A never-aired 1991 episode of Only Fools and Horses, created exclusively for British soldiers during the Gulf War, captures the show's trademark humour and heartfelt support, remaining a treasured piece of wartime television history.
Only the most dedicated fans of Only Fools and Horses might be aware of a unique episode that never aired on UK television, yet holds a special place in the show's history. Created in 1991, this rare segment, titled "The Robin Flies at Dawn," was designed specifically for British troops stationed in the Persian Gulf during the Gulf War. The brief five-minute special was recorded at RAF Strike Command in High Wycombe and was exclusively broadcast to service members far from home.
In this one-off episode, the beloved characters—Del Boy, Rodney, and Uncle Albert—bring a message of camaraderie and support to the troops. Del Boy, played by David Jason, is seen holding a folder labelled "Top Secret" while addressing the soldiers from what is pretended to be a covert location in southern England. However, in true comedic style, Rodney inadvertently reveals their actual filming location—High Wycombe, lighting up the segment with their signature charm.
The production was a labour of love, with the entire cast and crew volunteering their time to create a piece that was light-hearted yet meaningful. John Sullivan, the show's creator and writer, was present on set overseeing the project. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked, "It was great fun, and after we finished filming, they laid on a buffet for us." This informal, home-movie-style shoot was completed in just one day, capturing the spontaneous spirit that Only Fools and Horses is known for.
Del Boy's antics continue throughout the episode as he unveils a modified version of the iconic Reliant Regal van, now decked out in camouflage and proudly displaying a Union Jack, complete with a mounted machine gun. This tongue-in-cheek suggestion that the van could serve as a secret weapon against Saddam Hussein's forces highlights the mix of humour and heartfelt sentiment intended for the troops. As the episode concludes, it delivers a touching message of appreciation and solidarity for the soldiers and their families.
Although never aired in the UK, this special remains historically significant and can be viewed at the Imperial War Museum in London. Its exclusivity has only added to its allure among fans of the show, further cementing Only Fools and Horses as more than just a sitcom; it is a cherished cultural phenomenon that engages even during times of adversity.
Today, the legacy of this rare episode continues to evoke nostalgia among fans, showcasing how comedy can serve as a vital link to soldiers facing the isolation of conflict. The episode not only entertains but also embodies the spirit of support and gratitude, reminding viewers of the sacrifices made by those in uniform.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents a unique episode of *Only Fools and Horses* titled 'The Robin Flies at Dawn', filmed in 1990 for British troops during the Gulf War. This content is not widely known and has not been previously published, indicating high originality. The earliest known publication date for this specific content is June 9, 2025. The narrative includes updated information about the episode's filming location in High Wycombe, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([bucks.radio](https://www.bucks.radio/news/i-didnt-know-that/unseen-only-fools-and-horses-episode-was-filmed-in-high-wycombe/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes a direct quote from John Sullivan: 'It was great fun, and after we finished filming, they laid on a buffet for us.' This quote is sourced from the book *Only Fools and Horses – The Official Inside Story*. No earlier instances of this exact quote were found, suggesting it is original to this narrative. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Robin_Flies_at_Dawn?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from MyLondon, a regional news outlet. While it is a known source, it is not as widely recognised as national outlets like the BBC or Reuters. The information about the episode being filmed in High Wycombe is corroborated by other reputable sources, such as Bucks Radio. ([bucks.radio](https://www.bucks.radio/news/i-didnt-know-that/unseen-only-fools-and-horses-episode-was-filmed-in-high-wycombe/?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative's claims about the episode's filming location and its content are plausible and align with known facts. The inclusion of updated information about the filming location in High Wycombe adds credibility. The tone and language are consistent with the topic and region, and there are no excessive or off-topic details.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents original and plausible information about the 'The Robin Flies at Dawn' episode of *Only Fools and Horses*, with corroborated details and a consistent tone. The inclusion of updated information about the filming location in High Wycombe adds credibility.
