Mrs Bloggs 'At Home' Etiquette/Protocols
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I remember many years ago on a nav refresher courseit started with the ice breaker - "I am Tom" - "I am Joe" etc until we came to the Wg Cdr "I am Wg Cdr W***". What do we call you then asked the Course Commander - "Sir will do."
Then, while a refreshed nav student, he insisted on logging all his flying as Captain, even when flying as 2nd Nav and not authed as pilot. He argues that as an kipper fleet captain with hundreds of thousands of hours he should be captain.
While he was a reasonable bloke in the bar he as also a w*nk*r of the first order.
Then, while a refreshed nav student, he insisted on logging all his flying as Captain, even when flying as 2nd Nav and not authed as pilot. He argues that as an kipper fleet captain with hundreds of thousands of hours he should be captain.
While he was a reasonable bloke in the bar he as also a w*nk*r of the first order.
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All this talk of etiquette reminds me of the 'Country House Week-end Party' story. A young blade, at the gathering, is invited into the bed of the host's daughter and spends a blistering night of passion with her. The next morning, at breakfast, she cuts him dead. Confused and hurt he asks her, at the first opportunity, why? ''Young man'' she replies, ''I do not converse, in public, with gentlemen to whom I have not been formally introduced.''
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Brian the Nav:
Just to clear up the lady's confusion Brian, I Googled the event as having been there flying the Command Herc that dropped the marker party, I couldn't remember the details apart from the number drowned:
"On the night of the 11th September 1974, The 15th Battalion (V) and 4th Battalion (V) of the Parachute Regiment had the rare privilege of being part of the biggest United Kingdom Joint Airborne Task Force deployment of the year along with the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment as part of 16 Parachute Brigade group, on Exercise Bold Guard. This was a large-scale NATO exercise involving UK, German and Danish Forces.
It involved parachuting at night on a drop zone bounded in the north by the Kiel Canal.
The airlift from the UK comprised of 35 Hercules Aircraft (C130’s) carrying around 600 troops and their heavy drop vehicles.
Owing to a freak temperature inversion the winds at between 800feet and 600feet changed direction, causing 16 of the Parachute Regiment soldiers to land in the canal, causing the death by drowning of 6 Paratroopers.
On the 27th June 1975. A large rock with a brass plaque, flanked by six trees was consecrated on the bank of the Kiel Canal in memory of the six soldiers who had died on that tragic night on the 11th September 1974.
Sadly, the German Army DZ safety officer took his own life the following night.
Bob O.
Just to clear up the lady's confusion Brian, I Googled the event as having been there flying the Command Herc that dropped the marker party, I couldn't remember the details apart from the number drowned:
"On the night of the 11th September 1974, The 15th Battalion (V) and 4th Battalion (V) of the Parachute Regiment had the rare privilege of being part of the biggest United Kingdom Joint Airborne Task Force deployment of the year along with the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment as part of 16 Parachute Brigade group, on Exercise Bold Guard. This was a large-scale NATO exercise involving UK, German and Danish Forces.
It involved parachuting at night on a drop zone bounded in the north by the Kiel Canal.
The airlift from the UK comprised of 35 Hercules Aircraft (C130’s) carrying around 600 troops and their heavy drop vehicles.
Owing to a freak temperature inversion the winds at between 800feet and 600feet changed direction, causing 16 of the Parachute Regiment soldiers to land in the canal, causing the death by drowning of 6 Paratroopers.
On the 27th June 1975. A large rock with a brass plaque, flanked by six trees was consecrated on the bank of the Kiel Canal in memory of the six soldiers who had died on that tragic night on the 11th September 1974.
Sadly, the German Army DZ safety officer took his own life the following night.
Bob O.
Kiel Canal
Thanks Bob, That's even better as both MisMike and I left the mob in late '73. Memory playing tricks again: I had assumed it happened on the first 33 ship exercise in '72.
