Why I like epaulettes

[The Wizard of BC]

In another thread I brought up the historical reason for white hose.

Epaulets are another detail with its roots in history.

Naval uniforms of old used epaulets to show rank.

Land forces used epaulets as a way of keeping binoculars and map case straps from falling off your shoulder.

And yes, keeping your headwear handy has been a regular use of epaulets for many years.

[mookien]

... And yes, keeping your headwear handy has been a regular use of epaulets for many years.

... and keeping your beer cans handy, too.

[OC Richard]

Naval uniforms of old used epaulets to show rank.

Dr Maturin:

"I beg your pardon. You were speaking of wetting a swab."

Jack Aubrey:

"Oh, yes. It is a cant expression we have in the Navy. The swab is this" -patting his epaulette- "and when first we ship it, we wet it: that is to say, we drink a bottle or two of wine."

"Indeed?" said Maturin with a civil inclination of his head. "A decoration, a badge of rank, I make no doubt? A most elegant ornament, so it is, upon my soul. But, my dear sir, have you not forgot the other one?"

"Well," said Jack, laughing, "I dare say I shall put them both on, by and by."

(edited with the actual quote, now that I have the book in front of me)

[johnnym]

I personally like them, especially on my old uniform. I recently had the honor of presenting my brother with a medal he never received while he was on active duty, and also presented him with his honorable discharge certificate that he never got. The ceremony was a total surprise to him and was done at his 70th birthday party. As a military retiree, I thought that for me to wear the uniform again for the presentation would be appropriate. My family thought so too. It was the first time I had worn the uniform since I retired in 1986. This particular uniform combination is no longer used by the US Air Force.

[Steve Ashton]

Quote
"The joke is that Lieutenants wore a single epaulette, Captains two,"

And which the movie got wrong.

[Kilted Cole]

Dr Maturin, upon seeing Lieutenant Jack Aubrey in his new uniform: "Jack, you appear to be missing one of your pretty epaulettes."

Jack: "I intend to attend to that, in time."

The joke is that Lieutenants wore a single epaulette, Captains two, of which the civilian Dr Maturin was not aware. Jack also reveals an ambition for promotion.

(Paraphrased, as I don't have the book in front of me.)

May I ask....what book are you referencing?

[Downunder Kilt]

May I ask....what book are you referencing?

Here is the wiki entry re Jack Aubrey, that should explain the situation. Cheers

[OC Richard]

May I ask....what book are you referencing?

Master and Commander, by Patrick O Brian.

Here is the actual quote

Dr Maturin:

"I beg your pardon. You were speaking of wetting a swab."

Jack Aubrey:

"Oh, yes. It is a cant expression we have in the Navy. The swab is this" -patting his epaulette- "and when first we ship it, we wet it: that is to say, we drink a bottle or two of wine."

"Indeed?" said Maturin with a civil inclination of his head. "A decoration, a badge of rank, I make no doubt? A most elegant ornament, so it is, upon my soul. But, my dear sir, have you not forgot the other one?"

"Well," said Jack, laughing, "I dare say I shall put them both on, by and by."

[Lime]

Dr Maturin:

"I beg your pardon. You were speaking of wetting a swab."

Jack Aubrey:

"Oh, yes. It is a cant expression we have in the Navy. The swab is this" -patting his epaulette- "and when first we ship it, we wet it: that is to say, we drink a bottle or two of wine."

"Indeed?" said Maturin with a civil inclination of his head. "A decoration, a badge of rank, I make no doubt? A most elegant ornament, so it is, upon my soul. But, my dear sir, have you not forgot the other one?"

"Well," said Jack, laughing, "I dare say I shall put them both on, by and by."

(edited with the actual quote, now that I have the book in front of me)

It's called a dog watch because it is curtailed!

Thank you - I do love a bit of Maturin and Aubrey; I'm on my second circuit and am always hassling friends to read them. I'm currently working on Mrs Lime to take a trip down to Portsmouth with me for a gander at HMS Victory and the new Marie Rose museum.

[OC Richard]

Thank you - I do love a bit of Maturin and Aubrey; I'm on my second circuit and am always hassling friends to read them. I'm currently working on Mrs Lime to take a trip down to Portsmouth with me for a gander at HMS Victory and the new Marie Rose museum.

I've read the entire canon once, and certain books twice. I really need to read the entire canon once again!

Here is Yours Truly on the deck of HMS Victory... it was a "must see" on our holiday



and my kids (who are now both in college!) on the deck of the HMS Surprise, San Diego, California