Richard Todd at 90


On the 11th June 2009 Richard Todd celebrated his 90th Birthday. A birthday party was held in his honour at Grantham House, near his home in Little Humby, in Lincolnshire. The celebrations were organised by a group of friends known as the ‘The Todd Squad’ and the evening was completed by a Lancaster Bomber flypast to honour the occasion.


To the ‘Whistling Arrows’ and many of the readers of this blog, he will always be Robin Hood, but the man is without doubt also one of the last true legends of British stage and screen, with 60 years in the business. He was the star of a long list of classic films, including The Hasty Heart, A Man Called Peter, The Dambusters and The Longest Day and was the first choice of author Ian Fleming to play James Bond in Dr. No ( a scheduling conflict gave the role to Sean Connery).


But what is sometimes forgotten is this successful actor’s distinguished military career. Dublin born ‘Toddy’ served as an officer in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and as a Paratrooper in the British 6th Airborne Division. As a member of the 7th (LI) Parachute Battalion, he was one of the first British officers to land in Normandy on D-Day and met up with Major John Howard on Pegasus Bridge. Bizarrely, Todd would later play Howard in the film The Longest Day (1962), with another actor portraying ‘Richard Todd!’
Speaking at Richard Todd’s 90th Birthday Party at Grantham House, Newark MP Patrick Mercer described him as one of the greatest living Englishmen.


I would certainly second that-and ask why this living legend has not been knighted? I think it is appalling that chat show hosts and pop stars are handed out titles like confetti-yet a national hero like Richard Todd is completely forgotten.


In the final scene of Walt Disney’s Story of Robin Hood, King Richard returns to England and knights Robin Hood, played by Richard Todd, for his heroic service to his country. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see this recreated from celluloid and see Britain’s modern day monarch, Queen Elizabeth II bestow at last what is rightfully owed to this true national hero.


What do you think?


To read more about Richard Todd please click on the Label Richard Todd below.

7 comments:

Clement Glen said...

Richard Todd at 90

Grantham House

One of the greatest living Englishman.

Adele Treskillard said...

That would be something else! You're right, Clement!

Smiles from Sherwood,

Adele : )

Azul MarĂ­a said...

I wish he could be voted or smthg, like if people sign a petition :P

Clement Glen said...

I just cannot beleive he has been neglected for so long-Adele.

I think you are right Azul Maria, a petition might be the only way, to get this hero the recognition he deserves.

Mike Giddens said...

Arise Sir Richard Todd, sounds perfect and very well earnd unlike some i could mention.

Gerry Margaret Ammons said...

Richard Todd has always been a knight in shining armour to me ! I've passionately adored him all my life......There'll never be another like our dearest Mr. Richard Todd ! Go gentle into that good night, sir !

Unknown said...

I am honoured that ny 2 brothwrs Ged and Ian McKnight were the chefs for Richard Todds 90th birthday and my mum who is 86 now got to meet her hero. I lost both my amazing chef brothers Nov 2015 and Mar 2016. My mum and my family were devestated. Maybe there still cooking for him in heaven xx