08/04/2024
The great Windsor Davies. "Move yerselves, move yerselves!"
Windsor Davies was a beloved British actor, best known for his role as the booming, no-nonsense Sergeant Major Williams in the classic sitcom *It Ain't Half Hot Mum*. His catchphrase, "Move yerselves, move yerselves!" became iconic, capturing the gruff but ultimately well-meaning nature of his character. The show, which ran from 1974 to 1981, was set during the final years of the British Raj in India and followed the misadventures of a group of soldiers in a Royal Artillery Concert Party.
Davies' portrayal of the loud, often intimidating but deeply funny Sergeant Major was a masterclass in comic timing and character acting. His Welsh accent, combined with his stern demeanour, made his character both memorable and endearing to viewers. Despite the tough exterior, there was a warmth to his performance that hinted at the affection his character had for the soldiers under his command, even if he showed it in the most gruff way possible.
Before his role in *It Ain't Half Hot Mum*, Davies had already established himself as a talented actor on both stage and screen, but it was this role that truly made him a household name. He went on to enjoy a successful career in television and film, including voicing the character of Sergeant Major Zero in the sci-fi puppet series *Terrahawks*.
Windsor Daviesâ ability to blend authority with humour made him a unique presence in British comedy, and his performances continue to be fondly remembered by fans of classic television.
