A similar (non-academic) story concerns an RAF pilot who in WW2 phoned the air ministry to complain about some recent order or decision. He got through and proc

A similar (non-academic) story concerns an RAF pilot who in WW2 phoned the air ministry to complain about some recent order or decision. He got through and proceeded to rant about the stupidity of those in command. Eventually when he ran down the person at the other end asked if he (the pilot) knew who he was speaking to. When the pilot said 'no' the person at the end said 'Air Chief Marshal Dowding'. The pilot then said 'Do you know who you are speaking to?' When Dowding replied 'No' he said 'Thank God for that' and hung up. Allegedly.