Jimmy Edwards(1920-1988)

He was educated at St Pauls Cathedral Choir School where he had to pass a singing examination for admittance. He became head boy. and won a scholarship to St Johns College Cambridge. At eighteen, he took up playing the trombone. He became a member of the Footlights Drama Club and was awarded an MA Degree.When war broke out, he joined the RAF and went to Canada for pilot training, after which he served in Africa and took part in the Arnhem invasion. On a return flight from dropping supplies, he was shot down and, with four wounded crew, crash landed. They were rescued by the Dutch resistance and returned to British lines. For his service he was awarded the DFC. He started work at London's Windmill Theatre during his demob leave. Following that, he started in the radio series 'Take It From Here' which ran for eleven years.Also during that time, he was frequently on the London stage, notably at the Adelphi Theatre in 'Take It From Us', 'London Laughs' and 'Talk of the Town, which spanned four years. He made his film debut in 'Trouble in the Air'. He lived on his farm in Sussex with his wife and had his trademark moustache insured for £10,000.