Pike in Dad's Army

[sp1814]

Why wasn't Corporal Pike (played by Ian Lavender) overseas fighting? His character appeared to be in his 20s, and wasn't physically incapacitated...so why was he in the Home Guard with the older fellas?

[sandyRoe]

flat feet

[fbg40]

He was filming Dad's Army !!
FBG40 (Sorry)

[tonyav]

Dont tell him, Pike.

[marval]

lol @ tony

[treetops1]

He had a rare blood type.
http://en.wikipedia.o...ki/Private_Frank_Pike

[sir.prize]

Apparently Corporal Pike was aged 17 in the series; too young for conscription. The Home Guard does not have restricted age groups - young or old.

[woofgang]

There was one episode where he had his birthday and was going off to the army. Then he found out about his rare blood group and was told that he couldn't join the regular army. It doesn't make me a sad person to know that without looking it up.

[Walmington]

This is explained in the episode 'When You've Got To Go' from the 8th series. In the episode Private Pike (he only gets promoted very briefly in another episode) is called-up to the regular army. However, when his blood is tested it becomes apparent he has a very rare blood group and the army will not take him because he cannot be transfused if injured. I'm sure this story line was invented to explain the unlikely situation of a man in his 20s remaining in the home guard, though recent research has shown that, actually, this was very common. See http://www.walmington...uk/from-dads-to-lads/ for more background.

[thenry]

I think you have all the answers now. I thought it was flat feet and
I remember the episode where he was called up (I think they had a fish and chip supper) but remember "Don't tell 'em Pike !"

[mushroom25]

private walker was also called up. during that episode, he spent time jumping from a stepladder to give the impression of having flat feet.

but he needn't have bothered - he was discovered to be allergic to army rations, specifically corned beef.

[BayBoy1]

Corporal Pike ??????

[thenry]

Don't tell him Jones ! They don't like it up 'em you know !

[LoftyLottie]

My Dad was not overseas fighting. He was asthmatic. You can't always see disabilities. There were quite a few young men that were in a similar situation.