Saluting and army etiquette

[flynn101]

Dont you salute someone with a VC? Though the chances of meeting one are well 1 in a whole army

[luke]

Dont you salute someone with a VC? Though the chances of meeting one are well 1 in a whole army

I've read that everyone of any rank salutes a VC, yet read elsewhere that's not true, anyone care to enlighten me?

[chris78290]

I got a bollocking for this down in Pompey at T200, we've just had a change of CO (i'm on a P2000 so there is only one officer in the ships company), when the old CO used to come onboard in civvies i'd come to attention and say morning sir at the gangway. However i'd only salute if he was wearing his cap/beret. this is the way he said things should be done as you are saluting the cap/beret badge as a symbol of the officer corps hence the queens commission as opposed to him in his civvies. However the new CO walked on board casual as you like in knicks and flip flops almost. I smartly come to attention and say morning sir and boom I get myself a new arsehole ripped for being disrespectful... Which one of my illustrious COs is correct???

[Guest]

Dont you salute someone with a VC? Though the chances of meeting one are well 1 in a whole army

I've read that everyone of any rank salutes a VC, yet read elsewhere that's not true, anyone care to enlighten me?

I have tried unsuccessfully to locate a website resource that would answer your question. However, my understanding is that irrespective of Rank, the holder of a Victoria Cross is saluted and such holder is not required to return the salute.

[Sarastro]

Pash, were you ever in service? Know you were photojournalist and spent much time with Gurhkas, but you seem to know the oddest bits of military lore, as if you had served?

Just wondering!

[chris78290]

chris78290

The only cap badges in the British Army that denote officer status are those of Staff appointements (Colonels and above). Lt.Cols and below, wear their Regimental/Corps badges.

I know, but i'm not in the army, i'm RNR. In the navy officers wear a different cap badge, it represents the officer corps. Any navy bods able to clear up my question?

[aes69]

I can't believe this post is so long, salute commissioned officers and not warrant officers (not warrent gents, big difference!)

If you've ever seen an individual salute a WO it's either by mistake or it will be on parade normally by a subletern to a WO1. (and even that's not correct, it's just a 'ye olde world' thing to show the junior of junior officers who is who and normally in the Guards Div!)

[Hostage_Negotiator]

Nice to see you back Pie-Face! .Take it you will be free on the 29th?
First beers on me!
H_N

[mfat_man]

LOL!

Used to be wary of RSM. WO1+2...but saluting no way fella!!

[harry73]

I know spooky as probably got the message but NO you DONT SALUTE Warrant Offices. Did it once in my early days thought a WOII crown was a Majors crown. Was told very politely not to do it again

On the subject on saluting VC's we have a lad in our Regiment who won the GC in Iraq. Apparently we have to salute him even though he is a Trooper when he wears the medal as we are saluting the medal and not him. I havent seen anyone actully do it though.

Harry

[aes69]

I have it on very good authority from a medal collecter & enthusiast that you do salute the VC but not the holder, hence he/she will not have to return the salute.

[GD]

I've been saluted by all and sundry. Usually on a new posting where other units were unfamiliar with our uniform and insignia. I've also been taken for a monkey so many times, but that has its uses hehehehe. That red hat has got me out of a few scrapes.