Fareastdriver,
I don't think the RAF Ski School actually started the fashion. I think the Army had done a bit up there in earlier years, right back to the Norfolk Jacket and Deerstalker days - and the Victorians were pretty adventurous, too. How much business they're managing to do now in current semi-war conditions, I can't imagine......D.
ancient aviator,
Your chap certainly had a meteoric career ! But in those days the trick was to be lucky and stay alive, promotion was then a matter of "filling dead mens' shoes" (literally). "Don" Bennett was an AVM before he was 30, I think. There were 25 year old Group Captains. (Nothing in this detracts in any way from your man's gallantry and ability, of course, it's just the way it was).........(What was an "HO observer" ?).........D.
Cheers,
Danny.