David Battley

David Battley (5 November 1935 - 20 January 2003) was a British actor specialising in laconic, lugubrious comedy roles. The elder son of John Battley, post-WW2 Labour MP, David was born in Battersea, London. Born with a hole in the heart, he was initially taught at home before attending a special school. He later enrolled at Camberwell Art School but left before completing the course. He earned a living working for the family printing firm, Battley Brothers, before applying to Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Battley found steady work as a character actor and comic stooge. His TV work ranged from the satire show BBC-3 and the military police drama Redcap (1964), the 1975 TV adaptation of Moll Flanders, and the 1977 Christmas Special of The Good Life, as well as in episodes of such television serials as The Bill, Lovejoy, The Climber, Comrade Dad, Don't Rock the Boat, Roger Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Thicker Than Water, Crown Court, Annie's Bar, and As Time Goes By. His best-know