8 replies to this topic

[Reverend Mark]

My dad rang me earlier and asked if I could find on the web where he could buy himself a mess uniform. He retired as Divisional Commandant in the Herts Specials last year after 30 years and I think he misses the uniform a bit! He says he wants to wear it for black tie events, but I suspect he wants to dress up and admire himself in the mirror!

I've had no luck in finding anywhere on the web, but I did find this forum and wondered if anyone on here would know, or would be kind enough to find out if they can?

Thanks in advance!

[Top Cat]

My dad rang me earlier and asked if I could find on the web where he could buy himself a mess uniform. He retired as Divisional Commandant in the Herts Specials last year after 30 years and I think he misses the uniform a bit! He says he wants to wear it for black tie events, but I suspect he wants to dress up and admire himself in the mirror!

I've had no luck in finding anywhere on the web, but I did find this forum and wondered if anyone on here would know, or would be kind enough to find out if they can?

Thanks in advance!

He will need to be ex-services, and will have to wear an "R" on the sleeves if he did not reach the rank of major.... It would be considered a little pretentious unless it was for a specific Army/Navy/RAF do though, I'd suggest...and the phrase "Wlater Mitty" would likely be bandied around around him...

[TangoOne]

He will need to be ex-services, and will have to wear an "R" on the sleeves if he did not reach the rank of major.... It would be considered a little pretentious unless it was for a specific Army/Navy/RAF do though, I'd suggest...and the phrase "Wlater Mitty" would likely be bandied around around him...

Oooh, the Walt tag - not heard that on here before!

Anyway, does any Police Force have Mess Dress?

But i'm sure Gieves and Thieves sorry, Hawkes would be able to help!

[Gettaway]

Oooh, the Walt tag - not heard that on here before!

Anyway, does any Police Force have Mess Dress?

The R.U.C. used to have a mess dress often seen worn by the band for evening/indoor events. I don't know if it has been carried over to the P.S.N.I. but I doubt it, the band has been "disbanded" and most of our other ex military traditions (mostly taken from our rifle regiment heritaige) have gone by the board....sigh.

I do still enjoy watching Sharp though

[Darkness]

Never really seen anyone in mess dress in the plod before.

But Sir Ian has some and looks like he is after a part in some 18th century naval drama.



And a freedom of information act request says

Freedom of Information Request Reference No: 2007090000634


I write in connection with your request for information, which was received by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on 22 August 2007. I note you seek access to the following information:

Could someone please tell me why the Commissioner has some sort of military mess dress for certain formal occasions. Is this something that any police officer could wear, or is it rank dependant?

Following receipt of your request searches were conducted within the MPS to locate information relevant to your request. I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by the MPS.


DECISION

I have today decided to disclose the requested information to you in full.

The Metropolitan Police Force was formed on 29 September 1829 by Sir Robert Peel, the Home Secretary of the time.

In 1828 Robert Peel, with a Prime Minister sympathetic to the idea of a disciplined quasi-military police force in London, began drafting the Metropolitan Police Bill of 1829. He appointed Col. Charles Rowan and Richard Mayne to establish the force as much as they saw fit. On 20 July he approved the establishment of a force of 895 constables, 88 sergeants, 20 inspectors and 8 superintendents.

Many of the structures and traditions constructed 175 years ago are still in force today. One example is the rank structure - which is obviously devised from the military. Another is the style of uniform (tunics are still worn at Crown Court and for ceremonial duties) all be it now update for modern living.

The Commissioner will wear a mess kit for certain formal dinners. This will include a two-inch oak leaf lace strip on his trousers and a set of aigulettes. Both these items are permitted because his position (and that of the Deputy Commissioner) is a Royal appointment. However, the wearing of a mess kit is not restricted to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. A number of other Police Officers (of varying ranks) have mess kits, which they may wear to formal dinners if dress code dictates.

Thanks to Hantsland from Arrse.

[TangoOne]

Never really seen anyone in mess dress in the plod before.

But Sir Ian has some and looks like he is after a part in some 18th century naval drama.



And a freedom of information act request says



Thanks to Hantsland from Arrse.

Strangely after I posted my comment I spotted the same post whilst lurking on Arrse.

Be a lot better if his dogs were level on his lapels!!

[17398]

Most forces have Mess dress for Ch/Inspector + SC Equivalents and above

Kent Police purchase theirs from Turner Virr

Hope this helps

Chris

[Mackey]

He will need to be ex-services, and will have to wear an "R" on the sleeves if he did not reach the rank of major.... It would be considered a little pretentious unless it was for a specific Army/Navy/RAF do though, I'd suggest...and the phrase "Wlater Mitty" would likely be bandied around around him...

I agree with Top Cat. Walter Mitty, pure and simple. OP's father would be laughed out of the room and rightfully so.

My father has just retired from the regular military at a high rank and he would not be seen dead in a mess uniform or any kind of uniform now that he has retired.

[Patient]

He will need to be ex-services, and will have to wear an "R" on the sleeves if he did not reach the rank of major.... It would be considered a little pretentious unless it was for a specific Army/Navy/RAF do though:

and of course, it cannot be just worn, you will need permission to wear it with the 'R' on it (probably from the Military Secretary and they are quite funny about it).