Channel Tunnel Shares in 1942

[John Upham]

During the "Battle of Godfrey's Cottage" episode of Dad's Army, Captain Mainwaring advises Mrs. Pike to sell her "Channel Tunnel shares".

I can find no evidence that channel tunnel shares were available for sale at that time or even prior to November 1987.

However, I expect I am completely wrong. Anyone with knowledge of this?

It is worth noting that the above episode was produced in 1969.

[Kevin Thurlow]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Tunnel

Agreement to build it was made in 1964, so it probably amused the writers to put that line (no pun intended) in the script.

I was impressed that the 1802 design suggested a mid-channel island to make it easier to change the horses!

[John Upham]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Tunnel
Agreement to build it was made in 1964, so it probably amused the writers to put that line (no pun intended) in the script.

Yes, this was also my conclusion Kevin.

[Mike Gunn]

Studies/plans/ pilot borings for a channel tunnel started in the nineteenth century. Between 1929 and 1960 there was a parliamentary Channel Tunnel Committee and an engineer from the "Channel Tunnel Company" served on this committee since the start. Although I have no other information about this company it seems it may have been possible to buy shares in the company during WW2. However, given the long term planning with nothing happening, the purchase of any shares in relation to a putative channel tunnel during this period would have been regarded as a joke, I think.

[David Gilbert]

Monday, 12 November 1928

Mr. THURTLE
Asked the Prime Minister whether the signature of the Kellogg Peace Pact has made any difference in the attitude of the Government towards the construction of a Channel tunnel?
The PRIME MINISTER
I am not prepared to re-open this question at the present time.
Mr. THURTLE
Is the Prime Minister aware that not only this country but the whole of Eastern Europe has now renounced war as a means of national policy, and in these circumstances will he explain why the Government have not the courage of their public professions by agreeing to this particular project?
The PRIME MINISTER
I do not think that it is a question of courage. It is perfectly obvious that there must follow on the signature of this Treaty a most careful consideration on the part of every signatory as to how it would affect their future policy. The Channel Tunnel is one of the questions which will have to be considered, and all I can say at the present time is that I have nothing to add to what I have already stated.

[John Upham]

and as everyone knows, the Prime Minister was Stanley Baldwin.

From the times when the UK used to have great statesmen.

[David Williams]

They don't like it, Upham.

[Gerard Killoran]

Sheffield Independent _ Friday 25 January 1929.png

[John Upham]

Thanks for the interesting newspaper item Gerard!

This will be of interest to Dad's Army fans (including myself) who have speculated if there were shares to purchase in 1942.

[Kevin Thurlow]

There may be another opportunity...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpw7dd78j5jo

It does link https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe ... y-60959704 which is dated 1st April 2022 though.