What is the meaning of No. 1 mess kit?

[BoldHighlander]

I've noticed something that does affect the way in which questions are answered here on XMTS. Not all members bother to list where they are from (eg: USA, UK, Chile, etc.). If they did, it would make answering "location specific" questions a lot easier. I presume that Beck's-a-kilted is from the UK or a commonwealth country because the invitation used typically UK-speak ("dinner jacket" being the big tip off). Of course, I could be wrong and he could be here in the USA, in which case the invitation is a triffle more than pretentious.

So, could you XMarkers who present yourselves as men/women without a country maybe amend your profile in the interest of better communications?

I have to agree with MacMillan of Rathdown. It would be so much easier to know how to answer one's query if a place of origin (country / state / county / city /or parish etc etc) were placed in one's profile. Thanks.

[thescot]

Just turn out like this and you'll be as well dressed as anyone there.

I guess you've figured out that Mess Dress is the fanciest of the fancy, and you only wear it to very formal occassions in the military.

If you have a doublet or a PC, you'll probably be fine.

[Beck's-a-kilted]

Thank you to everyone. The abundance of information is exactly why I had confidence in asking the rabble. It is true that a better answer could be given if the question led one to a particular region/country. To pinpoint this origin - the events will take place on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. With the information given from everyone, and myself having no military background, I should think my doublet or PC will be fitting.

[Dixiecat]

I presume that Beck's-a-kilted is from the UK or a commonwealth country because the invitation used typically UK-speak ("dinner jacket" being the big tip off)

The big tip off is 'doublet'. But then, maybe because I'm Canadian, 'dinner jacket' is normal?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

It's because you're Canadian. It would be pretentious to use the phrase "evening doublet" on an invitation extended in the USA (or most of Canada, for that matter), but it might happen if the intention was to preclude anything but formal highland wear. The reference to a "dinner jacket"really isn't used much in the USA except, possibly, by pretentious people like me. But then I always note on the invitations I send out the ending time of the event with the phrase "carriages and chairs at 11 o'clock" or what ever time it may be that I want my guests to depart.

[Phil]

But then I always note on the invitations I send out the ending time of the event with the phrase "carriages and chairs at 11 o'clock" or what ever time it may be that I want my guests to depart.

Surely they don't still have Sedan chairs in Virginia, do they?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Surely they don't still have Sedan chairs in Virginia, do they?

Some of my more genteel dear friends still prefer this mode of transport, although just last week I noticed Mr. Picayune Carter (a gentleman of slight acquaintance) sitting astride a rail carried by several stout lads heading down main street, in the direction of out of town. I am sure this was meant to honour Mr. Carter, although I am sure from the expression on his face he would have preferred walking to the train station. Yes, even as the leaves fall, life remains gracious in Virginia.

[David White]

Some of my more genteel dear friends still prefer this mode of transport, although just last week I noticed Mr. Picayune Carter (a gentleman of slight acquaintance) sitting astride a rail carried by several stout lads heading down main street, in the direction of out of town. I am sure this was meant to honour Mr. Carter, although I am sure from the expression on his face he would have preferred walking to the train station. Yes, even as the leaves fall, life remains gracious in Virginia.

Yes it does good Sir.

[###KILTEDKIWI###]

would like to point out that within the RAF there is also no 4 dress which is flying kit I think and no 5 which is mess dress, that is almost the same as our no1's only instead of being blue it's a light gold and all insignia/ medals worn are minitures. I can find pics and put them up if required

Common wealth navies (RN - RNZN - RAN etc) have a number 5 dress / AWD Action Work Dress, which could consist of either overalls, and or the old style fire retardant blues...

basically your general duties wear.

[Woodsheal]

No. 1 mess kit:



No. 2 mess kit:



Sorry! Just couldn't resist...!