How properly to address a captain

DAKA

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No its not a wind up, is there a correct way to address a 'captain initial , second name MNI' or will Dear Sir do (could be a woman which sort of makes it awkward ) ?

I'm pretty sure I have already irritated the hell out of this guy / girlie following a complaint and having received an apology I have no need to irritate him/her further .
 
No its not a wind up, is there a correct way to address a 'captain initial , second name MNI' or will Dear Sir do (could be a woman which sort of makes it awkward ) ?

I'm pretty sure I have already irritated the hell out of this guy / girlie following a complaint and having received an apology I have no need to irritate him/her further .

Oh Gawd Daka, what have you done now!? :rolleyes::D
 
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No its not a wind up, is there a correct way to address a 'captain initial , second name MNI' or will Dear Sir do (could be a woman which sort of makes it awkward ) ?

I'm pretty sure I have already irritated the hell out of this guy / girlie following a complaint and having received an apology I have no need to irritate him/her further .

ask them?
 
this help?

http://http://www.debretts.com/forms-of-address/professions/armed-forces/army/major-or-captain.aspx

basically if the same as army?

How to Address a Major or Captain

The recommended social style of address is as follows:
Beginning of letter Dear Major/Captain Robinson
End of letter Yours sincerely
Envelope Major/Captain Richard Robinson, MC (the rank should not be abbreviated). The Regiment or Corps (or abbreviations) may be added after the name on a new line
Verbal communication Major/Captain Robinson*
Invitation Major/Captain Richard Robinson
Joint invitation+ Major/Captain Richard and Mrs Robinson
Description in conversation Major/Captain Robinson (or The Major/Captain)
List of Directors or Patrons Major/Captain Richard Robinson
Place card Major/Captain Richard Robinson

*A younger man, or a more junior officer in any of the Armed Forces, addresses him as 'Sir'.

+ Note: Traditionally, invitations to a married couple, when sent to their home address, are addressed to the wife alone, with both names being inscribed on the invitation card. It has become increasingly acceptable, however, to address the envelope with both names.
 
Last edited:
http://http://www.debretts.com/forms-of-address/professions/armed-forces/army/major-or-captain.aspx

basically if the same as army?

How to Address a Major or Captain

The recommended social style of address is as follows:
Beginning of letter Dear Major/Captain Robinson
End of letter Yours sincerely
Envelope Major/Captain Richard Robinson, MC (the rank should not be abbreviated). The Regiment or Corps (or abbreviations) may be added after the name on a new line
Verbal communication Major/Captain Robinson*
Invitation Major/Captain Richard Robinson
Joint invitation+ Major/Captain Richard and Mrs Robinson
Description in conversation Major/Captain Robinson (or The Major/Captain)
List of Directors or Patrons Major/Captain Richard Robinson
Place card Major/Captain Richard Robinson

*A younger man, or a more junior officer in any of the Armed Forces, addresses him as 'Sir'.

+ Note: Traditionally, invitations to a married couple, when sent to their home address, are addressed to the wife alone, with both names being inscribed on the invitation card. It has become increasingly acceptable, however, to address the envelope with both names.

Thanks, thats will do nicely :)
 
+ Note: Traditionally, invitations to a married couple, when sent to their home address, are addressed to the wife alone, with both names being inscribed on the invitation card. It has become increasingly acceptable, however, to address the envelope with both names.

Occifers don't have Wives, they have Ladies. SNCO's have Wives, t'Other Ranks have Wimmin. As JNCO I was never sure sure if I was supposed to be having a wife or a woman but I was assured by my Wing Commander that it definitely wasn't a Lady.....
 
HI,

I believe you'll find that if the Skipper does not hold the Queen's commission, ie, not a Captain in the armed services, the correct address is Mr.

I remember when I was flying for BA that one of our Captains was up for a speeding offence (car, not plane!). He had his lawyer appear for him in court. The lawyer began saying he was there on behalf of Captain such and such. The court asked under what right he had to refer to him as Captain. 'A Captain in British Aiways, your honour.' The reply was curt, 'In that case, sice he doesn't hold the Queen's commission, he will be referred to as Mr....'

However, in your case and our of politeness, I would use the address of Dear Captain.....
 
The court asked under what right he had to refer to him as Captain. 'A Captain in British Aiways, your honour.' The reply was curt, 'In that case, sice he doesn't hold the Queen's commission, he will be referred to as Mr....'
Did the lawyer then follow the Court's instructions by referring to the magistrates and police witnesses as "Mr."? :D
 
Did the lawyer then follow the Court's instructions by referring to the magistrates and police witnesses as "Mr."? :D

Police have a warrant from the Queen. It's what gives them the right to go round arresting her subjects (albeit the last government's instincts tended towards allowing all kinds of petty functionaries of the state to interfere as well).

I guess the magistrate has the same right to be addressed as the boss in his court as the Captain does on his aeroplane.

Pete
 
So far as the Merchant Navy are concerned Captain is a honorific title afforded to the gentleman with the Master Mariners Certificate of Competency. His tile and rank on the vessel is Master. The other officers are 'Mr.'

In the Royal Navy, the officers hold the Queen's Commission and they can be, (from Sub-Lieutenant through the ranks including but not limited to Commander and Captain to Admiral) the Commanding Officer of the ship. The term Captain is used as a genric approach.

Do not use the term Skipper/skips as it tends to lead to discomfort in both the RN & MN.

The term 'Old Man' is also used as a third party reference of endearment but can be career limiting if used inappropriately.
 
And is it correct that 'Number 1' refers to the Chief Engineer?

In a word 'No'.

No.1 refers to the First Lieutenant in a warship and is the term of endearment used by the CO.

The rest of the ships company call him(or her these days) Sir/Mam.
He is the second in command.

In a merchant ship he would be the Chief Officer or First Mate.
 
http://http://www.debretts.com/forms-of-address/professions/armed-forces/army/major-or-captain.aspx

basically if the same as army?

How to Address a Major or Captain

The recommended social style of address is as follows:
Beginning of letter Dear Major/Captain Robinson
End of letter Yours sincerely
Envelope Major/Captain Richard Robinson, MC (the rank should not be abbreviated). The Regiment or Corps (or abbreviations) may be added after the name on a new line
Verbal communication Major/Captain Robinson*
Invitation Major/Captain Richard Robinson
Joint invitation+ Major/Captain Richard and Mrs Robinson
Description in conversation Major/Captain Robinson (or The Major/Captain)
List of Directors or Patrons Major/Captain Richard Robinson
Place card Major/Captain Richard Robinson



.


I think that may only apply to Army personnel with regards to abbreviations. My wife's Grandfather has always been addressed (on letters, cheques etc.) as "LT. CDR. JR Potts RN. (RTD)"
 
I only know the one Captain and he seems content with being called David or on occasion, Dave.. others have been known to call him epervier:)
 
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