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Dad's Army - S01E03 - Command Decision
 

Dad's Army season 1 episode 3

Command Decision

 
Capt Mainwaring worried about the lack of weapons gets a visit from a Capt Square an old soldier who offers to donate some guns from his collection providing that he can take command of the platoon. Mainwaring agrees until he sees the state of the guns.
 
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Dad's Army / S01E03 : Command Decision
Season 1, Episode 3 | Aired on August 14, 1968 | TV-PG | 30 min. | BBC One
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EPISODES
Season 1
Season 1
Season 1
Season 9
Season 8
Season 7
Season 6
Season 5
Season 4
Season 3
Season 2
Season 1
Specials
 
 
  • Dad's Army - Episode 1 - The Man and the Hour
    Episode 1
    The Man and the Hour
  • Dad's Army - Episode 2 - Museum Piece
    Episode 2
    Museum Piece
  • Dad's Army - Episode 3 - Command Decision
    Episode 3
    Command Decision
  • Dad's Army - Episode 4 - The Enemy Within the Gates
    Episode 4
    The Enemy Within the Gates
  • Dad's Army - Episode 5 - The Showing Up of Corporal Jones
    Episode 5
    The Showing Up of Corporal Jones
  • Dad's Army - Episode 6 - Shooting Pains
    Episode 6
    Shooting Pains

Dad's Army season 1 episode 3 Recap and FAQ

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Episode Summary

In this humorous and poignant episode, a British World War II Local Defence Volunteers (later the Home Guard) platoon grapples with the challenges of preparing for invasion without proper weapons or training. Under Captain Mainwaring's leadership, they navigate the absurdities of military bureaucracy, resource shortages, and outdated tactics with a blend of determination and comedic ineptitude. Their quest for rifles leads them to Colonel Square, who advocates for horse-mounted warfare, resulting in a farcical training session. Despite their struggles, the platoon's unwavering spirit and camaraderie highlight the civilian contribution to the war effort, blending comedy with a touching tribute to the Home Front's resilience.

Full Episode S01E03 Recap

### Introduction - The episode opens with a patriotic narration praising the efforts of the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV), soon to be known as the Home Guard, preparing to defend Britain against invasion. Despite the shortage of weapons, their resolve remains strong. ### Squad Formation Troubles - The LDV squad struggles with basic military formation, humorously failing to synchronize their "at ease" and "attention" commands. ### Weapon and Resource Scarcity - Conversations reveal the squad's resourcefulness in the face of equipment shortages, including improvised weapons and the humorous acquisition of a smart hat by one of the members. ### Muffler and Catapult Incidents - Pike's mother insists he wears a muffler to protect against the cold, leading to a debate about its appropriateness in uniform. Meanwhile, the squad debates the use of a catapult as a weapon. ### Unarmed Combat Training - The squad undergoes unarmed combat training, humorously navigating the instructions, including how to deal with an assailant wearing glasses or a gas mask. ### Missteps and Morale - Various comedic incidents, including a mishap with a bayonet and a mix-up involving cat food, highlight the challenges faced by the LDV in maintaining discipline and morale. ### Visit to Colonel Square - Captain Mainwaring decides to put the platoon under the command of Colonel Square to secure rifles, leading to a comedic encounter where the platoon is introduced to horse-mounted warfare as a superior tactic, despite their lack of readiness and the absurdity of the situation. ### Conclusion - The episode concludes with the platoon returning to their usual routine, still without rifles but having learned valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and the importance of improvisation in the face of adversity. They also transition from the LDV to the Home Guard, marking a new chapter in their service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV)?

The LDV, later known as the Home Guard, was a volunteer force established in Britain during World War II for defence against invasion.

Why do the characters in the episode lack proper weapons?

Due to shortages and logistical challenges during the war, the characters improvise with whatever materials they can find to prepare for enemy engagement.

What is the significance of the muffler in the episode?

The muffler represents the personal and home-front challenges faced by the volunteers, contrasting the seriousness of war with the mundane concerns of everyday life.

How do the characters approach unarmed combat training?

With a mix of seriousness and humor, they attempt to learn and apply techniques, even when faced with impractical scenarios like assailants wearing glasses or gas masks.

What does Colonel Square propose to improve the platoon?

Colonel Square suggests that the platoon adopt horse-mounted warfare, believing it to offer superior mobility and tactical advantages.

How does the platoon react to Colonel Square's methods?

The platoon is skeptical and finds his old-fashioned tactics both humorous and impractical, yet they go along with his plans in the hope of receiving rifles.

What are the main challenges faced by the platoon?

The platoon struggles with inadequate training, lack of equipment, and the need to balance their civilian lives with their duties as volunteers.

What lesson does Captain Mainwaring learn by the end of the episode?

Mainwaring learns the importance of leadership, the value of his men's trust, and the need to adapt and improvise in challenging situations.

What is the outcome of the platoon's visit to Colonel Square?

Despite their efforts and the comedic attempt at horse-mounted warfare, the platoon leaves without securing any rifles from Colonel Square.

How does the episode address the theme of civilian participation in wartime?

Through the comedic and earnest efforts of the platoon, the episode highlights the contributions and sacrifices of ordinary citizens in the broader context of war.

What is the significance of the transition from LDV to Home Guard?

The transition signifies a formal recognition and reorganization of the volunteer force, reflecting its importance in Britain's defense strategy.

How does the episode blend comedy with historical context?

By juxtaposing the volunteers' earnest preparations with their comedic mishaps, the episode reflects the human aspect of wartime volunteerism and the spirit of resilience.

What does the episode reveal about British society during World War II?

It showcases the determination, creativity, and camaraderie among citizens as they come together to defend their country, despite facing numerous challenges.

How do the volunteers manage their dual roles as civilians and defenders?

The characters navigate their responsibilities through a combination of dedication to duty and maintaining a sense of normalcy in their personal lives.

What is the overall message of the episode?

The episode conveys a message of perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of community involvement in facing national crises.

 
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