A member of my club insists on calling himself lieutenant-colonel, despite the fact that he is a retired bank manager, and held the rank only in the peacetime TA. This seems a bit pretentious to me, and has shades of Dad’s Army. What do you think?
Anonymoses from Anonywhere
I agree that it sounds un petit peu pretentious, indeed like Captain Mainwaring. Nevertheless, it is no small thing to have held the Queen’s commission, even in the Territorial Army. And Captain Mainwaring is an endearing little bully. If that is how your fellow clubman wishes to be styled, it is collegiate to follow his wishes. The rank is no longer strictly relevant once the former colonel has retired to manage a bank. But let us honour old soldiers and fellow clubmen, even when they are a bit vain. Lieutenants are formally addressed as Mr and Esquire, but captains and above can retain their ranks into civilian life if they wish.
PH
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Lieutenant-Commander J.H. McGivering, RN Reserve, retired, Brighton: “I use my rank only when writing to The Times, but if the old boy got to lieutenant- colonel he did well, and should use it if it is any comfort to him.”
Seton-Browne, Edinburgh: “As a retired regular officer, I have the greatest admiration for Territorial officers. To command a TA unit, they have to do the equivalent of two or three days work a week, on top of holding down a 9 to 5 job; much of it unpaid, but necessary if the administration and training of their units is to be successful. I believe they are fully entitled to use their rank outside their unit.”
Edward Green, Lichfield: “My late father-in-law was a former TA lieutenant-colonel and always styled himself ‘Mr’. However, against his wishes, he was always known as ‘colonel’ in his Hampshire village. Address your man as ‘colonel’ as he is entitled to use the rank, although many, like me, find the use of army ranks in retirement pretentious.”
Eileen Colston, Wezembeek-Oppem, Belgium: “Those in the military who have real leadership qualities tend to be those who make the least fuss about their rank. Those who parade their titles have usually already been promoted beyond their level of competence. Your correspondent should take comfort from this.”
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Readers are invited to send their responses to this week’s question by September 3. A selection will be printed in a fortnight.
I’ve just had a plain-coloured carpet fitted throughout my home. Next Sunday a party of friends is coming for lunch. In Japan visitors would remove their shoes. How can I get my friends to do the same without offending them? I have bought new slippers and socks for their convenience. Secondly, how do I hint that I would be grateful if they left their muddy dog at home?
Name and address withheld