Dad's Army

Like every other town, Walmington-on-Sea is to have its War Weapons Week. The event is to be marked by a parade of all Auxiliary Services such as the Wardens, Auxiliary Fire Service, the nurses, the Rescue Squad and of course the Home Guard. The whole procession is to be led by the drum and bugle band of the Sea Scouts. Captain Mainwaring decides that the platoon should be led by a mascot.

The Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon come up with an ingenious plan to capture the windmill defended by the Eastgate platoon.

The most important item in the infantryman's equipment is his feet, and Captain Mainwaring is determined that all of his men will be well shod with hardy, battle-worthy feet. To this end, he starts a foot-hardening programme.

Private Pike loses his way in a minefield during night manoeuvres and has to be rescued by Sergeant Wilson.

Captain Mainwaring's men are sent to guard the local POW camp, but problems occur in keeping them on the right side of the fence.

The platoon forego a parade in Mainwaring's absence to compete in a darts match against the ARP wardens. When Mainwaring arrives back, he is appalled and orders Wilson to bring them back. But with two pints for the winners, the platoon are staying where they are.

Captain Mainwaring sets up an observation post in the lighthouse, thus providing ample opportunity for disaster.

An old comrade-in-arms dredges up the past and brings the glorious history of Corporal Jones into question.

It occurs to Captain Mainwaring that much of the valuable time of his unit is taken up with non-combatant activities such as button sewing, brass polishing and office duties. He discusses with Sergeant Wilson a scheme to recruit some women members to the platoon, thus releasing the men for their duties as front-line fighting troops. Jones introduces Mrs Fox, and Walker brings along his girlfriend. However, Mainwaring loses his heart to Mrs Gray, an attractive middle-aged widow and as a result, tongues begin to wag in Walmington-on-Sea.

Captain Mainwaring receives a challenge from the Chief Warden to play his platoon at cricket. A team is mustered including Sgt Wilson, who is something of an all-rounder. L/Cpl Jones volunteers to keep the wicket. But, unbeknownst to Mainwaring, the wardens have signed up EC Egan who, were it not for the war, would be bowling for England.

After a promotion, Wilson moves to Eastgate to be manager of their bank and joins their Home Guard at the rank of First Liuetenant. His new life does not last long, however, as the bank is bombed the day he arrives.

When the wardens' HQ is bombed, they have to share the church hall with the Home Guard, despite Captain Mainwaring's disapproval. The wardens are terribly disruptive and decide to start a fire since it is a bit draughty in the hall. Wilson suggests they put some salt on the fire. After it is lit the fire won't go out - causing even more mayhem.

The platoon goes on an exercise, where uncharacteristically Captain Mainwaring is lead astray and ends up inebriated. Only something genuinely heroic will restore his damaged reputation in the eyes of his men.