I am sure the churches view was a major annoyance in your life at that time, but then it sometimes seems that the C of E's role is to change its mind whenever it suits!
I seem to recall the Queen is the head of the UK Church of England......Oh and the military too (which she supports). Maybe the chap you dealt with was trying to make amends for all the killing that was not only done in the name of Christianity, but in the name of the C of E.
It did always make me chuckle when trying to organise ATC events, that so many folks would turn down ALL cadets, but were happy to do anything for the scouts, an organisation not originally designed to be just somewhere to keep kids off the streets.
Sorry for going off thread.