The British version of the Napoleon story or legend is that in the Royal Navy, midshipmen were originally boys apprenticed to train as ships' officers. Known as snotties because of their youthful tears and running noses which tended to be wiped on their sleeves, three brass buttons were applied to the cuffs as disincentives. Later, the three buttons became the rank insignia of the Chief Petty Officer.
It's coming yet for a' that,
That Man to Man, the world o'er,
Shall brothers be for a' that. - RB
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