Royal Air Force Dress uniform

full dress uniform of royal air force in 1920s (c. l. lambe).

historically, royal air force regulations permitted wearing of full dress uniform in both home , warm-weather variants. although home wear version of full dress no longer worn (except in modified form raf bandsmen [1]), tropical full ceremonial dress continues authorised.

the temperate full dress uniform introduced in april 1920. consisted of single-breasted jacket in blue-grey stand-up collar. rank indicated in gold braid on lower sleeve , white gloves worn. british army after 1914, full dress not general issue during inter-war period, authorized wear specific categories such bandsmen , commissioned officers. latter wore full dress infrequent occasions such attendance @ court levees , social functions such weddings. military attaches , royal aides de camp amongst few serving officers might have regular occasions wear full dress.

initially full dress uniform worn service dress cap. however, in 1921 new form of head-dress introduced. designed resemble original flying helmet , consisted of leather skull cap trimmed black rabbit fur. helmet featured ostrich feather plume connected @ raf badge. helmet never popular , junior officers permitted wear service dress hat on full dress occasions.

group captain hrh duke of york (later king george vi) wore raf full dress @ wedding lady elizabeth bowes-lyon in 1923. duke wore or carried full dress headgear rather service dress cap.