![]() ![]() He is perhaps best known for his part in The Goon Show, an irreverent radio comedy full of nonsense and jollity, but many of us know his nonsense rhyme and poetry we were entertained with as children. Spike grew up as an ‘British army brat’ in Pune and Rangoon, and was educated at various Roman Catholic schools where he learned to play the cornet, cultivating his love for jazz.ĭuring a stint in the services in the 1930s and 40s, Milligan allegedly entertained the troops with his humour and playful nature, and reflected on his times there in his memoirs, Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall, Rommel, Gunner Who?, Monty: My Part in his Victory, among others. His father was serving in the British Indian Army so Florence gave birth to Spike while living in Ahmednagar, India. Spike died at the age of 83 and his tombstone inscription – ‘I told you I was ill’ – ensures that he will forever be remembered first and foremost as a comic genius.Spike (Terence Alan Milligan) was born on 16 April 1918 to parents Florence and Captain Leo Milligan. ![]() His poem ‘On the Ning Nang Nong’ was voted Britain’s funniest poem. A BBC poll voted him as the ‘funniest person of the last 1000 years’. Spike was awarded an honorary knighthood and CBE for his services to entertainment, and also the British Comedy Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award. It was performed on BBC radio in England, and later on Radio New Zealand’s Sunday morning children’s programme. His novels include Puckoon, and he produced seven volumes of war memoirs.īadjelly the Witch, which Spike wrote for his daughter Jane, was first published in 1973. He has written several story books and poetry for children. He is perhaps best known for creating, writing and performing the popular 1950s BBC Radio show The Goon Show. ![]() During his time in the army he joined the Bill Hall Trio and performed for the troops. When the Second World War (as Spike called it, the Adolf Hitler Show) began, he enlisted and served in the 56th Heavy Regiment as a signaller. ![]() The family lived in India and Rangoon (Yangon) before returning to Britain when Spike was twelve. Spike (Terence Alan) was born to British parents in India, where his father, an army captain, was stationed in Poona (Pune). His wild imagination and madcap humour had a timeless appeal that continues to delight audiences of all ages to this day. Spike Milligan (1918–2002) was a famous British comedian, poet, writer and musician. ![]()
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