Mess Dress

[Paul Davies 701]

I was wondering does anyone know if JNCO's still wear Mess Dress? I remember when it came out in 1981 in Lemgo although it wasn't compulsary and I even remember wearing it to a JNCO's Mess Dinner, about the only time I did wear it. Someone said the practice was stopped after the Battalion moved from Warminster.

[Barry69]

Yes Paul I believe that if you had bought it you could wear it as a JNCO but as the years went on less had it and eventually it started to return to the wearing the of number 2s again correct me if I am wrong? and yes in Cyprus its a totally different mess dress.

It was a Lemgo bulk purchase thing that saved us a few bob at the time! which we copied from a battalion we boxed possibly the king's or the Jackets?

[rikoshea]

Mess dress by JNCO's was still being worn in Ternhill.

[tom8204]

And still wear it to this day.

[mikedonnelly]

Hello Paul

I am thinking of getting a new Mess Dress, yours still fits me but it cost me a bottle of Port at the Dai,s Day Dinner for not having rank on both arms, but as i have now worn it for over 20 years i am willing to sell it back to you for £100.

[ap1]

Can I point out Paul, at the recent LOF weekend. All Mike did was complain that he stiffed by the RSM 3 RW for not having ranks on both arms. Best of all the RSM is Carl Roberts 25, who was one of Mikes Cpl's back in the 90's, revenge is best served as a nice bottle of port .:laugh:

[Paul Davies 701]

I remember selling it to Mike, it was the first thing he said to me when he come to visit me in hospital................lol. Glad to see you got the use out of it, Mike and I'll accept £100 off you to take it back

[davecrim]

Pual,

A recent photo of the Cpls' Mess St David's Day Dinner.

Note the whole Mess are in Mess Dress (in addition the bombs are RWF until the new bomb is issued, Badges of rank are worn on both arms, and the cumberband is green (which will be a green waistcoat when we revert to temprate Mess Dress on our return to the UK)).

This is for information and not to start an anti R WELSH thread!

[Paul Davies 701]

Dave

Thanks for the photo its great to see the wearing of mess dress amongst the JNCO's is even more popular. Can anyone tell me if this is unique to the Royal Welsh or does ALL JNCO in the Regt/Corps wear them

[anitacorbett]

Very smart they are too!
Anita x

[scorch]

not sure if all regt or corps wear the mess dress however i now that the Devon and Dorsets used to wear a mess dress as JNCO s before they amalgimated into the Rifles