- Jimmy Edwards, DFC., flew a Dakota in WWII, an aircraft for which he retained a great affection. Indeed, he became reacquainted with the controls in a 1980s TV tribute to the RAF.
- Served as a Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, winning the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross).
- Stood unsuccessfully for Parliament as Conservative candidate for North Paddington.
- Son of mathematics professor R.W.K. Edwards. Educated at St. Paul's Cathedral Choir School and King's College School, Wimbledon. Graduated with an MA from St. John's College, Cambridge.
- Made his stage debut at the Windmill Theatre in London after World War II. Also acted on radio from 1947.
- He was a lifelong supporter of the Conservative Party.
- His hobbies were polo and fox hunting.
- He grew his ample moustache when an undergraduate at Cambridge. He had to shave it off when he joined the R.A.F, but was allowed to grow it again when he became a pilot officer. He lost it once more when it was burned off after his Dakota was shot down over Arnhem during World War II, but grew it again while in hospital, partly to hide the scars.
- A keen horseman he owned 4 Hunters and 6 Polo ponies.
- He was shot down at Arnhem.
- Unlike his familiar on-screen persona, the comedian was described as being mild-mannered.
- His father was a professor who taught at Kings College.
- Like his friend Eric Sykes he supported apartheid and Ian Smith's regime.
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