Colonel commandant

But at the same time, he became the honorary colonel of 21 SAS.

And then eventually, sort of in his 60s, he became Colonel Commandant of the SAS.

And just to explain that for people who don't understand that role in the British Army, the Colonel Commandant of a regiment is a senior official, usually retired, a senior officer who has served with or alongside that regiment.

And he becomes the sort of custodian of their regimental integrity and their public image.

and also the welfare of veterans and that sort of thing.

wow.

So that was an honorary title? I've seen some photos of him, and he's the only one not wearing a uniform in a couple of photos.

Was that during his time as a colonel commandant?

I was like, when do I make it? When have I arrived? And the answer was, you never arrive.

Like, Colonel Commandant hasn't arrived, but he's still trucking.

But I remember turning up and I was like, okay.

And there was a lot of NCOs that had done Sandhurst.