RN Sword carrying habits
Again, the mutiny "reason" for us not being able to carry our scabbards on our belts is not correct (although it does allow me to say that I'm not a Gentleman, merely an Officer in the Royal Navy!).
The reason why we carry our scabbards is that for a long time we never had a use for a scabbard save from stowing our sword under our pit (bed). In battle we began with swords drawn as scabbards would only get stuck in rigging etc if carried on our belt. Conversley Army Officers had to have their sword, and scabbard to hand at all times, especially when in the field, thus habitually wore their scabbards on their belt.
When it was decided that the RN had to carry sheathed swords (fnar fnar), to allow us to follow tradition the practice of parading with swords at the carry was adopted. It also had the added bonus of making us looks fools on parade as we step off without successfully carrying out the "sword flick".
Always happy to help....
Al