Over the years that I used to visit my Mother in a village in deepest Dorset, I met most of her neighbours at various social functions. There was one very pleasant chap, who had no airs and graces, who was a retired General from a famous infantry regiment. He did not use his rank amongst his neighbours, but his much younger, second wife always referred to him as The General and was most insistent that all and sundry should use his rank when referring to him. As a consequence, she was known, behind her back, as Mrs. General!