The man's a nob! did you get it in writing from the senior manager?

Like many ex service people they can struggle to accept the civie street is much more live and let live rather than conform or die! (Ex services myself)

But still is he normally a nob at work if so see point above

The balls in your court i would go over his head get a meeting with HR your senior man and him.......... then KICK him in the BALLS

Just my opinion mind