwaring could not understand how he got his School Certificate.

KNOWN FAMILY / RELATIVES: Lived with Mother, Mavis, Father died when Frank was very young. Tended to look upon who virtually lived with Mavis, as Father, calling him Daddy in his younger days and Uncle Arthur as he grew up. Many people believed Sergeant Wilson to be more closely related to Frank than he would admit! Maternal Grandmother still alive in 1940. He also had an Auntie who lived in Scotland, his Uncle Arthur would let him call her on the bank’s phone, and mention was made by his Mother of his Uncle George - but we do not know if either was a relation of Mavis or her late husband. Possible Uncle George was a brother of Mavis as he suffered feet problems which she once said ran in the Family. Late Father was possibly a keen fisherman as Frank was known to wear his waders on exercise.

KNOWN ASSOCIATES: Barry Roberts - ex Boy Scout friend who was pack leader of Owl Patrol.

KNOWN ROMANTIC ENCOUNTERS: In early days of Home Guard, went out with Violet Gibbons an ATS girl, former Woolworth’s assistant and fish shop worker, who was disapproved of by Captain Mainwaring, and not known about by his Mother. Claimed to his Uncle Arthur that he wanted to shout, “I love Violet Gibbons” from the church tower. When he announced their engagement at a platoon dance, despite being advised not to, his Mother collapsed, and later threw a bucket of water over him. His next romance was with Ivy Samways, a very quietly spoken sweet shop assistant, (except when she was telling lies), whom he introduced to the Home Guard Women’s Section, but she later went off with a US GI. He also had a very short fling with Sylvia, the niece of Chief Warden Hodges, whose advances he seemed to reject, despite telling her he was going into the Secret Service, and that with girls he ‘played the field.’ When they ‘borrowed’ Captain Mainwaring’s open topped staff car to go to the pictures in Eastgate, it ran out of petrol. Frank had to push it all the way home. As they had been out all night, Hodges wanted them to marry, but Sylvia would 2 DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright Jimmy Perry & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather have none of it, calling him a ‘Soppy boy’. Claimed Miss Beckworth (Local Guide Leader), told him about the Birds and Bees. In 1948 was going out with a girl called Avril Earnshaw who worked on fancy goods at Woolworth’s and whose Father owned a deckchair factory. Once he had negotiated a deal for discounted deckchairs for the Pier he dropped her. Unfortunate, as she was by all accounts good looking, being 21 with blonde hair and aspirations to be an actress.

PREVIOUS MILITARY SERVICE: None. Originally wanted to join the Navy, but went for an RAF Medical. (See also Ailments).

DECORATIONS: Previously mentioned Scout badges, which he wore on a parade where the platoon had been told to wear medals. He was told in no uncertain terms by Captain Mainwaring “get them off!”

PREVIOUS BACKGROUND: Moved from Weston-Super-Mare with Mother when Arthur Wilson got job as chief clerk at Swallow’s Walmington Bank. After leaving school got job as clerk in the bank. Thought putting up with Mainwaring and Wilson all day was preferable to working for Hodges in his Greengrocery or cutting meat for Mr Jones.

FAVOURITE PHRASES: ‘Uncle Arthur.‘ ‘Shoot him Captain Mainwaring.’ ‘I’ll tell Mum if you don’t Uncle Arthur.’

AILMENTS: According to his Mother, Frank had a weak chest and suffered from croup. As he could ‘catch his death’ he had to wear his scarf at all times even in uniform, much to Captain Mainwaring’s annoyance. He also suffered from hay fever, often giving the impression that he was a soppy boy who was crying for no reason. He was similarly affected by onions. Even felt ill when licking tape to put on windows in May 1940. For a while had some form of nervous twitch in his face which his Mother put down to his age. Also had weak ankles and sensitive feet, (as did his Uncle George). Got cramp if stood still for a long time. Captain Mainwaring mentioned at least once that he thought the boy was retarded, (as did Sylvia). Also suffered from vertigo, (according to Mother, got dizzy standing on a chair), and had a fear of electricity, despite one of his hobbies. Could get seasick easily, even on the calm local River Walm. Was sick when Captain Mainwaring gave demonstration of how to decapitate a German using cheese wire. (He didn’t like cheese). Suffered injuries to his posterior when he got caught on barbed wire by the shore. Sustained facial injuries when tackling some Irishmen in the Church Hall. Also suffered from very sensitive skin, which according to Sergeant Wilson ‘runs in the family.’ When pressed by Captain Mainwaring he rapidly clarified that it was Frank’s family! Sustained a red raw shoulder during a log race. (Carrying a telegraph pole). Mother banned him from using public telephones in case he got mastiffs (mastoids?) in his ears. She also forbade him from buying aniseed balls in case they broke his teeth. Despite all the foregoing, Frank passed his RAF Medical, the doctor saying there was nothing wrong with him, which good food, fresh air and exercise wouldn’t cure, much to his Mother’s annoyance. It was discovered shortly afterwards, however, that he had an extremely rare blood group and the RAF turned him down. Believed he would go blind if he drank sea water, despite this he had originally wanted to join the Navy, but his Mother thought he was too delicate. Claimed greasy food brought him out in spots. Was sick after a 9d lunch with Lance Corporal Jones at the Roseberry(?) Cafe in Eastgate. Once got his head stuck in gate railings showing Lance Corporal Jones how he had done the same thing to annoy his mother when a youngster (about 12 years of age), after 3 DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright Jimmy Perry & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather she wouldn’t buy him a bar of chocolate. Unfortunately his head had grown a bit since, but at least he didn’t get thumped by his Mother on the second occasion! Suffered from sinus trouble, which his mother tried to cure by putting a hot water bottle on his face. Almost choked on a gobstopper when younger, his Uncle Arthur having to slap him hard on the back to dislodge it. Sustained scratching to legs in 1948 from a cat called Satan. Still having chest problems in 1948 as claimed his Mother was still rubbing goose fat on it for him! Claimed he was scared of dark and had to sleep with a light on.

