Waggoner Posted 28 November , 2012 Share Posted 28 November , 2012 Did the RFC wear stripes on their Mess Dress and, if so, what colour and arrangement were they? All the bet, Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seaJane Posted 28 November , 2012 Share Posted 28 November , 2012 "British Air Forces 1914-18" by Andrew Cormack probably has the answer - I can't pin down the relevant page on Google Books though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waggoner Posted 28 November , 2012 Author Share Posted 28 November , 2012 Unfortunately, the relevant page is not available as a preview :-) All the best, Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seaJane Posted 28 November , 2012 Share Posted 28 November , 2012 yep, that's what I meant you might have to try the public library for a copy on inter-library loan... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FROGSMILE Posted 29 November , 2012 Share Posted 29 November , 2012 Did the RFC wear stripes on their Mess Dress and, if so, what colour and arrangement were they? All the bet, Gary Yes they did and they were scarlet and worn on the outer seam of mess overalls. I cannot recall the width but it was the same as used by the RE at that time (and since). The "Military Wing" of the RFC for all practical purposes only wore mess dress for a very brief period (between formation in 1912 and 1914), as it was not required dress during hostilities and, was in any case, only worn by the permanent cadre. All-in-all, only a very few sets must have been made, but you can see one in the display of the Army Air Corps (AAC) museum, at Middle Wallop, Hants. The mess uniform was of 1902 pattern and comprised a dark blue jacket with a scarlet roll collar, fitted with collar badges a few inches down from the shoulder (I cannot recall the precise measure, but it was higher than is worn today) and dark blue shoulder straps with badges of rank in gilt metal. The mess waistcoat was also dark blue and fitted with four RFC buttons. A white washing shirt with black bow tie was worn beneath. Mess overalls (with straps under instep of boots) with scarlet stripes and mess wellingtons without spurs (except Field officers), completed the ensemble. Just as with the AAC, the RFC had a small cadre of permanent regimental officers and the remainder was made up of young officers who had applied for a flying tour and who after passing flying training were posted to a Squadron. Until such time as they applied and were accepted for permanent transfer to the RFC, they continued to wear their regimental uniform and this included of course mess dress, although it is doubtful that the latter was ever used outside of Britain. A good example of this policy can be seen via images of Captain Albert Ball VC, who in earlier publicity photos is seen in Notts & Derby regimental uniform and after transfer in the maternity jacket and insignia of the RFC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waggoner Posted 29 November , 2012 Author Share Posted 29 November , 2012 Frogsmile, Thank you for this information! As always, you are a font of knowledge! All the best, Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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