Captain George Mainwaring
Encyclopedia
Captain George Mainwaring (icon ) is the bank
manager
and Home Guard
platoon
commander portrayed by Arthur Lowe
on the BBC
television sitcom Dad's Army
, set in the fictional seaside
town of Walmington-on-Sea
during the Second World War. He has become widely accepted and regarded as a classic British comic character owing to both the popularity of Dad's Army and Lowe's portrayal of him in this show.
as the bank manager, and his status as Captain and commander of the local Home Guard volunteer unit. He believes in following rules and orders to sometimes ludicrous degrees. He is class
conscious and a snob
, considering himself middle class
and looking down on anyone he considers beneath him, which may be because he struggled to rise above his lower-middle class background. His pretensions stand in contrast to his sergeant, Arthur Wilson
, who is genuinely upper middle class. Mainwaring is often bitter about Wilson's having attended public school, believing it made him 'wet', while his own grammar school background is an attribute. Mainwaring is prudish and repressed, and can be judgemental about people who do not share his moral outlook.
Mainwaring's pomposity and snobbery work against him, as he is frequently dependent on those he considers beneath him, and his arrogance is frequently punctured by circumstance and the people around him, such as Wilson, his chief clerk at the bank and with whom he shares an antagonistic friendship, and Private Joe Walker
, a black-marketeer who interjects during Mainwaring's lectures with a quip or a sly revelation that Mainwaring is benefitting from underhanded deals. Mainwaring is particularly jealous of Wilson, who is more relaxed and charming and possesses combat experience that Mainwaring does not, and takes every opportunity to remind his sergeant who is the senior.
As a bank manager, he is efficient if ruthless and stingy; as a military commander he is barely competent, confused by the 24-hour clock
, and his plans result in chaos. Mainwaring has no combat experience, which causes tension with the other members of the Home Guard, particularly Wilson, who was a decorated Captain in the RA ( Mons, Galipolli) during the First World War. (During the Second World War, John Le Mesurier
who played Wilson, had been a captain while Arthur Lowe
was a sergeant major
). He did, however, serve in the army of occupation in France, "during the whole of 1919 — somebody had to clear up the mess." (He tried to enlist in 1914 but was rejected with poor eyesight; Arthur Lowe tried to enlist in the Merchant Navy prior to the Second World War but was also rejected with poor eyesight.)
Despite his shortcomings as a leader, Mainwaring considers himself an excellent military tactician. His height and background are frequently demonstrated to show a Napoleon Complex
, frequently referred to by his nemesis, ARP Warden Hodges. In one episode, 'A Soldier's Farewell', Mainwaring dreams he is Napoleon Bonaparte
, and is thwarted at the Battle of Waterloo
by a Duke of Wellington
resembling Arthur Wilson. His pomposity and conviction of his prowess see Mainwaring yearn to be in control of any situation, and he behaves in an arrogant manner; this is demonstrated by the first episode, in which he organised the Home Guard unit and appointed himself commanding officer despite lack of experience or qualifications (and had to wait until the episode "Room at the Bottom
" before he received his commission).
In Command Decision he was prepared to relinquish control so the platoon could gain rifles, arguing that defence of the country was more important than his ego. In addition he was prepared to "march in the ranks as Private Mainwaring" when he was briefly de-commissioned as he had never actually been made an officer, implying that he was merely overzealous rather than a control freak.
Mainwaring's patriotism
can lead to xenophobia
(he is not keen on the French
, the Russia
ns, the Americans
and the Germans
). Mainwaring often refers to Hitler
and the Germans as if he is leading his own personal war, insisting that "In fact I do wish he'd have a go - I'm spoiling for a fight" in Asleep in the Deep, regarding his desire in an air raid to get out of a bunker and face the attacking Germans (who are in planes and beyond his reach). Mainwaring's patriotism and eagerness to see combat blind him to follies or any British failings; whenever Wilson points out a rational if somewhat defeatist outcome to a scenario, Mainwaring's response is "I don't want to hear any of that sort of talk, Wilson." Mainwaring sees all regular British servicemen ("Our Boys") as exceptionally brave and resourceful, the Germans as inept and cowardly.
Mainwaring is not entirely unlikeable or unsympathetic; it is apparent several times that he devotes his energies to his Home Guard unit for a sense of comradeship and purpose lacking in other parts of his life, such as his career and marriage. On one occasion when his men spurned a parade
to play darts against the ARP
he expressed bewilderment, saying coming to the platoon is "the highlight of my day." It is frequently implied that he is trapped in a loveless and unhappy marriage to Elizabeth, his unseen
wife, who is domineering, neurotic, and withholding of affection. For example, in the 5th series episode If the Cap Fits...
