It's over 46 years since I drove home and took off my RAF uniform for the last time, so I am somewhat out of date. Quick question - what, if any items of uniform are officers still obliged to purchase, or is it all now stores issue? I seem to recall that my initial uniform allowance was £125 which at 1964 prices was sufficient to buy No I HD, No 2 HD, No 5 HD (mess kit), SD cap, shoes etc. Wouldn't go far now.
I had a chum who was an ensign in the Welsh Guards at around the same time. The system there was that the newly commissioned officer visited the regimental tailor in the company of the adjutant who supervised the fittings. All he had to do was stand there and shut up and act as a human tailor's dummy. He didn't even have to pay - on delivery, the bill (well into four figures even then) was sent to his father!