I understand that the word pongo denotes an orang utan.
Did Mr Littlefield look uncannily like an orang utan? If so, it might explain why he qualified for the nickname in spite of having served in the RAF.
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Unlike Army and Air Force chaplains, Naval Chaplains do not wear a rank which allows this approach throughout the Service. In reality, I don't think it makes much difference as they are very definitely officers, regardless of what they wear on their sleeve, but it does have some advantages. I've certainly not met any who would wish to change the system. The chaplain in one ship in which I served later transferred to the Army and was hugely amused to find himself badged as a Lieutenant Colonel!Katharine wrote: ↑Fri May 15, 2020 11:06 am I admire the way the Marines treat their chaplains, they are deemed to have the rank of the person they are speaking to at the time - or so my late godfather told me who was one. My father was an RAF chaplain in the war and was given the rank of Squadron Leader as the most junior who could leave the base without asking permission.
US Marines are known as leathernecks for the same reason. The US Marine Corps was founded back in 1775 and modelled on the Royal Marines; even today they enjoy very close ties despite, of course, having the USMC having its origins on the other side of the revolutionary wars.
That looks as if he had adopted a popular and effective trick used in public speaking - repetition to ensure the point is remembered.
Would that have been the one where Cobber Cornish was also sent up, I can't recall who by, with a spiel that ended with his favourite word 'absurd'?
Yes, Keith, I think it probably was the same production (directed by Roger Martin, ahem) . . . "Cobber Cornish" I was thinking about him only this week. I liked him, and later he taught me English. Any news of him - Peter Cornish, I think?