Four men meet on a train at the start of a long journey. After a few minutes, one says; “We’ll be on this train for some hours so let’s introduce ourselves. I’m Percy Pendleton-Symthe, Brigadier retired, happily married, three sons- all barristers”. The second pipes up: “I’m Nigel Pumphry-Palmer, Brigadier retired, happily married, three sons – all doctors”. The third says; “Algernon Wetherspoon-Waterdale, Brigadier retired, happily married, three sons, all diplomats”.
A short silence ensues and the three look towards the fourth. After a moment he says:
“Bert Smiff – two ‘f’s, Lance corporal busted, ain’t never married, three sons: all Brigadiers”.