The whole thing is just weird, from a weird time in history that still seems odd to think of even now.
As I've posted before, I have a surrealistic imagination and have sometimes thought of penning a short story. Captain Tom was never real, and it was all a scam (this is pretty much 50% true.)
He was a propaganda machine designed to press British buttons and as time went on, his achievements would be ever more hammed up and he'd gain more titles and medals, a bit like a North Korean general. Criticise and its the salt mines, motherfucker.
Viva Space Commander Viscount Galactic Emperor Warlord Khan Sultan Lord Captain Sir Tom, his Holiness and Excellency of the Third Galactic Legion