PETS: Had a white mouse at one time, which he offered as a platoon mascot. May have had a cat in the house, as once referred to his Mother throwing water over it. Like Godfrey, did not get on with dogs. May also have kept goldfish.

HOBBIES / SPORTS: DIY Electronics (built his own radio set). Reading Practical Wireless and listening to radio - especially Hi Gang and Happidrome. Visiting cinema - claimed Joan Blondell was his favourite actress. Reading comics, mainly it would seem, The Hotspur, which was then passed to Lance Corporal Jones. Also known to read the Beano. In 1940 claimed he played football on Saturday afternoons but this may have been an excuse not to go shooting at the ranges. Unable to swim. Fishing - used the camouflage net off his steel helmet as a net. Had a good aim with bow and arrow. May also have collected stamps.

VEHICLES OWNED: No vehicle owned. Believed to have a provisional driving licence, but wartime fuel rationing meant he was unable to sit his test. Could drive a train (or so he claimed!). Even claimed he could fly a plane. Was keen to ride the platoon motorcycle. Had a bicycle in earlier days of war, which his Mother did not like him leaving in the street.

CHARACTERISTICS: Still had a lot of growing up to do. Had a youthful but naive enthusiasm for his Home Guard duties, often unable to accept everyday realities. Had a generous streak, sometimes offering to share his sweet ration, which he normally took in hundreds and thousands.

ECCENTRICITIES: Had a habit of sucking his thumb, which he was still doing in 1948! Even at 18 was still taking his teddy bear Mr Snuggly, without whom he claimed he could not get to sleep, on manoeuvres. On exercise once wanted his Uncle Arthur to tell him a story as he did when Frank was younger. Unable to separate film fantasy from fact. Always wore a scarf when in uniform. Liable to put pens in top pocket. Had a dislike of bathroom tap water. Thought removing dead mice from traps was being brave. Had a liking for bananas. Claimed he did not like showing his legs, nor people looking at him whilst undressing. Possible Mother still washed his hair for him, even at 18 years old as he once commented she kept a towel over his eyes whilst doing so. Likely she still cut his toe nails for him as well. He also mentioned that his Mother would not let him go to bed without washing his hands and cleaning his teeth.

FURTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: Being the youngest in the Home Guard platoon, Frank Pike was often the one to get soaked, climb makeshift ladders and do the other unpleasant tasks for which the others were too old. He once complained that in one 24 Hour Period he had been soaked to the skin three times, been scared out of 4 DAlcop Dad’s Army copyright Jimmy Perry & David Croft. File compilations copyright Gordon Brodie & Christopher Leather his wits, nearly torn to pieces and had to walk around naked. Due to his simplicity and inexperience, disaster often followed in his wake, and hardly a week went by without Captain Mainwaring having cause to refer to him as ‘You Stupid Boy.’ His most alarming experience must have been when he almost drowned in a bog near Sponge’s Farm. Fortunately the platoon were on hand to pull him out. He was a very enthusiastic member of the Home Guard but was unable to separate fact from fantasy with the amount of Hollywood Gangster Movies he would go and watch. This even extended to him coming on parade carrying a violin case, and referring to the new Tommy Gun as a ‘Chicago Piano.’ His room had pictures of various film stars on its walls, and amongst the untidiness on the floor were discarded comics and old toys. Had a moment of glory when he played a Nazi Officer in a Home Guard training film and he was able to practice his strutting and swaggering. His biggest embarrassment was undoubtedly his Mother, who would think nothing of charging into the Church Hall and berating Captain Mainwaring for allowing Frank to be out all night catching his death, even bringing him in a white scarf to wear one night. Despite all his molly- coddling of Frank, Sergeant Wilson was often on the end of her tongue as well. Much to Mr Mainwaring’s annoyance, once wrote to a competition in the Hotspur saying how they had checked 11 Pubs whilst on patrol looking for German Parachutists. Could not understand why he never heard Uncle Arthur leaving at night or coming back to the house in the morning! Known to lean over the banister to listen to his Mother and Uncle Arthur arguing. Mother would not allow him to wear anything that had not been aired. Liked blue gobstoppers. Liked fish and chips and let platoon give him a fish and chip supper on the pretence that he was still joining the RAF. Only after he had got his fish and chips did he tell them he had been turned down a couple of days previously due to his rare blood group. Unable to hold his beer, getting drunk easily, and claimed after War he never touched alcohol as it made him silly in the afternoon. Had never seen Nuns’legs. Admitted in 1948 that he did not know what ladies’ bustles were. Known to have dressed in a Santaoutfit on Christmas Day 1940 to help Lance Corporal Jones distribute suet and sausages at the Darby &Joan Club. Caused chaos during a demonstration of a remote controlled experimental wheel packed with 2000lbs of explosive when he switched on the wireless he had hidden in the platoon van and it caused the wheel’s remote control system to go haywire. Only seen smoking much later in his Home Guard career,but was seen accepting a cigarette from . When he took a cigarette once offered by his Uncle Arthur, he let it fall into a box of Thunder flashes in the back of the car they were sat in. Liked Bananas and cream squeezing through his teeth. Got thumped by his Mother when he suggested at a meeting that they send Mrs Fox as a ‘Comfort for the Troops.’ Kissed his Mother in public for the first and only time (that is currently known) after Uncle Arthur’s emotional speech toasting the Matron-of-Honour (Mavis) at Lance Corporal Jones’s Wedding. Known to have gone to London on VJ Day with his Mother and Uncle Arthur. Prior to War spent holidays with Mother and Uncle Arthur at Middleton, and was given a rubber dinghy for his 12th Birthday. Once worked out that being allowed 6” of water daily for a bath, this was 42” per week, but if he had a bath twice a week using 15” of water each time he would save 12” of water. Who said he was a stupid boy? Thought Sergeant Wilson was more frightened of his Mother (Mrs Pike) than he was of Captain Mainwaring. Once played a squander bug, wearing a costume his Mother made. The Vicar raised a few eyebrows at a meeting in the following year when he said he thought he looked ‘rather sweet,’ but on seeing him in the costume, thought he looked like a potato on two sticks. Played a Herald in a St George and the Dragon Tableau. Map reading was as bad, if not worse, than Captain Mainwaring’s as when sent to GHQ for an interview for the Home Guard Commando Unit he could not find GHQ. One of his tasks at the Bank was making up the ledgers. No firm address known but could have been to the North West of the Town as Frank once mentioned he had to pass Captain Mainwaring’s house to get to the Church Hall.

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

POST WAR: As already mentioned in various sections of this File, after the war, Frank moved with his Mother and Uncle Arthur to Frambourne-on-Sea where Arthur had been made manager at the local Swallow Bank branch. His Mother must have been losing the place a little, as she referred to him being 22 years old, but by 1948 he must have been at least 24/25 years old. By now his favourite food was toad-in-the-hole which his Mother did every Wednesday. He got a job at Woolworth’s claiming the striped trousers he had to wear at the Bank did not suit him, that he had no dedication to the Bank, did not miss banking, was fed up being an employee and that he fancied himself as a high powered tycoon. In Spring 1948 his chance came when he joined forces with ex-Chief Warden Hodges and embroiled Uncle Arthur in a scheme involving Frambourne Pier which stuck out ½ a mile into the sea. Between himself and Hodges they borrowed £5000 initially, blackmailing Arthur by threatening to tell his Mother about Gloria Smith, Arthur’s Landlady when he first went to Frambourne. They also virtually blackmailed Arthur into lending them a few more thousand later when costs were escalating. This venture appears to have failed, and Frank reputedly went back to Woolworth’s. When applying for the loan he claimed that he had the following assets: £1 17s 6d in Savings Stamps, £380 17s 3d in a Post Office savings account gaining 2½% Interest, and £28 under the mattress! Attended an ‘I’m Backing Britain’ dinner in Walmington in 1968..

POSTSCRIPT: In a Dad’s Army Documentary broadcast by the BBC on 28 of May 2000, Ian Lavender stated that after the Dad’s Army Programmes were finished, David Croft had told him that WAS Sergeant Wilson’s son. If this was the case, then Frank would have had a step-sister - Sergeant Wilson’s daughter (Lucy).

6