Mainwaring reveals he learned to play the bagpipes on his honeymoon in Scotland
because "there was nothing else to do".
His bravery and courage cannot be denied: he is willing to endanger himself for his country and platoon, and is willing to take the risks that he orders his men to undertake. In one episode, The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage
, the platoon thought the Germans had invaded and Mainwaring, with his men, fought what they thought was the German army but turned out to be other members of the platoon. He also cleared bricks from a bombed-out corridor which could have fallen at any moment. Mainwaring insisted he work in the most dangerous position even though in drawing lots he had picked the safest (Asleep in the Deep). In "A Man of Action", Walmington-on-Sea is cut off when a bomb damages the railway and waterworks. Mainwaring imposes martial law
and takes power from the Mayor. Under his law people need permits to take a bath, and looters will be shot. He changed position when this power was taken from him by an official from GHQ, describing such an act and the imposition of martial law as "monstrous".
Mainwaring often claims to know something, only to be proven wrong almost immediately. Men under him, however, are mostly devoted to him. There are scenes in which Mainwaring is shown as kind-hearted, notably in his "brief encounter
" with Mrs Gray in Mum's Army
.
Dad's Army ends with the Second World War still in progress, Mainwaring giving Mrs Fox
away when she marries Corporal Jones
, because her own father is dead. There is hint as to Mainwaring's fortunes after the war. However, a proposed radio
sequel, It Sticks Out Half a Mile
, was to have featured Mainwaring returning to England having spent two years in Switzerland
supervising the manufacture of cuckoo clock
s, intending to renovate a decrepit pier, only to have to negotiate a loan with the local bank manager - Arthur Wilson (Arthur Lowe was to have starred, but only recorded a pilot episode before his death). The first episode of Dad's Army also shines light on Mainwaring's future; briefly set in the then-present day 1968, it features Mainwaring as guest-of-honour at the launch of Walmington-on-Sea's 'I'm Backing Britain
' campaign, where he is referred to by Wilson as a magistrate, alderman
, and chairman of the Rotary Club.
his most famous line, to Pike, on average a couple of times an episode.
"Is that you, Jones?" -
usually uttered when Jones has donned some outlandish disguise.
"I think you're entering the realms of fantasy here, Jones" -
Often his response to some of Corporal Jones' more fanciful plans or ideas
"Ah, just waiting to see who'd be the first one to spot that" -
whenever a member of the platoon makes a good suggestion that he's missed, or spots an obvious flaw in one of his plans
"Oh, there's no time for that sort of thing" Usually to Wilson
if his deputy is pointing out that permission ought to be obtained first.
"Hello...Elizabeth" - When answering the calls from his wife Elizabeth, in an almost sheepish and low voice.
"Don't be absurd" - Usually in response to a statement that contradicts Mainwaring's delicate British sensibilities.
"Come away Wilson" - Always in response to one of Hodge's tantrums.
"Let's not have any of that sort of talk here" - Whenever a member of the platoon makes a comment even slightly criticizing the British or a positive comment about the Germans.
"Good, good" - When told some bad or distressing news which he, at first, does not recognise or comprehend.
"This is war, you know!" - Usually spoken to a platoon member (usually Wilson or Godfrey) whenever an aspect about the war is trivialised.
"That's a typical shabby Nazi trick!"
"We're not savages, we're British!" - Mainwaring uses this remark when a member of the Platoon attempts some sort of vandalism or damage to achieve a goal. An example is in Menace from the Deep
where the Platoon are trapped on a pier overnight with no food. Mainwaring
makes the Platoon win the chocolate from a machine fairly when breaking the glass would allow them easy and convenient access to the only nutrition available to them.
"Stop talking in the ranks!" - said when Mainwaring wants silence.
town of Thetford
, where most of the TV series Dad's Army
was filmed. The statue features Captain Mainwaring sitting to attention on a simple bench in Home Guard uniform, with his swagger stick
across his knees. The statue is mounted at the end of a winding brick pathway with a Union Flag
patterned arrow head to reflect the opening credits of the TV series, and the sculpture has been designed so that members of the public can sit alongside Captain Mainwaring for the purpose of having their photo taken.
