SJ, my point was, oh what the hell I've forgotten! Basically I don't like seeing RAF officers, of whatever rank, wandering about in public looking as scruffy as I, particularly when there are RN and Army chaps who seem to appear to look smarter. But I am an old fart.
In 1956 when we were all very poor the Tangmere wing were nominated as "Quickfire" to fly at short notice to warm places. We were given a tropical uniform allowance which most used to reduce their overdraft. Then Nasser did the dirty and we were told to go to Cyprus. A mad rush to Milletts in Pompey ensued so we arrived with WW2 surplus KD. Expecting to be there for about ten days it it never seemed worth while to get new kit made but ten days extended gradually to five months. We were the scruffiest officers in the Middle East by far, and proud of it too. (but we wore hats)