Alfred Hawthorne "Benny" Hill was called up in 1942, and began his service with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, serving three-and-a-half years in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. Driver/Mechanic, Benny Hill didn't arrive in Normandy until 1 September 1944. He was a searchlight operator for the Third Light Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Battery which landed at the Mulberry floating harbours. From there they were sent to Dunkirk where a pocket of 7,000 Germans had been bypassed. According to the Telegraph UK:

"Hill later transferred to the Combined Services Entertainment Division, stationed in Germany and began entertaining, ending up in the production 'Stars in Battledress'. "A Sergeant by the name of Harry Segal, who had been an old pro of the music halls since childhood spotted something that he liked about Benny's performance. He encouraged Benny to persevere and gave him confidence. During an outbreak of influenza, which had hit the unit, Segal ordered Benny out onto stage to do a solo act. Among the audience was Colonel Richard Stone, in charge of Combined Service Entertainment throughout Europe. After the war Stone became Benny's life-long friend and agent."

He later starred in the Benny Hill Show. It is noted Hill's father and grandfather both were circus clowns Alfred took on the name "Benny" after one of his favorite actors - Jack Benny.

"Courtesy of WWII uncovered original description and photo sourced by the following: BBC and the Telegraph UK (Fair Use Photos)