ARP Warden William Hodges

Chief ARP Warden William Hodges, nearly always referred to as "Hodges", is a fictional greengrocer and chief air raid warden portrayed by Bill Pertwee in the BBC television sitcom Dad's Army.

Personality

Hodges is Captain Mainwaring's main rival in Walmington-on-Sea. A greengrocer, following outbreak of war he has been given power as chief air-raid warden, signified by his white helmet, and power has gone to his head. He can be as pompous and officious as Mainwaring, but is more uncouth and coarse, antagonizing the Home Guard platoon, in particular Mainwaring, whom he calls "Napoleon". Mainwaring responds by referring to him as a "tradesman". This rivalry increased after he was forced to share the church hall with Mainwaring after his headquarters was bombed. Unlike Mainwaring, Hodges did fight in the First World War, where he learned to speak German as a prison guard ("Come In, Your Time Is Up") and developed a dislike of Americans ("My British Buddy"). In "The Recruit" it is revealed that Hodges is uncle to a Scots boy named Hamish (who calls him "Uncle Willie").

In "A Brush with the Law", Hodges and a warden believe they have caught Mainwaring with a light in his office one night (a violation of the blackout and a criminal offence). Hodges greets the discovery with the joyful words "I've got him" repeated over and over in near-hysterical manner. He and Captain Square, the greater of Mainwaring's enemies, proceed to see that the trial goes downhill from the start, Hodges telling Mainwaring he hopes "they give you a month". However, their attempts to have Mainwaring prosecuted are thwarted by Private Walker, who reminds Square of his own black-market whisky.

In "All is Safely Gathered In", Hodges agrees a truce with Mainwaring after a near-death experience with a bomb. He orders his ARP wardens to help the Home Guard gather in the harvest. Hodges is suddenly desperate to have Mainwaring's favour, and continually insists what a 'good man' the captain is, to the amusement of the platoon. However after they both become drunk on potato wine, the rivalry returns with Hodges branding Mainwaring "a drunken old snob".

Hodges views the Home Guard as ineffective old men and tries to take charge of important situations as an 'ARP matter' - however, as he also displays a cowardly streak, in any danger he is quick to transfer command back to Mainwaring and withdraw. In many episodes, Hodges, and his co-conspirator, the verger, try to sabotage the platoon's efforts, usually at the command of Captain Square. These include "Menace from the Deep", "We Know Our Onions", "Don't Forget the Diver", "Battle of the Giants" and "Gorilla Warfare". His feelings towards both Mainwaring and his wartime responsibilities were summed up in the episode "Time on my Hands":

"I hope you stay up there to let me enjoy this war in peace. Because I do enjoy this war. I've never enjoyed anything as much in all my life... And you! You always spoil it." - Hodges (shouting to Mainwaring, who is stuck up the town hall clock tower).

Hodges is disliked by the rest of the platoon, who whistle the theme to Laurel and Hardy when he appears. A number have a personal reason for their contempt. Wilson dislikes Hodges because of his advances on Mrs Pike (this led to Wilson punching Hodges in the face in "High Finance)", and Godfrey because of his attitude towards the elderly. In "Time On My Hands", after Hodges tells Mr Blewitt to shut up, the usually calm Godfrey tells Hodges he is a "rude, common and nasty fellow". Even Walker, seen doing business with Hodges at several points, threatens to give Hodges "a bunch of fives up the hooter" in "Uninvited Guests" after one insult too many towards the platoon. Even Pike who is usually not confrontational encourages Mainwaring to shoot Hodges on a flimsy excuse. He is also greatly disliked by the town in general. While he was aware of the platoon's hatred for him, he was shocked into tears when informed he was hated by townspeople.

In several episodes, Hodges refers to having "funny turns", which hints that his mental faculties are less than perfect. However, there are hidden talents, for example being a fine cricketer (The Test and Menace from the Deep), or speaking fluent German (Come in, Your Time is Up).

External links

• Dad's Army online tribute
• Dad's Army Appreciation Society