My first uniforms were from Moss Bros, which weren't too good and turned out to be a disaster while during Flying training at Cranwell, when was selected to be on the colour party; for which the original No1s were fine. However, for a Royal Review, we had to be especially smart - which I wasn't, having put on a few pounds in the meantime. So I was told to equip myself with a new uniform with the added comment that nothing other than Gieves would do. And while I was in London, get a new Bates hat as well! Not long after, Dad retired from the mob and I acquired his uniforms. Once I had reached his rank I had his Alkit uniforms re-tailored by Ernie Bedford in Newark who commented that they were all very well made.
My Moss Bros SD hat required a bent wire coat-hanger to give it the required droop at the edges - maybe the reason I had to buy a new one. My Bates had acquired the desired effect all on it's own and lasted for the rest of my non-illustrious career.
Last edited by Dan Winterland; 13th Dec 2019 at 15:42.