Tell us how you got your nickname!

As a new member to the Forum I was interested in how people got their Nickname,what"s the story behind It,Is It funny(probably yes)I appreciate most people have their surname and last two,my nickname is TOM FLAGS,Its a long story and quite funny!But I"ll keep it short.
In 1982 Lady Diana (as she was then) visited Wrexham with Prince Charles . 3 RWF formed a composite company at the civic hall. I was a newly promoted sgt and was put in charge of the Royal Standard we practiced and practied at High Town Barracks in folding and knotting the flag.
What was supposed to happen is as follows .
I was to stand on the veranda at the civic hall (in front of thousands) . When the Royal car arrived and Royalty debussed ,that was the signal to unviel the Royal Standard. This was situated on top of the flagpole in a knotted ball,I was to pull the rope and the Standard would unfold and blow in the wind.
What really happened was as follows.
The car arrived,the doors opened , I pulled the rope and nothing happened ! I pulled the rope again and again and again and still nothing happened. By this time I was flapping like a budgie (Mighty Mouse was the RSM) . Keith Jarvis was obviously concerned as he was charging down the corridor to try and get access to the balcony.(Apparently he was taken out by a Royal Protection Officer). He eventually got onto the balcony and we released the Flag manually. I"m sure I was stiched up and am known as Tom Flags to this day. BEAT THAT !!!!!!