Originally Posted by
Ninthace
When I was alive we had the ranks if Flt Lt and Flt Lt (W). Then they disappeared although I don't recall it being an issue. These days, when I apply for car insurance, when I give my title a Dr, the next question is always M or F? Why is the latter acceptable when the former isn't any more?
It was so much simpler to use the (W) after a rank when arranging accommodation etc for a detachment. When this rank distinction ceased then it became necessary for the "booking cell" to have another means of not making an inappropriate room share.