exceptions to tradition: the Queen

[Mike_Oettle]

Nighthawk wrote: “If you were take a French poodle and put a German collar on it, would it all of a sudden become a German shepherd?”

Of course it would not become a German shepherd. But bearing in mind that the poodle is actually a German breed, it might emphasise the fact that the dog in question was not in fact French.

[Tobus]

I was taught all I know about kilts by my Maternal Grandfather who fought kilted with the Argyll's in WW1. As far as I could garner from him, they did in the main wear underwear in the cold weather, and did not in the main in the hot weather due to lice - it was easier to go without.
There is one thing he did always stress, that it was not good manners to discuss whether you did or not with ANYONE else. I find it mildly discomforting that men feel the need to discuss this entirely private matter at all.....

An individual's choice is certainly his own. But I thought this discussion was about military regulations and traditions? Certainly it's not a "private matter" if it's part of the military dress code.

[McClef]

Trefor, it seems we are thinking about a different picture.

No Mike, it was the same one.

I had previously read that the "modest" version was the original but that his more careless pose had been an open invitation for a little digital fun.

However even Snopes cannot make up its mind.

But I am sure that even if true, Her Majesty, would have been as amused as her Great Great Grandmother, Queen Victoria was in a conversation with Mrs Disraeli.

They were talking about perfection at a Buckingham Palace levée and the Queen had made a remark about something or other being perfect.

To which Mary Ann Disraeli artlessly remarked "ah but Ma'am, you haven't seen my Dizzy in the bath."

Victoria had to put her fan in front of her face to hide her giggles.

[Mike_Oettle]

McClef wrote: “Victoria had to put her fan in front of her face to hide her giggles.”

[xena]

Well, there's a lot of opinion about military traditions without much fact.

FACT: Male soldiers of Highland or Kilted Regiments entitled to wear the kilt in uniform, do so without underwear. The gender of the monarch on the throne has exactly no bearing on this matter. It's as simple as that. Directions from the Adjutant and Regimental Sergeant Major make that quite clear, even if certain written dress regulations avoid the issue. Female soldiers of Highland or Kilted Regiments entitled to wear the kilt do so with underwear for obvious hygiene reasons.

What some Regiments did, or didn't, do while in the trenches in WWI, or what someone may have done when it was really cold, has nothing to do with the actual dress regulations. What soldiers wear, or don't wear, when they're tactical doesn't change the garrison and parade square rules. It's great history, but it changes nothing about the dress code.

FACT: There is exactly no rule saying that a Sgian Dubh has to draw blood before it can be re-sheathed. That's just a silly story that keeps circulating to try and keep young Squaddies from being stupid and waving their wee knives around.

For the record, I did indeed serve in a Highland Regiment.

[Mike_Oettle]

Thank you, Xena, for putting matters into perspective.
Not having worn a sgian dubh in uniform (they were only issued to officers), this is a matter on which I had no official instruction.
And the information about lice in the trenches confirms for me information I had concerning the disadvantages of trousers when these pesky critters are about. Kilts rule!
Regards,
Mike

[JerseyLawyer]

Xena, you can certainly correct me if I'm wrong here, but isn't it also true that exceptions exist if one is involved in activities - such as dancing, athletics, or marching with a band - that might commonly show too much?

[Nighthawk]

The American President Eisenhower was once asked if he considered himself a Texan (he was born there), even though he was raised in Kansas -- Ike replied:

"If a cat has kittens in the oven, do you call 'em biscuits?"



T.

I like Ike! (Yes, that was a purposeful play on words!)

[xena]

Xena, you can certainly correct me if I'm wrong here, but isn't it also true that exceptions exist if one is involved in activities - such as dancing, athletics, or marching with a band - that might commonly show too much?

As I understand it, all the dancing and athletic organizations actually do require underwear on their contestants.

But, as far as military regulations go - absolutely not. No exceptions. If a uniformed soldier is performing highland dancing, or tossing a caber, well, you just may be getting more than you bargained for.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

The picture that I think that everyone is referring to was doctored.

I am sure that Her Majesty does not carry a mirror on a stick when in the company of kilted soldiers.

Trefor is absolutely correct. That duty is performed by Mirror Stick in-waiting.