costumes

[sean11]

here is my opinion on revival costumes i was going to dress up this year but didnt have the time.
tweed, overalls, dresses great but i feel that the wearing of uniforms a little disrespectful. if i was wearing one today after the Battle of Britain ceremony and watch the true heroes i would have an slight sense of guilt.
i know it adds to the feel of the event and it is just my opinion as we are all entitled to.
ps what a great weekend again

[TOM500]

I think that on the contrary, wearing these uniforms is a sign of appreciation and respect. I went with a friend who wore his grandfatehrs actual uniform. I think it is a great way to both honour and connect with these heroes. A coninuation of your argument would be that civilian pilots should not be allowed to fly their privateer Spitfires. By keeping these uniforms, kit, memorabelia and general militaria and getting them out on such great occasions keeps the memory alive and ensures that their sacrifices and heroics remain in our thoughts.
.. Just my tuppenceworth

Edited by TOM500 on Monday 20th September 09:53

[460ci]

I also echo these thoughts, I wear a fully repro RAF uniform complete with correct brass buttons, belt, wings etc. Not to be flash but for the respect I have for these chaps. Who is going to show the younger generation this when the old boys are gone.

Last year and this I had 2 old lads collecting for the RAF come up to me and shake my hand for doing it right and getting the uniform correct. One was so proud that I took the effort to recognise his and the lad’s efforts all those years ago when I wasn’t even born. He said it’s a pity a few more didn’t make the effort and get it right, his words, “too many Sergeants’ stripes with wings”

This year I had a very famous motor racing commentator come up and say how nice it was too see me make the effort and not like some with trainers and jeans in RAF kit.

We need to keep these chaps memories fresh and alive, without them I suspect a lot of us wouldn’t be here.

[delta037]

More than once during my two day visit I overheard obviously ex-servicemen complaining at incorrect uniforms/decorations.

[Red Firecracker]

delta037 said:

More than once during my two day visit I overheard obviously ex-servicemen complaining at incorrect uniforms/decorations.

Ah, my personal annoyance, people wearing decorations to which they have no right.

[Trophybloo]

I understand your pov but as this is 'fancy dress' and not a detail-exact recreation of any particular period I can live with it. It isn't that same as the guy who was attending remembrance day marches purporting to be a decorated veteran. I get more irked at the failure of people wearing service uniform to have in-character hair cuts. Extreme, you might say, for one day's masquerade but if they wany to walk around with a thatch sticking out from under a dress cap then they'd be better off coming as one of Sgt Pepper's LHCB
This is not just the raving of one who is follically challenged (although I am )
Excellent, was the US 7th Airborne re-enactor who had the full 'lollipop' cut.
While we're on the subject of accuracy, PHers PLEASE ensure your o/h understands that it's 40's 50's or 60's period dress and not a bloody modern garden party. While there were tons of extremely attractive fillies, I did think at some times I was at a wedding rather than a motor racing event. A fascinator doth not a retro costume make!