David Croft has died at the age of 89.
The famed writer and producer, who was behind BBC comedy classics including Dad's Army and 'Allo 'Allo!, passed away in his sleep at his home in Portugal on Tuesday (27Sep11).
A statement from his family reads, "The family of comedy legend David Croft OBE are sad to report that David died peacefully in his sleep at his house in Portugal earlier today.
"He was a truly great man, who will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing and loving him. We know that he would have been proud that you had all been watching."
Croft's career began in the army after he enlisted during World War II and his experiences in the military went on to provide much of his inspiration for popular sitcoms Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum, which were written with collaborator Jimmy Perry.
He was also behind shows including 'Allo 'Allo!, Hi-de-Hi, Are You Being Served and its 1990s spin-off Grace and Favour.
Croft retired from work at Britain's BBC in 1993 and he was made an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II in 1978 for his services to television.
He was also honoured with the 1981 Desmond Davis award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for his contributions to the entertainment industry.