He seems to retain his usual second-in-command status in this story.
However, a "rotmistrz" of hussars was a commander of between 100 and 180 hussars, with a lieutenant of hussars as his second-in-command.
It often designates someone who is second-in-command, and as such, may precede the name of the rank directly above it.
The bench coach, a newer role on the coaching staff, serves as a second-in-command, advising the manager during the game.
A very qualified second-in-command, his only weakness is tomatoes (although he fixes this through the series) and honey.
So you have the position of the chief officer, who was previously the second-in-command, wearing uniform as a retired commander and senior to the headmaster whom he is serving under.
Scores of others have served as second-in-command for many years, and would have been appointed to command had the war gone on.
I am glad to hear the second-in-command explaining what the first-in-command has said.