If I see the lady again,and having just moved from Wilts to Herefordshire it's less likely,I'll tell her I have a cast-iron defence.
I've remembered another little gem about that particular Mrs Colonel; she used to come and ride Anne's( my better half) horse and at first was most put out that we hadn't tacked him up for her, muttering"'when B***n was CO of the battalion in Germany one of the men always got my horse ready for me". We soon disabused her of that idea.
A few weeks of resting the yard broom against her car also got the message through that she had to sweep away the dollops that fell during tacking-up, not this lowly ex-Flt Lt.
Sadly she and said Colonel, of the matinee idol good looks, have now parted - fancy your chances anyone?
Brian W
If I see the lady again,and having just moved from Wilts to Herefordshire it's less likely,I'll tell her I have a cast-iron defence.
I've remembered another little gem about that particular Mrs Colonel; she used to come and ride Anne's( my better half) horse and at first was most put out that we hadn't tacked him up for her, muttering"'when B***n was CO of the battalion in Germany one of the men always got my horse ready for me". We soon disabused her of that idea.
A few weeks of resting the yard broom against her car also got the message through that she had to sweep away the dollops that fell during tacking-up, not this lowly ex-Flt Lt.
Sadly she and said Colonel, of the matinee idol good looks, have now parted - fancy your chances anyone?
Brian W
Gentleman Aviator
Old-D
... I fear you disappoint me again.
As I'm sure you well know, unless of course the lovely Penelope Emeritus was the daughter of an Earl (or more senior peer) she would be Lady Emeritus, or, more formally, Penelope, Lady Emeritus.
Many make the mistake, even the individuals concerned (accidentally of course
). I do know of a retired 4* who wrote to his (about) 3 or 4 time successor in post noting "your staff seem to continue wrongly describing your wife in official correspondence!" 
Good drills methinks ......
and wouldn't your Headmaster say "Call me Patrick!"
Sir Fred and Lady Penelope Emeritus.
As I'm sure you well know, unless of course the lovely Penelope Emeritus was the daughter of an Earl (or more senior peer) she would be Lady Emeritus, or, more formally, Penelope, Lady Emeritus.
Many make the mistake, even the individuals concerned (accidentally of course
). I do know of a retired 4* who wrote to his (about) 3 or 4 time successor in post noting "your staff seem to continue wrongly describing your wife in official correspondence!" Good drills methinks ......
and wouldn't your Headmaster say "Call me Patrick!"
Absolutely Correct........
............. Teeteringhead,
I should have refreshed my memory but my Debrett's "Correct Form" is missing from its place on the bookshelf
However, my gaff is small in comparison to that (actually 'Those') made at a well known RAF station in the south of our homeland.
At a big ceremony (middle ranked Royal on parade) several things happened, not including the gates not being opened until 20 minutes after calling time, thereby ensuring the road outside said base was gridlocked.
First, the seating cards had "Air Marshal The Lord 'X' and the next chair? - "Mrs 'X'".
HM's Lord Lieutenant was unescorted (and largely ignored by the unit's brass).
Despite being contacted by the unit but a day or so before, another 3* and his lady were missed off the seating plan.
The 'Royal' was not announced and it was left to the keynote speaker to introduce himself and acknowledge the presence of the Royal - followed by a frantic scramble for seats!
A line of squadron standards being paraded were ignored by many (in uniform) who passed them.
To cap it all, the Royal's microphone was not switched on (nor was any attempt made to do so) and his speech was nothing but a silent moving of the lips (it would be in poor taste to suggest this might not have been a bad thing)
All in all not a good show!!
The saving grace was that the gang of mates I was with - having not been invited to dine - decamped to a very nice pub nearby and had a most enjoyable get together.
