The British are masters of understatement. The following I read in a biography of Lord Wellington:
Wellington was discussing with his staff about their inability to provide him with the necessary battlefield intelligence he required to make on the spot decisions regarding the evolution of the battle.
One of his aides suggested he mount a pole in the center of the line to thereby obtain the information first hand.
Refraining to point out the ludicrousness of the suggestion Wellington merely stated, "Damn me Sir! I might fall off.
To which the unflappable aide retorted, "We could tie you up there M'Lord."
--
E. Blackadder