As I recall, the RAF went over to staybrite buttons around 1968, certainly I wore brass buttons for my first few years of service from 1964. What always puzzled me when I was dealing in militaria was that king's crown anodised buttons used to turn up quite frequently, even though as far as I know these were never worn in service. Any ideas?
some b@st@rd stole my Bates hat at Lyneham in 1996. I managed to get a decent hat a year or two later (Gieves) but never wore the issue monstrosity- they are truly awful.
I'd like to meet the bugger who carefully removed the badge from my SD cap when it was hanging on its usual peg in the mess at Kai Tak. After donning my cap I strolled down to the office where I was met by my doughty RAF Regiment sergeant
"Excuse me sir, but did you check in the mirror before leaving the mess this morning?"
