As with any group of men, a certain amount of elitism pervades the services of all countries. Once two British officers were debating the various merits of their pedigrees. The first began:
"I say, is it true that your father was only a shopkeeper?"
"Quite true," the other replied, "What of it?"
"Oh, nothing; only it was a great pity, I think, that he did make you one."
"You think so? "Well opinions differ. "But, let me ask you, what was your father?"
"My father! "Why, my father, of course, was a gentleman."
"Ah ... and what a pity he did not make you one ..."