No, it’s nothing at all to do with wider class issues, chinless wonders being appointed to see over the slaughter of stout working class boys.
“Rescue complete as shift foreman is 33 rd to emerge”
Some might call it bringing up the rear, others making sure that the boys are taken care of before oneself.
But that is what “officer class” means and as this story shows us, that elusive quality is to be found in mensch of every nationality, race and class.
4 responses so far ↓
1 The Pedant-General // Oct 14, 2010 at 10:07 am
“Some might call it bringing up the rear”
And if they do, you have helpfully marked out people whose views can safely be ignored as they are being willfully obnoxious. In fact, I’m not sure that anyone has done so, so the point is moot.
Perhaps more interesting is that, in fact, the shift foreman, although the last of the miners, was NOT the last out.
They sent 5 rescue workers down the shaft from outside and they were the last out. To go down into the shaft willingly speaks of bravery of possibly a greater degree.
Tim adds: Sure, bravery, but that’s not quite what I was talking about.
2 Surreptitious Evil // Oct 14, 2010 at 10:26 am
But “officer class” isn’t particularly about bravery. It is about setting an example. Frankly, the foreman had been down there for 69 days – it is perfectly reasonable that he would come up before the six people who had (very bravely) volunteered to go down.
UK submarine escape – 2nd most senior person – first up to organise; most senior person – last up.
3 Andrew Duffin // Oct 14, 2010 at 3:51 pm
Hear, hear.
One is reminded of this gentleman:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesley_Sullenberger
4 DevonChap // Oct 15, 2010 at 9:59 am
Opposite to the breifing a young officer on a ship once got.
“In an emergency I as captain will be the last to leave the ship, if I pass you on the way out, you will assume the rank of captain”
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