Odd things seen on the train
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Odd things seen on the train
I was travelling on Beardie's trainset to Euston yesterday afternoon and as I got up from my seat to start walking towards the front of the train so that I could make my connection, I glanced at the passenger behind me and saw a very ,very senior RAF officer in uniform . I didn't think that sevice personnel were allowed out in uniform and given his rank why wasn't he travelling in First Class?
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I was going to say that, still he got a seat unlike some politicians, did you ask him if he was off to some fancy dress do?
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We've been allowed out in uniform for years now. Although a VSO in Economy is a bit rare!
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Having done a bit of googling, I think that it was the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff. By a bit of judicious pre-booking first class tickets can be very cheap, and cheaper than a walk on standard fare.
I was going to be facetious and suggest politician or VSO when I saw the title, but fair play to him. Leadership by example, need more of it. That said, Bob is correct - it's largely a perception and image thing at heart. The rules say that First Class is now pretty much verboten, although I suspect that for VVSOs or on security grounds there may be exceptions. But the reason I cite image above all else is that IIRC, those same rules say First must be authorised by the someone equivalent to the PM or UN Sec Gen EVEN when CHEAPER than standard!
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Fair play to him and I wish I had realised he was sat behind me as I would have enjoyed the opportunity for a professional chat to make the journey more tolerable.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Even when issued a cattle class ticket I upgraded to first. After all tjhere is no excuse for travelling below your pay grade.
Govt policy is very clear. No MOD/Mil/wider CS personnel, under any circumstances are to travel first class rail. If you do, then expect to face disciplinary action.
First Class rail travel as a 'perk' went nearly 10 years ago as one of the first cuts of austerity regime.
First Class rail travel as a 'perk' went nearly 10 years ago as one of the first cuts of austerity regime.
Govt policy is very clear. No MOD/Mil/wider CS personnel, under any circumstances are to travel first class rail. If you do, then expect to face disciplinary action.
First Class rail travel as a 'perk' went nearly 10 years ago as one of the first cuts of austerity regime.
First Class rail travel as a 'perk' went nearly 10 years ago as one of the first cuts of austerity regime.
I didn't think that sevice personnel were allowed out in uniform
p.s. Recently had RAF march through our town with bayonets fixed and band playing.
Although, to be honest, the only time I've seen an RAF bayonet draw blood was when a colleague, polishing his for parade*, fell off his bunk and gave himself a handsome duelling scar across the forehead.
* No sniggering at the back!
Last edited by Basil; 15th Oct 2016 at 06:56.