My hubby is a Civil War artilleryman and I must say, artillerymen all have a rather off-beat sense of humor. A bit quirky and down right odd. (I guess that's why I find mine so interesting.) But they are definitely not always civil, gentlemen always, but not always civil. (Never invite them to high tea.) ;)
... and there my dear lady is what makes us Curmudgeons!
OH BTW High Tea
is really a poor man's dinner. Tea is the proper term and I have been to Tea many times in England, Scotland and South Africa. Done correctly it is a very nice affair, though one is required to be civil.