Chris, you wouldn't believe who I said that to - some very high ranking officers indeed. Actually, they were the funniest of all because you'd invariably hear a sharp intake of breath, a brief pause, then they'd continue as if nothing had happened.
One of the most memorable telephone stories I heard was about an airman who was passing by his Squadron Commander's office as the phone was ringing somewhat persistently. He answered it, saying something like, "You can let this phone ring as long as you like, the old 6ugger's out playing golf for the rest of the afternoon again". The voice at the other end of the line roared back, "Do you know who you're speaking to?"
"No", said the airman.
"This is the Air Officer Commanding!"
The airman replied, "And do you know who you're speaking to?"
"No".
"You can eff off then", said the airman and slammed the phone down.
Sorry about the choice language, but that's the way I heard the story.
Gill