Many years ago when VC10 Captains required a ring of confidence and were acting Sqn Ldrs a Britannia crew were in transit to Changi and enjoying a cool beer in a certain Indian Ocean transit point. With the crew was their Squadron Wing Commander who on arriving had been informed he had been promoted to Group Captain with immediate effect. His crew mates decided he should wear the appropriate rank insignia and furnished him with a compilation of Flt Lt stripes to total the required 4 rings. On entering the refreshment area the VC10 Captain on seeing this rabble assumed they were all junior officers taking the michael over his half stripe, and made his views known quite clearly and loudly!
The following day a newly promoted Group Captain boarded a certain VC10 returning to the UK captained by one very sheepish acting Sqn Ldr flying the new boss of Transport Command home!!
Some people just have to open mouth before engaging brain.......