AND ........... on your second tack - yes - the Headmaster is happy to be called by his first name, if I could only remember what it is
O-D
I should have refreshed my memory but my Debrett's "Correct Form" is missing from its place on the bookshelf
However, my gaff is small in comparison to that (actually 'Those') made at a well known RAF station in the south of our homeland.At a big ceremony (middle ranked Royal on parade) several things happened, not including the gates not being opened until 20 minutes after calling time, thereby ensuring the road outside said base was gridlocked.
First, the seating cards had "Air Marshal The Lord 'X' and the next chair? - "Mrs 'X'".
HM's Lord Lieutenant was unescorted (and largely ignored by the unit's brass).
Despite being contacted by the unit but a day or so before, another 3* and his lady were missed off the seating plan.
The 'Royal' was not announced and it was left to the keynote speaker to introduce himself and acknowledge the presence of the Royal - followed by a frantic scramble for seats!
A line of squadron standards being paraded were ignored by many (in uniform) who passed them.
To cap it all, the Royal's microphone was not switched on (nor was any attempt made to do so) and his speech was nothing but a silent moving of the lips (it would be in poor taste to suggest this might not have been a bad thing)
All in all not a good show!!
The saving grace was that the gang of mates I was with - having not been invited to dine - decamped to a very nice pub nearby and had a most enjoyable get together.
AND ........... on your second tack - yes - the Headmaster is happy to be called by his first name, if I could only remember what it is
O-D
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On a return to my home town to visit my parents I chanced upon a former teacher in the market. As I approached him I realised that I didn't know him as anything but "Bubbles". Fortunately "Sir" is an acceptable form of address for one's former schoolmasters.
And of course he responded with "Oh don't be so formal. Call me Alan"
And of course he responded with "Oh don't be so formal. Call me Alan"
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Hang on a minute chaps
It's all very well (and rather fun) to hear about dreadful social faux pas (translation for the brown types = cOck-ups) that one can commit at such gatherings. But just maybe ..??? ... perhaps Mrs Bloggs is one of the down to earth 'seen it all, done it all' kind of Army wives who aren't fazed by anything and is actually rather fun to know? Albeit that she may stick with formal 'At Home' invitations because she knows no other way?
I well remember a CFS visit to our humble VGS and the wife of the boss trapper (a Wg Cdr IIRC) standing on a rainy windswept threshold and asking if transport could be provided to take her to the loo back in the HQ building.
Answer: "Of course, as soon as the next retrive truck gets back to the caravan. Which will be in 5-7 minutes time."
Her: "Oh sod waiting I'll just go and squat in the bushes as usual." And, IIRC, stood her shout for beers in the bar after close of play. Top lady
CS
I well remember a CFS visit to our humble VGS and the wife of the boss trapper (a Wg Cdr IIRC) standing on a rainy windswept threshold and asking if transport could be provided to take her to the loo back in the HQ building.
Answer: "Of course, as soon as the next retrive truck gets back to the caravan. Which will be in 5-7 minutes time."
Her: "Oh sod waiting I'll just go and squat in the bushes as usual." And, IIRC, stood her shout for beers in the bar after close of play. Top lady
CS
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perhaps Mrs Bloggs is one of the down to earth 'seen it all, done it all' kind of Army wives who aren't fazed by anything and is actually rather fun to know?
Philrigger.
Explanation
P Navigator,
Apologies for not replying to your post 312. Yes, he is called Patrick.
Teeteringhead, believes he knows me and that I don't know him and so he likes to tease me from time to time through this forum - hence his comment about the head of the school where I help out. I shall cuff him smartly about the ears when next he comes into my line of sight. Damn young whippersnapper!!!
Anyway ppruners, only a week to go before all hell breaks loose in darkest Hampshire!! Let's hope it doesn't get snowed off.
O-D
Apologies for not replying to your post 312. Yes, he is called Patrick.
Teeteringhead, believes he knows me and that I don't know him and so he likes to tease me from time to time through this forum - hence his comment about the head of the school where I help out. I shall cuff him smartly about the ears when next he comes into my line of sight. Damn young whippersnapper!!!
