Adding a small bit of a different tartan

[Highland Logan]

I am not saying I am right and everybody else is wrong, but I personally would no more wear something that I was not entitled to, than fly to the moon. As I understand it and forgive me if I am wrong, you did not serve in the RCAF therefore you really ought not even consider wearing anything that you are not entitled to wear, particularly with a military connection. I think I am right in saying that The RCAF tartan is not official RCAF dress, so just like a regimental tie it is civilian wear, even so, you, in my humble opinion, will be doing your late and obviously well respected Grandfather no service(honour) at all by wearing something you are not entitled to wear.

Actually Jock,

The RCAF tartan is the officially approved tartan of the modern Canadian Forces Air Command and is worn by Air Command pipe bands. And as to the "entitled to" bit, I do agree.

Frank

[Jock Scot]

Actually Jock,

The RCAF tartan is the officially approved tartan of the modern Canadian Forces Air Command and is worn by Air Command pipe bands. And as to the "entitled to" bit, I do agree.

Frank

Thank you for that correction Frank. In that case, I am even more convinced that the RCAF tartan should not be worn by those that are not entitled to wear it.

[Highland Logan]

spOOky,

If you want to honour him I would suggest that you get a really great picture of Him in his best uniform, and have it matted so that you can put a swatch of RCAF tartan under the picture. Honouring people doesn't mean that we have to cover ourselves in "them". I served 13 years with the RCA, and if someone told me they wanted to honour me, I would tell them to either enlist or hang a picture on the wall. The accoutrements of the artillery have no place with those who did not serve, and they are not mine to give. There are posters here from time to time who already have their mind made up when they post on topics like this, and really only exspect to hear a yes. And for every ex-servicemen who says "yes", there are probley a lot more who would say "no".. and like I said, for all those who say "yes", where did they get the right to give what is not theirs, but something that belongs to all of their trade, or regiment.

Frank

[sp00ky]

Thank-you all so far for your honest replies....

With regards to the latter posts, I agree, and beside $$, as McMurdo pointed out a RCAF casual kilt can be had for less than $250, I really don't feel comfortable wearing a military kilt since I have never served in the military.

My original question was not "Can I wear the RCAF Kilt", unlike the "My pops was a leatherneck..." thread it was simply with regards to the incorporation of a small bit of one tartan into the larger "look". Now my own words of "Do not have the funds to get a full RCAF kilt.. maybe someday" most likely is the cause of this.

My thread's intention was to add a small bit of a different tartan "I was thinking something small, unobtrusive, maybe a swatch here, ribbon there, or maybe hose flashes.."

So, personally while I guess I have come to the conclusion that I agree wearing the full kilt would be wrong, personally I also have no qualms about adding some hose flash, or a swatch to my outfit, so I will return the thread to its original intention of experience having done this or suggestion as to the most eye pleasing way to accomplish it.

If all fails with regards to my own outfit, I plan to purchase a scarf (since it is going to be cold anyway) in the RCAF Tartan and have my daughter wear it.

Respectfully,

Scott

[Stratherrick]

The whole wearing of military tartans is a tricky one.

I once spent years trying to track down a WW1 Machine Gun Corps cap badge but, when I eventually found one, I decided against getting it. My great uncle was a member and died of his wounds.

Some things are best left to those that served.

Just my humble thoughts...

Slainte and here's raising a glass to uncle Alexander Fraser of Errogie, Stratherrick, another fighting Fraser.

Bruce

[Mark Keeney]

How about putting a swatch on the inside lining of your jacket or vest. That way you could have a memory on you without looking like you served in the RCAF.

[Peter C.]

Hi Spooky,
Lets put all this in perspective. No one will think you are suggesting that you served in the RCAF just because you are wearing flashes or a swatch of RCAF tartan.

In Scotland you will find tartan on everything from souveniers to biscuit tins and picnic blankets to scarves. Infact you can get a scarf in almost any tartan you like and they are not made to sell only to regiment or clan members.

I served in the British Army and if you wore something from my service to honour your grandfather I would be pleased because you are showing respect for that service too, because you wouldn't honour your grandfather with something you didn't respect.

So wear those flashes or swatch or patch behind badge or kilt pin in full view and with pride in your grandfather and the service he gave.

Peter