Bank
A bank is a financial institution that serves as a financial intermediary. The term "bank" may refer to one of several related types of entities:...
manager
Management
Management in all business and organizational activities is the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively...
and Home Guard
British Home Guard
The Home Guard was a defence organisation of the British Army during the Second World War...
platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
commander portrayed by Arthur Lowe
Arthur Lowe
Arthur Lowe was a BAFTA Award winning English actor. He was best known for playing Captain George Mainwaring in the popular British sitcom Dad's Army from 1968 until 1977.-Early life:...
on the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
television sitcom Dad's Army
Dad's Army
Dad's Army is a British sitcom about the Home Guard during the Second World War. It was written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft and broadcast on BBC television between 1968 and 1977. The series ran for 9 series and 80 episodes in total, plus a radio series, a feature film and a stage show...
, set in the fictional seaside
Seaside resort
A seaside resort is a resort, or resort town, located on the coast. Where a beach is the primary focus for tourists, it may be called a beach resort.- Overview :...
town of Walmington-on-Sea
Walmington-on-Sea
Walmington-on-Sea is a fictional seaside resort where the BBC Television sitcom, BBC radio series and film Dad's Army was based.Located on the channel coast of England in the county of Kent, the national "front line" following the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk during...
during the Second World War. He has become widely accepted and regarded as a classic British comic character owing to both the popularity of Dad's Army and Lowe's portrayal of him in this show.
Personality
Mainwaring is a pompous, blustering figure with overdeveloped sense of his importance, fuelled by his social status in Walmington-on-SeaWalmington-on-Sea
Walmington-on-Sea is a fictional seaside resort where the BBC Television sitcom, BBC radio series and film Dad's Army was based.Located on the channel coast of England in the county of Kent, the national "front line" following the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk during...
as the bank manager, and his status as Captain and commander of the local Home Guard volunteer unit. He believes in following rules and orders to sometimes ludicrous degrees. He is class
Social class
Social classes are economic or cultural arrangements of groups in society. Class is an essential object of analysis for sociologists, political scientists, economists, anthropologists and social historians. In the social sciences, social class is often discussed in terms of 'social stratification'...
conscious and a snob
Snob
A snob is someone who believes that some people are inherently inferior to him or her for any one of a variety of reasons, including real or supposed intellect, wealth, education, ancestry, taste, beauty, nationality, et cetera. Often, the form of snobbery reflects the snob's personal attributes...
, considering himself middle class
Middle class
The middle class is any class of people in the middle of a societal hierarchy. In Weberian socio-economic terms, the middle class is the broad group of people in contemporary society who fall socio-economically between the working class and upper class....
and looking down on anyone he considers beneath him, which may be because he struggled to rise above his lower-middle class background. His pretensions stand in contrast to his sergeant, Arthur Wilson
Sergeant Arthur Wilson
Sergeant The Honourable Arthur Wilson is a fictional Home Guard platoon sergeant and bank clerk portrayed by John Le Mesurier on the BBC television situation comedy Dad's Army....
, who is genuinely upper middle class. Mainwaring is often bitter about Wilson's having attended public school, believing it made him 'wet', while his own grammar school background is an attribute. Mainwaring is prudish and repressed, and can be judgemental about people who do not share his moral outlook.
Mainwaring's pomposity and snobbery work against him, as he is frequently dependent on those he considers beneath him, and his arrogance is frequently punctured by circumstance and the people around him, such as Wilson, his chief clerk at the bank and with whom he shares an antagonistic friendship, and Private Joe Walker
Private Joe Walker
Private Joe Walker is a fictional black market spiv and Home Guard platoon member portrayed by actor James Beck on the BBC television sitcom Dad's Army. James Beck died suddenly in 1973, and is featured in just under three-quarters of the episodes...
, a black-marketeer who interjects during Mainwaring's lectures with a quip or a sly revelation that Mainwaring is benefitting from underhanded deals. Mainwaring is particularly jealous of Wilson, who is more relaxed and charming and possesses combat experience that Mainwaring does not, and takes every opportunity to remind his sergeant who is the senior.
As a bank manager, he is efficient if ruthless and stingy; as a military commander he is barely competent, confused by the 24-hour clock
24-hour clock
The 24-hour clock is a convention of time keeping in which the day runs from midnight to midnight and is divided into 24 hours, indicated by the hours passed since midnight, from 0 to 23. This system is the most commonly used time notation in the world today...
