Clive Dunn

Remembered by Laurence Marcus

Clive Dunn, a name synonymous with both laughter and warmth, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Best remembered for his portrayal of the beloved character Corporal Jones in the iconic British sitcom Dad's Army, Dunn's legacy is one of joy, humour, and a lasting impression on British television. But his talent extended far beyond the small screen, and his life is a testament to the resilience, charm, and creativity that defined his career.

Born Robert Bertrum Dunn on 9 January 1920, in Brixton, London, Dunn, the son of actor parents, was educated at Sevenoaks School in Kent before leaving to study acting at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts which at that time was based in Lambs Conduit Street in Holborn, London. Whilst still studying he landed a small, uncredited role as a schoolboy watching a Rugby game in the 1935 Will Hay film Boys Will Be Boys.

With the outbreak of the Second World War, Dunn joined the Army and served as a trooper in the Hussars, and from December 1940 he served in the Middle East. In 1941, he saw active service, fighting a rearguard action at the Corinth Canal in Greece. He was one of 400 men who were taken prisoner of war and spent the next four years at a POW camp, an experience that undoubtedly shaped his understanding of camaraderie, bravery, and duty—qualities that would later inform his most famous role. But it wasn’t just his military background that shaped his career; it was also his natural gift for acting, which began to bloom in the post-war years when he joined the Theatre Royal in Bath. His early work in the theatre, in Rep, allowed him to develop the comedic timing and versatility that would define his later roles.

Dunn received one of his earliest notices in a review of Take It Easy, performed at St. Edmund’s Hall in Southwold in September 1952 when The Stage remarked: ‘With a lively and likeable personality, Clive Dunn is eminently suited to the show, which revolves smoothly and happily around his joyous sense of the comical.’

By this time, Dunn had already made his television debut, appearing in the BBC’s first 8-part adaptation of E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children in February 1951, which was broadcast as part of children’s programming, and followed that by his role in the first episode of a two-part adaptation of Nesbit’s Five Children and It, in June. That year he also appeared in a public information film, Surprise Attack, about controlling smallpox on behalf of the Ministry of Health. The short film also starred John Le Mesurier.

In 1952, Dunn joined the cast of the popular children’s programme Whirligig, and in 1954 he was reunited with Le Mesurier (and his wife, Hattie Jacques) when they appeared in all 6 episodes of Happy Holidays (a new serial for the summer holidays by Peter Ling) a programme that was shown on alternate Saturdays.

Between 1956 and 1957, Dunn appeared in twelve episodes of The Tony Hancock Show, a sketch-based comedy series that ran on ITV and was scripted mainly by Eric Sykes. Only six episodes remain in the archives. In 1957, he returned for the BBC’s second adaptation of The Railway Children. Still very much regarded as a children’s performer, Dunn appeared in a number of episodes of the magazine series Studio E (so named because it was broadcast from that studio at Lime Grove), and The Children’s Television Caravan, before breaking into adult comedy in October 1958 when he joined Michael Bentine and a host of other comedy performers (Frankie Howerd, Bernard Bresslaw and Tommy Cooper being just some of them), in a late-night sketch show titled (appropriately), After Hours. Resident singer was the young Shirley Bassey. Dick Lester produced the show. During this series, Dunn would sometimes appear as a doddery old man, a character that would become his trademark, especially when he appeared in the 1960 sitcom Bootsie and Snudge. Dunn was 38 when he appeared in the series as Henry Beerbohm Johnson, a bumbling and befuddled 83-year-old who believed that Snudge (Bill Fraser) was the reincarnation of Lord Kitchener. The series established Clive Dunn as an excellent exponent of comedic roles.

Also in 1960, Dunn joined Michael Bentine again for his hit comedy sketch series It’s a Square World, and went on tour with him for the stage review Don’t Shoot – We’re English!, which also featured Dick Emery and Frank Thornton. This later transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in London.

Dunn continued to split his time between theatre and television for much of the 1960s playing both comedic and dramatic roles, but it was his role in Dad's Army (1968-1977) that brought him national fame. His previous military service made him the most experienced member of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard, despite being one of the frailest. As Corporal Jones, the elderly but fiercely devoted member of the Home Guard, Dunn brought to life a character full of contradictions—boisterous, bumbling, yet somehow heroic. His portrayal of the character, with his catchphrases “Don’t panic!”, and “They Don’t Like It Up ‘Em”, and his seemingly boundless energy, captured the hearts of millions. At the age of 48, Dunn was among the younger actors in the Dad's Army cast when he portrayed the elderly butcher.

What made Corporal Jones such a memorable character—and what made Dunn’s performance so special—was the heart he brought to the role. Beneath the slapstick humour and comical antics, Dunn’s Jones was a man driven by a deep sense of loyalty and patriotism. His character’s unrelenting determination to serve his country, despite his age and physical limitations, became an embodiment of the spirit of the time. Dunn’s ability to evoke both laughter and tenderness in equal measure is what made him such a beloved figure.

In 1970, Dunn also enjoyed a brief musical career, releasing the song Grandad, which was specially written for him by Herbie Flowers.  The song became a chart-topping hit, further cementing Dunn’s place in British pop culture.

In 1974, Dunn took on the role of Sam Cobbett, a cantankerous, retired railwayman who is forced to move in with his daughter and son-in-law after his own house has been condemned, in the sitcom My Old Man. The role was originally created by Ronnie Barker as part of his Seven-of-One series, but Ronnie B was not available for a series as he was employed elsewhere with Porridge and Open All Hours. The part of Doris, Sam's daughter was played by Clive Dunn's real-life wife, Priscilla Morgan. In 1979, he appeared in his last TV series, Grandad, as Charlie Quick, the caretaker of a community hall. Although Dunn devised the series himself it had no connection with his 1970 song and did not use it as the theme tune.  

Beyond his professional achievements, Clive Dunn was a deeply warm and genuine person. Those who worked with him remembered him not just as a talented actor, but as a kind and thoughtful individual. His charm wasn’t confined to the screen—he had an easy way of connecting with others, and his laughter was infectious. His love for life and his work was evident to everyone who crossed his path.

Dunn’s influence extended beyond his time on screen. His portrayal of Corporal Jones, the bumbling but brave soldier, became a symbol of the resilience of the British people during challenging times. As a cultural figure, he transcended the role of just an actor and became a comforting presence in homes across the nation. In 1975, he was appointed an OBE by Queen Elizabeth.

Clive Dunn passed away at his home in Portugal on 6 November 2012, at the age of 92, but his legacy remains. His contributions to British television and entertainment are impossible to overstate, and his character, Corporal Jones, will forever be remembered as one of the greatest comedic creations in British television history. For those who grew up watching Dad’s Army, Clive Dunn is not just an actor; he is a cherished memory, a reminder of a time when television had the power to bring people together and make them laugh. His work lives on, and his spirit continues to brighten our memories.