Private Godfrey

Private Charles Godfrey MM is a fictional Home Guard platoon member and retired shop assistant (Civil Service Stores) portrayed by Arnold Ridley on the BBC television sitcom Dad's Army. and in the 1971 Dad's Army film. He is portrayed by Michael Gambon in the 2016 Dad's Army film.

Personality

Godfrey was born in 1871, and is a gentle, mild-mannered and kindly old man, though more complex than at first evident. He is the only member of the platoon who has retired. In the episode "Branded" it becomes clear that he was a conscientious objector in the First World War, a revelation that initially makes him an outsider. However, after he saves Mainwaring's life, his sister reveals that, far from avoiding service, he earned the Military Medal during the Battle of the Somme, where he served with distinction as a stretcher bearer with the Royal Army Medical Corps, and heroically saved several men's lives (an accomplishment he plays down modestly). This led to him being appointed as First Aid supervisor of the platoon.Arnold Ridley actually served during the First World War with the Somerset Light Infantry, and fought in the Battle of the Somme where he was severely wounded. These injuries gave a practical reason for his role: it was much easier for Ridley to carry the first aid bag than a heavy rifle.