The Brotherhood of Man

by A Former Naval Person 

Funny stories of incidents in the Services abound. The long suffering Sergeant Major is often the Army’s subject (see page 4). In the Navy the character is Stripey, the 3 badge A.B.; too wise to seek promotion after 15 years or more service; always prosperous and always able to act dumb, thus avoiding detection of any wrong doing, and very popular with his Shipmates. 

Stripey, with his brush, knew that he was safe if he kept moving: he was the duty Parade Ground Sweeper. 

The Commander of the Barracks, noted as a most unpleasant 3 Ringer of doubtful parentage, challenged Stripey one day with that well used Naval question - “What are you?” 

Stripey had been to Church Parade the morning before and heard the Sin Bosun (Chaplain) emphasising the brotherhood of man and assuring all, including 3 badge A.Bs that in the sight of God all men are equal.

These good words appealed to Stripey, so he found it a simple matter to answer the Commander’s question - “What are you?”  “I’m your brother Sir”!

05/0197

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