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Old 19th Jul 2013, 11:16
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Whenurhappy
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
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Did I read correctly that the full (pre-war) Ceremonial Dress, complete with the rather ridiculous Busby, was worn with spurs? Also, I understand that Mess Dress trousers ('overalls') had a rather natty gold strip down the seam, akin to senior Naval officers, and spurs (without rowels) were also worn.

There are 3 patterns of RAF Sword. The every-day Officers' sword was authorised in 1926, I believe, but Air Officers' swords have different billets on the scabbard. There are a few pre-1926 pattern 'RAF' swords lurking around; they do not have the gilt basket hilt and the blades seem to be less ornately etched - perhaps they were a private purchase item?

One little know fact is that CAS has his own sword, presented to the Office in the mid 1950s. It is sans basket, and has a much longer grip that the 1926 pattern, as was presented by (IIRC) the Worshipful Company of Cutlers, or somesuch. No amount of googling turns up a picture of it.
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