Bench ends stolen from Cheltenham Racecourse station (BBC News 22/09/2010)

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

Probably for personal security reasons, these days, many senior officers prefer not to draw attention to their erstwhile rank in any of the services, once they retire. 

[JayMac]

Whenever I'm reminded of retired 'Majors' one character comes to mind:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5035TY5RSpg

 

[inspector_blakey]

Officers in the armed forces of the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Major or Squadron Leader or above, retain their rank in retirement as a courtesy.  They are issued by Royal Warrant, unlike the term 'architect'.

Paul

Fair enough, but retaining your rank as a courtesy is one think, insisting that everyone address you as such because it makes you feel more important is quite another. Like I said above, my official title is Dr rather than Mr, but I certainly don't insist on being addressed as such. In fact, being called Dr makes me slightly uncomfortable outside a work setting where it's expected.

[paul7575]

Yes, anyone making a song and dance about their own title is being a bit of a prat.  However I was trying to point out the slightly different status of more senior military rank.  I suppose it's a bit like being awarded an honour entitling one to use a formal title - but I doubt people get quite so exercised about Lordships and Knighthoods etc etc.

Paul