Long before Arthur Lowe became a national treasure as Captain Mainwaring in , he had a harrowing brush with death during . While stationed at Pembroke Dock in Wales, Lowe, who served as a radar technician with the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry, experienced one of the most terrifying moments of his life.

German bombers attacked the dock, with one bomb landing "virtually next door to his billet in the fort." Following the near-miss, Lowe later recalled, it was the closest he ever came to danger during the war, years before his acting career began.

The Victorian-era Old Defensible Barracks in Pembroke Dock, where Lowe was stationed, is now on the market for £500,000. Built between 1841 and 1846, the Grade II listed fort is steeped in history and offers a glimpse into Britain's military past.

It was originally constructed to house Royal Marines and later served as an RAF base for 30 years. Today, the sprawling site spans 47,797 square metres of internal space and sits on 4.47 acres of green land. However, the property is now abandoned and requires significant restoration.

The barracks were used strategically during both world wars. In the First World War, it served as a siege training school for Royal Artillerymen, while during World War II, it became Milford Haven headquarters and housed secret ammunition.

Evidence of this remains in unique features like a "hairdresser" storeroom that was repurposed to store weapons. The site's rich history has earned it Scheduled Ancient Monument status.

Despite its current state, the barracks retains its imposing charm. The stone, brick, and timber buildings feature slate roofs, and its architectural highlights include a substantial parade ground, gun sheds, and basement areas with cast-iron rails.

Stunning aerial photos show the scale of the property, with its overgrown plants and vines lending a post-apocalyptic feel. Inside, whitewashed walls and large windows flood the rooms with natural light.

A previous owner in the 1980s even sought permission to convert the barracks into a hotel. Beyond Lowe, the barracks has housed other significant figures, including Gordon of Khartoum, and various military regiments over the decades.

time at the barracks was not only defined by close calls but also by the beginnings of his passion for acting. While serving in the Middle East during the war, Lowe, who died age 66 in 1982, participated in shows for the troops, which ignited his interest in performance.

After leaving the Army as a Sergeant Major, he began his acting career, eventually starring in notable productions such as Coronation Street and The Avengers before finding fame in Dad's Army from 1968 to 1977.

The description for the listing states: "The barracks and associated buildings are full of character and details with a layout that presents well for renovation and conversion into residential property - whether hotel or individual dwellings.

"Famous residents of the barracks include Gordon of Khartoum, who was later deployed to join the fighting in Crimea, and Arthur Lowe, who played Captain Mainwaring in Dad's Army!"

The series began in 1968 and concluded in 1977. It aired over 80 episodes and became a huge hit, with viewers being watched regularly by 18 million people.