It would seem that Indians preferred their caste system to ours, though if you are at the bottom of the heap what difference does it make? Talking of John Cleese, one recalls the sketch with the two Ronnies, culminating in Ronnie Corbett confiding that "I know my place". When I left the RAF it struck me that civilians expend much energy in disproving that, forever trying to demonstrate that they are as good as, or very likely better than, the next man. The advantage of Service life was that your rank spoke for itself (though not necessarily for your ability) and hence did not need to be forever flaunted (with the exception of SWOs and retired Majors ;-).
I recall the faded grandeur of the Grand Hotel Calcutta, but it seemed luxurious compared to the poverty out on the street which was literally home to many poor Indians.
Last edited by Chugalug2; 30th Apr 2012 at 08:06.
Reason: Only two Ronnies and I choose the wrong one!