How to lick the Germans? Dad’s Army stamps!

IT has been five decades since Captain Mainwaring and his creaky comrades first took up their broom handles to see off the threat of a Nazi invasion.

Now, the much-loved characters and catchphrases of Dad’s Army are to be immortalised on the nation’s stamps – including the most famous of all, Captain Mainwaring’s exasperated outburst to Private Pike: ‘You stupid boy!’

Pike, played by Ian Lavender, is the only surviving member of the original cast. He said the Royal Mail’s decision to mark the 50th anniversary of the first episode on BBC TV with a set of stamps was ‘unexpected’ and ‘overwhelming’.

He said: ‘When you’re young you may dream of many things but one never thinks there is a possibility of being on a stamp.’ The stamps will be available from June 26.

Who do you think you are kidding? Dad’s Army stars, clockwise from top left: Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Laurie as Frazer, Clive Dunn as Jones, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Wilson, Ian Lavender as Pike, Bill Pertwee as Chief Warden Hodges,...