Possible Clues:

• Flattering, in an oily way
• Bootlicking troops trailing officer
• Oily butters making a comeback, by Jove!
• Being obsequious would put Mrs May off
• Slick sergeant-major facing soldiers
• Obsequious in writing about host
• Obsequious sergeant-major and his sphere of influence
• Obsequious host following modern miss around
• Small nice guy forces type of behaviour that's ingratiating locally
• Flattering, in an insincere way