5's VS Black Tie
 

I post this on an aircrew forum, to get an answer accurately and to reduce faff.

Off to a a civvie summer ball type function this weekend, obviously its black tie, but my civvie black tie kit is... Atomised. So, to save a bit of dollar I was considering the option of wearing my 5's, but im not sure on the rules for such things?

I asked my pongo friend and he said, and I quote: "I wore my mess-dress to a few civvy functions, instead of black-tie. The birds drip clunge juice all over themselves."

What is the definitive craic?

R5

While Army Mess Dress may attract the birds, No5s are only going to attract the attention of motorists with knackered cars. Rent a tux.

Did he actually define "birds" as experience has shown that in almost every case the "bird" normally hanging from a soldiers arm looks like a hippo in heels and spandex with a real flair for dancing round a handbag whilst swilling from a pint glass :ok:

Har har de har diginagain - the RAC man joke - how we laughed!

RAF mess kit is definitely very smart, Ranger5 and will make you stand out from the crowd of blokes in DJ's. Anyway I wouldn't take advice from anyone who calls a dinner jacket a tux :*

"RAF mess kit is definitely very smart"

Yes yes, of course it is.
Ignore the nasty man.

My urge to defend squaddies overidden by your cruel, unusual, but horribly accurate description of the average squaddie "bird".

My take would be you are a serving military officer and can wear uniform at any time you chose. If you feel comfortble, go for it. I wore No1s at civilian weddings where formal dress was the order of the day and it was well received. I for one was always proud of the uniform I wore.

and medals.

You may find some in DJs are wearing theirs. They shouldn't of course, only in tails.

The policy regarding the wearing of miniatures with evening dress will normally be stated on the invitation stiffy, PN.

As regards the wearing of No. 5s:

AP1358 Chap 10:

So if it's just you who is attending from the RAF, then go for it Ranger5. Particularly if you've got some rattly, clanky hardware to wear! But check whether other RAF mates are attending first.

Do remember that you might get cornered by some old "When I was in...." bores; however, the ladies will undoubtedly become rather moist, sir. Ooh yes, they will - suits you sir!

Why not wear a Help for Heroes cummerbund https://www.shop.helpforheroes.org.u...ummerbund.html and tap anyone who asks what it is for a donation....:ok:

This is extremely useful, if only I knew how to navigate through the terrible JSP/AP archive on the defence intranet, maybe then I could also find the regulations that surround Holding Officers, and prove i'm being mistreated!

Couple of my fellow holding chums have said they wore 5's to a university ball and that turned out quite well for them despite being a rather grotty affair!

Go for No 5s if it works for you. I wouldn't bother renting DJ, they cost peanuts at M&S, mix and match sizes and machine washable too.

STH

For some strange reason Ranger5, AP1358 is available on the internet.

For example here

I was wearing my No 5 in a hotel when I called in to pick up my parents who were attending a formal function as my guests.

I got angrily accosted by some old duffer who reckoned I was there to hold open the door and carry his luggage to his room. :p

Why bother learning some saddo here on prune will be able to find the information you are after in a heartbeat............................too late see the post 2 above.

Yes yes, I see its on the internet now, but I still wouldn't have known which AP to look for. Don't tell me how to find that, I will "learn"

Cheers for responses, the one line in AP1358 doesn't give much detail, and there are over a thousand people going to this event, so finding another officer to see what he/she is wearing, will be a bit A level.

Wear your No 5s - if they fit!

Seriously, there is nothing worse than seeing, say, a slightly portly FltLt bulging out ofi a very tight Mess Kit that was 'tailored' when said chap was a whippet of an APO. These guys look like Northern pub singers!

If you have tropical Mess Kit (No 8) - its a lot more comfortable than No 5s and rather smart, too. However, expect to be asked for ice creams! Deffo wear your medals. Consider it part of a pubic IO campaign.

Its all a bit naff though isn't it?
When I was in, I wore my mess undress to a few civvy functions, but looking back I cringe a little bit at the thought.
That's not to say I wasn't proud of what I did for a living... Just that it sort of says "look at me, I need to wear this to make me interesting".
Up to you of course, but personally I think a smart dinner suit with a black waistcoat and a properly tied bow tie looks a lot smarter. Especially if you have a fat bottom like me.

Just checked out a piccy of Mrs TTN (as she was to become) and self at a ball at Kai Tak in 68, and have to concede I looked the business in No 8.

Then I looked in the mirror - depressing :(

Shame the "R5" didnt stand for "Red 5" otherwise that statement would be true.

You say that like it's a bad thing......:eek::}