Mess Uniform - the start of a dark era
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mess Uniform - the start of a dark era
The higher echelons of the Royal Air Force have decreed that forthwith the wearing of squadron bow ties and cummerbunds is to be strictly regulated. Only black bow ties are to be worn with No 5s, and if official guests are invited to a function then all officers are to wear either a waist-coat or the RAF slate grey cummerbund.
I believe these may only be a reinforcement of current dress regulations that have lapsed over the years - but in a time where the MOD are spending millions trying to keep us aviators on the pay roll the timing could not be better.
There are precious few pleasures left to those who have stayed, and although I do not believe it is sufficient to make anyone leave it is yet another straw on an already heavily laden camel's back.
Thank you sir – can we have some more.
I believe these may only be a reinforcement of current dress regulations that have lapsed over the years - but in a time where the MOD are spending millions trying to keep us aviators on the pay roll the timing could not be better.
There are precious few pleasures left to those who have stayed, and although I do not believe it is sufficient to make anyone leave it is yet another straw on an already heavily laden camel's back.
Thank you sir – can we have some more.
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: UK
Posts: 591
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are representing the Royal Air Force at an official function, isn't it only proper you wear the official uniform?
You can still break out the Ken Dodd stuff for less formal affairs. Get over it.
You can still break out the Ken Dodd stuff for less formal affairs. Get over it.
'The start of a dark era'
Don't make me laugh. Slightly melodramatic, don't you think? Put your snazzy cummerbund/gaudy bow tie combo in the cupboard and wait a couple of years for the wheel to be re-invented and then you will be able to wear it again. Unless, of course, you have been forced to resign your commission in Her Majesties Armed Forces because you cannot take any more of this 'being told what to do' business.
Next they will be telling us that plank drivers cannot wear their SD Hats with a growbag. No, on the other hand, that would be a step in the right direction.
Squadron identity is a great thing, no doubt about it, but there are plenty of other ways to foster it. It is hardly the end of the world.
Don't make me laugh. Slightly melodramatic, don't you think? Put your snazzy cummerbund/gaudy bow tie combo in the cupboard and wait a couple of years for the wheel to be re-invented and then you will be able to wear it again. Unless, of course, you have been forced to resign your commission in Her Majesties Armed Forces because you cannot take any more of this 'being told what to do' business.
Next they will be telling us that plank drivers cannot wear their SD Hats with a growbag. No, on the other hand, that would be a step in the right direction.
Squadron identity is a great thing, no doubt about it, but there are plenty of other ways to foster it. It is hardly the end of the world.
Good job that they don't know about our socks.....
Most 'official guests' will wonder what has on earth has happened to squadron identity when everyone is wearing John Major grey cummerbunds...or blunty blue bras.
Bow ties I can understand. But to limit the wearing of sqn cummerbunds in this way when morale is hardly at its highest does seem to be rather a strange piece of timing....
Whilst we're talking about Dining-In nights, would someone also ban the $odding rock apes from using their incorrect version of the Loyal Toast.........
Most 'official guests' will wonder what has on earth has happened to squadron identity when everyone is wearing John Major grey cummerbunds...or blunty blue bras.
Bow ties I can understand. But to limit the wearing of sqn cummerbunds in this way when morale is hardly at its highest does seem to be rather a strange piece of timing....
Whilst we're talking about Dining-In nights, would someone also ban the $odding rock apes from using their incorrect version of the Loyal Toast.........
Last edited by BEagle; 6th Oct 2002 at 16:17.
Gentleman Aviator
But they can't see my socks under my mess wellingtons! Oh b%gger, don't tell me they're illegal too and I have to wear those plastic Come Dancing pumps................... 
If I might intrude (not having the right to wear mess dress, let alone a Squadron cummerbund) - the dinners here at the Purple Learning Centre would be decidedly dull without the proliferation of squadron bow ties and cummerbunds.
Interestingly, the official guests I've hosted/spoken to (and who've commented) all seem to like the variety that ensues. One even remarked that the uniform would be 'a dull and shabby disgrace' without the splashes of colour added.
Interestingly, the official guests I've hosted/spoken to (and who've commented) all seem to like the variety that ensues. One even remarked that the uniform would be 'a dull and shabby disgrace' without the splashes of colour added.
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TTH - mess wellies are, as far as I know, still legal dress. I don't recall seeing anything about them in all the time I was in the Service, and I know one or two individuals who wore them. Expensive, though.
Gentleman Aviator
20 guineas when I bought 'em. And you tell that to young folk today and they wouldn't understand you...............