, and his plans result in chaos. Mainwaring has no combat experience, which causes tension with the other members of the Home Guard, particularly Wilson, who was a decorated Captain in the RA ( Mons, Galipolli) during the First World War. (During the Second World War, John Le Mesurier
John Le Mesurier
John Le Mesurier was a BAFTA Award-winning English actor. He is most famous for his role as Sergeant Arthur Wilson in the popular 1970s BBC comedy Dad's Army.-Career:...
who played Wilson, had been a captain while Arthur Lowe
Arthur Lowe
Arthur Lowe was a BAFTA Award winning English actor. He was best known for playing Captain George Mainwaring in the popular British sitcom Dad's Army from 1968 until 1977.-Early life:...
was a sergeant major
Sergeant Major
Sergeants major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. In Commonwealth countries, Sergeants Major are usually appointments held by senior non-commissioned officers or warrant officers...
). He did, however, serve in the army of occupation in France, "during the whole of 1919 — somebody had to clear up the mess." (He tried to enlist in 1914 but was rejected with poor eyesight; Arthur Lowe tried to enlist in the Merchant Navy prior to the Second World War but was also rejected with poor eyesight.)
Despite his shortcomings as a leader, Mainwaring considers himself an excellent military tactician. His height and background are frequently demonstrated to show a Napoleon Complex
Napoleon complex
Napoleon complex is an informal term describing an alleged type of inferiority complex which is said to affect some people, especially men, who are short in stature. The term is also used more generally to describe people who are driven by a perceived handicap to overcompensate in other aspects of...
, frequently referred to by his nemesis, ARP Warden Hodges. In one episode, 'A Soldier's Farewell', Mainwaring dreams he is Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon I
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader during the latter stages of the French Revolution.As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 to 1815...
, and is thwarted at the Battle of Waterloo
Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo was fought on Sunday 18 June 1815 near Waterloo in present-day Belgium, then part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands...
by a Duke of Wellington
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington
Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, KG, GCB, GCH, PC, FRS , was an Irish-born British soldier and statesman, and one of the leading military and political figures of the 19th century...
resembling Arthur Wilson. His pomposity and conviction of his prowess see Mainwaring yearn to be in control of any situation, and he behaves in an arrogant manner; this is demonstrated by the first episode, in which he organised the Home Guard unit and appointed himself commanding officer despite lack of experience or qualifications (and had to wait until the episode "Room at the Bottom
Room at the Bottom
-Synopsis:Room at the Bottom is the 17th adapted radio episode of Dad's Army. The synopsis remains virtually unchanged from the TV episode, although there are a few minor changes in terms of actions performed by certain characters.-Plot:...
" before he received his commission).
In Command Decision he was prepared to relinquish control so the platoon could gain rifles, arguing that defence of the country was more important than his ego. In addition he was prepared to "march in the ranks as Private Mainwaring" when he was briefly de-commissioned as he had never actually been made an officer, implying that he was merely overzealous rather than a control freak.
Mainwaring's patriotism
Patriotism
Patriotism is a devotion to one's country, excluding differences caused by the dependencies of the term's meaning upon context, geography and philosophy...
can lead to xenophobia
Xenophobia
Xenophobia is defined as "an unreasonable fear of foreigners or strangers or of that which is foreign or strange". It comes from the Greek words ξένος , meaning "stranger," "foreigner" and φόβος , meaning "fear."...
(he is not keen on the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, the Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
ns, the Americans
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and the Germans
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
). Mainwaring often refers to Hitler
Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician and the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party , commonly referred to as the Nazi Party). He was Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945, and head of state from 1934 to 1945...
and the Germans as if he is leading his own personal war, insisting that "In fact I do wish he'd have a go - I'm spoiling for a fight" in Asleep in the Deep, regarding his desire in an air raid to get out of a bunker and face the attacking Germans (who are in planes and beyond his reach). Mainwaring's patriotism and eagerness to see combat blind him to follies or any British failings; whenever Wilson points out a rational if somewhat defeatist outcome to a scenario, Mainwaring's response is "I don't want to hear any of that sort of talk, Wilson." Mainwaring sees all regular British servicemen ("Our Boys") as exceptionally brave and resourceful, the Germans as inept and cowardly.
