Dad's Army legends Captain Mainwaring, Corporal Pike and Private Godfrey are coming to the 2004 Biggin Hill International Air Fair. Reporter TIM ASHTON discovered just how it can be done ...

Jimmy Perry and David Croft created the classic BBC comedy in 1968 because they believed the role played by the Home Guard during the Second World War was in danger of being forgotten.

The show ended in 1977 but during a photo shoot of a Home Guard re-enactment by the Fort Newhaven Military Display Team in 1993, someone noticed an uncanny resemblance between re-enactor Ralph Harvey and Captain Mainwaring, thus the tribute group the Real' Dad's Army was born.

Group manager Richard Hunt said: "We felt we could fill a little of the gap left by the loss of the original television platoon so we decided to form a group of lookalikes and create a respectful homage to Dad's Army.

"Our first outing, at Tenterden Vintage Railway, was very well received so we honed our presentation into a form people would find entertaining."

The television comedy ran for nine successful years with 80 episodes, a feature film, radio shows and a West End stage show.

Ian Lavender, who played baby-faced Pike, is one of the few survivors and he now appears in Eastenders as Derek Harkinson.

Mr Hunt, who portrays the ultra-calm Sergeant Wilson, said: "We do the humorous drill sequences as seen in the television repeats but we are all fully proficient in British Army drills."

The Real' Dad's Army uses wigs, make-up, uniforms, equipment and weaponry to bring the dithering Corporal Jones and the sly Private Walker back to life.

The group are regulars at Portsmouth's D-Day Museum and they have appeared at the Goodwood Revival weekend. But their proudest moment so far was representing the Home Guard in this year's Lord Mayor's Show in London.

The Real' Dad's Army tribute will be in the 1940s village at the News Shopper sponsored 2004 Biggin Hill International Air Fair.

Who said that?

How well do you remember Dad's Army? Can you tell us whose catchphrases these were?

  • "Don't tell him your name, Pike"
  • "We're doomed"
  • "Would you mind awfully?"
  • "What are you up to, Napoleon?"
  • "They don't like it up em"
  • "My sister Dolly"
  • "You stupid boy"
  • "Don't panic, don't panic!"
  • "Do you think that's wise?"
  • "Ruddy hooligans!"

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