Sorry should have mentioned this earlier: there are some rather tedious military moments when it is sensible to lie down-and stay lying down for quite long periods.

Then the effect of hot sunshine on the back of the knees-exposed bits of thigh etc, can be very nasty. Further not a situation where sun lotion can be applied.

One of the reasons why though issued with shorts and wearing them for training/parades etc-for those more interesting occasions we would wear long trousers.

In essence, whilst there is every good reason for soldiers to wear the kilt on many occasions-for their comfort etc. Active service is not one of them.

James