Mainwaring is not entirely unlikeable or unsympathetic; it is apparent several times that he devotes his energies to his Home Guard unit for a sense of comradeship and purpose lacking in other parts of his life, such as his career and marriage. On one occasion when his men spurned a parade
Parade (military)
A military parade is a formation of soldiers whose movement is restricted by close-order manouevering known as drilling or marching. The American usage is "formation or military review". The military parade is now mostly ceremonial, though soldiers from time immemorial up until the late 19th...
to play darts against the ARP
Air Raid Precautions
Air Raid Precautions was an organisation in the United Kingdom set up as an aid in the prelude to the Second World War dedicated to the protection of civilians from the danger of air-raids. It was created in 1924 as a response to the fears about the growing threat from the development of bomber...
he expressed bewilderment, saying coming to the platoon is "the highlight of my day." It is frequently implied that he is trapped in a loveless and unhappy marriage to Elizabeth, his unseen
Unseen character
In fiction, an unseen character is a character that is never directly observed by the audience but is only described by other characters. They are a common device in drama and have been called "triumphs of theatrical invention". They are continuing characters — characters who are currently in...
wife, who is domineering, neurotic, and withholding of affection. For example, in the 5th series episode If the Cap Fits...
If the Cap Fits...
"If the Cap Fits..." is the sixth episode of the fifth series of the British television sitcom Dad's Army that was originally transmitted on 10 November 1972.-Synopsis:...
Mainwaring reveals he learned to play the bagpipes on his honeymoon in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
because "there was nothing else to do".
His bravery and courage cannot be denied: he is willing to endanger himself for his country and platoon, and is willing to take the risks that he orders his men to undertake. In one episode, The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage
The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage
-TV episode:The Battle of Godfrey's Cottage is an episode in the British comedy series Dad's Army, which was originally transmitted on Saturday 8 March 1969.-Synopsis:...
, the platoon thought the Germans had invaded and Mainwaring, with his men, fought what they thought was the German army but turned out to be other members of the platoon. He also cleared bricks from a bombed-out corridor which could have fallen at any moment. Mainwaring insisted he work in the most dangerous position even though in drawing lots he had picked the safest (Asleep in the Deep). In "A Man of Action", Walmington-on-Sea is cut off when a bomb damages the railway and waterworks. Mainwaring imposes martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
and takes power from the Mayor. Under his law people need permits to take a bath, and looters will be shot. He changed position when this power was taken from him by an official from GHQ, describing such an act and the imposition of martial law as "monstrous".
Mainwaring often claims to know something, only to be proven wrong almost immediately. Men under him, however, are mostly devoted to him. There are scenes in which Mainwaring is shown as kind-hearted, notably in his "brief encounter
Brief Encounter
Brief Encounter is a 1945 British film directed by David Lean about the conventions of British suburban life, centring on a housewife for whom real love brings unexpectedly violent emotions. The film stars Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway and Joyce Carey...
" with Mrs Gray in Mum's Army
Mum's Army
Mum's Army is the ninth episode of the fourth series of the British comedy series Dad's Army that was originally transmitted on Friday 20 November 1970.-Synopsis:...
.
Dad's Army ends with the Second World War still in progress, Mainwaring giving Mrs Fox
Mrs Fox
Mrs Marcia Jones is a minor character, played by the actress Pamela Cundell in Dad's Army, a situation comedy depicting life in wartime England that ran between 1968 and 1977 on BBC TV...
away when she marries Corporal Jones
Lance-Corporal Jack Jones
Lance Corporal Jack Jones is a fictional Home Guard platoon lance-corporal, veteran of the British Empire and butcher portrayed by Clive Dunn in the BBC television sitcom Dad's Army...
, because her own father is dead. There is hint as to Mainwaring's fortunes after the war. However, a proposed radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
sequel, It Sticks Out Half a Mile
It Sticks Out Half a Mile
It Sticks Out Half a Mile was a BBC Radio sitcom created by Harold Snoad and Michael Knowles as a sequel to the television war sitcom Dad's Army, for which Snoad and Knowles had written radio adaptations.-The pilot:...
, was to have featured Mainwaring returning to England having spent two years in Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
supervising the manufacture of cuckoo clock
Cuckoo clock
A cuckoo clock is a clock, typically pendulum-regulated, that strikes the hours with a sound like a common cuckoo's call and typically has a mechanical cuckoo that emerges with each note...
s, intending to renovate a decrepit pier, only to have to negotiate a loan with the local bank manager - Arthur Wilson (Arthur Lowe was to have starred, but only recorded a pilot episode before his death). The first episode of Dad's Army also shines light on Mainwaring's future; briefly set in the then-present day 1968, it features Mainwaring as guest-of-honour at the launch of Walmington-on-Sea's 'I'm Backing Britain
I'm Backing Britain
I'm Backing Britain was a brief patriotic campaign aimed at boosting the British economy which flourished in early 1968. The campaign started spontaneously when five Surbiton secretaries volunteered to work an extra half an hour each day without pay in order to boost productivity, and urged others...