Anyway ppruners, only a week to go before all hell breaks loose in darkest Hampshire!! Let's hope it doesn't get snowed off.
O-D
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cargosales
Just remember that Mrs Bloggs is the wife of a mere Colonel in a village where there are TWO Generals so she is going to be very particular not to let her husband down in the circumstances and we have not had confirmation one way or the other from MM whether he is a full Colonel or a Lt one
Mrs Bloggs may well be fun to know as you suggest but Army ranks etc will ensure she is going to do everything just so! She will not be squatting in the bushes that day.
I trust that MM coming from the ranks will be suitably deferential if he meets the Generals assumimg they have been invited and attend
Just remember that Mrs Bloggs is the wife of a mere Colonel in a village where there are TWO Generals so she is going to be very particular not to let her husband down in the circumstances and we have not had confirmation one way or the other from MM whether he is a full Colonel or a Lt one
Mrs Bloggs may well be fun to know as you suggest but Army ranks etc will ensure she is going to do everything just so! She will not be squatting in the bushes that day.
I trust that MM coming from the ranks will be suitably deferential if he meets the Generals assumimg they have been invited and attend
Last edited by thegypsy; 27th Nov 2010 at 19:35.
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I trust that MM has been made fully aware of the need to diarise just precisely who was present at the event, in correct order of military rankings (forgetting no-one of serious importance)... and that the precise outfits worn by the senior officers wives, have to be noted in fine detail as well.
Then MM has to ensure that this information is conveyed with alacrity to the journalist responsible for the social pages of the most important publication in the area.
His invitations to future events of great social importance will be guaranteed, particularly if he makes note, that the hostess looking stunning in her flounced taffeta frock.
Newspaper Article
Then MM has to ensure that this information is conveyed with alacrity to the journalist responsible for the social pages of the most important publication in the area.
His invitations to future events of great social importance will be guaranteed, particularly if he makes note, that the hostess looking stunning in her flounced taffeta frock.
Newspaper Article
Quick thread drift!
Well done Wallabies in hammering France last night 59-16.. It was 13-13 all at half time and then the Wallabies scored 46 pts in 30 mins..
(And for OneTrack - they wore gold coloured rugby shirts and green shorts in case you're wondering!)
And now back to our regular programming.
Well done Wallabies in hammering France last night 59-16..
It was 13-13 all at half time and then the Wallabies scored 46 pts in 30 mins..(And for OneTrack - they wore gold coloured rugby shirts and green shorts in case you're wondering!)
And now back to our regular programming.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
As I said earlier in the thread, MM, as a jockstrapper, had better mug up on the recent sporting results for next weekend.
How important are multi-barrelled names in today's social order? MM might want to check how many hypenated surnames are attending this bash.
The paper's seem to be full of double-barrelled names , especially in the 'Births' columns, where the benefit-supported mite who has just arrived, has parents who haven't saw fit to legitimise the birth cos it ain't cool innit. So, double-barrels are out as they are getting so.....common (excluding, of course, the distinguished members of this forum who's background is beyond question as well as those who's title starts with 'Sir'). Whereas there are far fewer triple and quadruple-barrelled names around and which still signify a certain level of aristocracy. A certain, well known explorer has a triple-barrelled moniker and he's a baronet to boot!
A good starting point to assess the local pecking order perhaps?
The paper's seem to be full of double-barrelled names , especially in the 'Births' columns, where the benefit-supported mite who has just arrived, has parents who haven't saw fit to legitimise the birth cos it ain't cool innit. So, double-barrels are out as they are getting so.....common (excluding, of course, the distinguished members of this forum who's background is beyond question as well as those who's title starts with 'Sir'). Whereas there are far fewer triple and quadruple-barrelled names around and which still signify a certain level of aristocracy. A certain, well known explorer has a triple-barrelled moniker and he's a baronet to boot!
A good starting point to assess the local pecking order perhaps?