Bloodnok was based on the memories of Spike Milligan who remembered an old Colonel who used to come to their shows in Italy. The Bill Hall Trio (which Spike was a member of at the time) got friendly with him and also found he was notorious at missing his wallet every time he had to pay for a round of drinks and used to make up probably exaggerated stories of his military experiences. Spike has stated in his memoirs that one night they put the Colonel in the wings, and whenever it got quiet, the Colonel shouted "These boys were at Cassino you know!" This probably got the biggest laugh of the night so Spike brought the Colonel to the Stage to take the applause. Spike was in contact with him up until the Colonel died.