' campaign, where he is referred to by Wilson as a magistrate, alderman
Alderman
An alderman is a member of a municipal assembly or council in many jurisdictions founded upon English law. The term may be titular, denoting a high-ranking member of a borough or county council, a council member chosen by the elected members themselves rather than by popular vote, or a council...
, and chairman of the Rotary Club.
Catchphrases
"You stupid boy" -his most famous line, to Pike, on average a couple of times an episode.
"Is that you, Jones?" -
usually uttered when Jones has donned some outlandish disguise.
"I think you're entering the realms of fantasy here, Jones" -
Often his response to some of Corporal Jones' more fanciful plans or ideas
"Ah, just waiting to see who'd be the first one to spot that" -
whenever a member of the platoon makes a good suggestion that he's missed, or spots an obvious flaw in one of his plans
"Oh, there's no time for that sort of thing" Usually to Wilson
Sergeant Arthur Wilson
Sergeant The Honourable Arthur Wilson is a fictional Home Guard platoon sergeant and bank clerk portrayed by John Le Mesurier on the BBC television situation comedy Dad's Army....
if his deputy is pointing out that permission ought to be obtained first.
"Hello...Elizabeth" - When answering the calls from his wife Elizabeth, in an almost sheepish and low voice.
"Don't be absurd" - Usually in response to a statement that contradicts Mainwaring's delicate British sensibilities.
"Come away Wilson" - Always in response to one of Hodge's tantrums.
"Let's not have any of that sort of talk here" - Whenever a member of the platoon makes a comment even slightly criticizing the British or a positive comment about the Germans.
"Good, good" - When told some bad or distressing news which he, at first, does not recognise or comprehend.
"This is war, you know!" - Usually spoken to a platoon member (usually Wilson or Godfrey) whenever an aspect about the war is trivialised.
"That's a typical shabby Nazi trick!"
"We're not savages, we're British!" - Mainwaring uses this remark when a member of the Platoon attempts some sort of vandalism or damage to achieve a goal. An example is in Menace from the Deep
Menace from the Deep
"Menace from the Deep" is the tenth episode of the third series of the British comedy series Dad's Army that was originally transmitted on Thursday 13 November 1969.-Synopsis:...
where the Platoon are trapped on a pier overnight with no food. Mainwaring
Mainwaring
The surname Mainwaring , is an Anglo-Norman territorial surname deriving from "Mesnil Warin" , from the village of Le Mesnil Varin , now Saint-Paër, Normandy...
makes the Platoon win the chocolate from a machine fairly when breaking the glass would allow them easy and convenient access to the only nutrition available to them.
"Stop talking in the ranks!" - said when Mainwaring wants silence.
Tributes
In June 2010, a statue of Captain George Mainwaring was erected in the NorfolkNorfolk
Norfolk is a low-lying county in the East of England. It has borders with Lincolnshire to the west, Cambridgeshire to the west and southwest and Suffolk to the south. Its northern and eastern boundaries are the North Sea coast and to the north-west the county is bordered by The Wash. The county...
town of Thetford
Thetford
Thetford is a market town and civil parish in the Breckland district of Norfolk, England. It is on the A11 road between Norwich and London, just south of Thetford Forest. The civil parish, covering an area of , has a population of 21,588.-History:...
, where most of the TV series Dad's Army
Dad's Army
Dad's Army is a British sitcom about the Home Guard during the Second World War. It was written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft and broadcast on BBC television between 1968 and 1977. The series ran for 9 series and 80 episodes in total, plus a radio series, a feature film and a stage show...
was filmed. The statue features Captain Mainwaring sitting to attention on a simple bench in Home Guard uniform, with his swagger stick
Swagger stick
A swagger stick is a short stick or riding crop usually carried by a uniformed person as a symbol of authority. A swagger stick is shorter than a staff or cane, and is usually made from rattan.-History:...
across his knees. The statue is mounted at the end of a winding brick pathway with a Union Flag
Union Flag
The Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, is the flag of the United Kingdom. It retains an official or semi-official status in some Commonwealth Realms; for example, it is known as the Royal Union Flag in Canada. It is also used as an official flag in some of the smaller British overseas...
patterned arrow head to reflect the opening credits of the TV series, and the sculpture has been designed so that members of the public can sit alongside Captain Mainwaring for the purpose of having their photo taken.