MovieChat Forums > Upstairs, Downstairs (1974) Discussion > Eavesdropping/'ADC?'

Eavesdropping/'ADC?'

posted 9 years ago by SaliceMcD
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As I recall, Hudson only eavesdropped on phone calls a couple of times, and once was when James and Lady Prudence had gone flying and were missing, so it was certainly forgiveable that he do so. Still, it seemed a little out of character for him - or was it, for butlers such as he, so close to the families they served?

When James and Diana were away together on their weekend, they talked about Bunny having been "ADC" for the last year of the war, as the King wanted to spare heirs and the nobility to ensure a House of Lords in the future. Can anyone tell me what this acronym means? I also wondered about Bunny having been called so "wet" (?) by someone that "you could shoot snipe off him?"

Thank you in advance.

[–] joystar5879 9 years ago

ADC means "Aide de Camp". It was a euphemism for a Junior Level Officer kept out of the line of fire for "Political" reasons- The "Heir" was kept safe, and the "Spare" usually got it in the neck.

With regards to Bunny being "Wet", it meant that he was considered "slow" or "dull witted". Another term often used was "Foggy".

Bunny Newberry might not have been "Dashing" or "Witty", and he was definitely NOT a "Bright Young Thing". What he WAS, was kind and considerate. He knew exactly what sort of woman Diana was, and still loved her in spite of it.

I do hope he won't upset Henry...

[–] nyctc7 9 years ago

We know that for a period James was a staff officer. An Aide-de-Camp is not a staff officer, so what's the difference? Staff officers might be anything from a junior officer all the way up to a General officer. They work at the headquarters of a unit. Maybe they are in charge of planning and operations, or intelligence, or personnel, or work for those who are in charge of those departments. An adjutant is a staff officer who assists a senior officer. An aide-de-camp is also an assistant to a senior officer, but is not considered a staff officer because his duties are not military in nature. He's closer to a personal assistant.

[–] SaliceMcD 8 years ago

Thank you.

And the other eavesdropping incident was on the call to Richard re the King's death. I'd certainly forgive him that one - he apparently knew who the caller was (his position) and no doubt that the King was very ill, as well. In any case, he had to make sure the master was on the line before hanging up the downstairs telephone, right? ; )