Why do the RAF wear blue?
The choice of blue uniforms for the RAF was the result of a surplus of inexpensive medium sky blue coloured herringbone twill in the United Kingdom, which had been intended for use in the uniforms of Czarist Russian imperial cavalrymen before the Russian Revolution occurred.
What does VR stand for on RAF uniform?
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve formation
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve formation badge, other ranks: the letters ‘VR’ in light blue embroidered onto black cloth background. One to be worn on both upper sleeves beneath the eagle. ‘VR’ was used to distinguish from Auxiliary members who wore the letter ‘A’.
When did the RAF adopt blue uniforms?
On 15 September 1919, Air Ministry Order 1049 replaced it with the blue-grey colour which has remained in use to this day.
What Colour is RAF uniform?
The Royal Air Force uniform is the standardised military dress worn by members of the Royal Air Force. The predominant colours of Royal Air Force uniforms are blue-grey and Wedgwood blue. Many Commonwealth air forces’ uniforms are also based on the RAF pattern, but with nationality shoulder flashes.
Why is the RAF called crabs?
Definition: This is a term used to refer to members of the Royal Air Force by both the British Armed Forces and the Royal Navy. Why are members of the RAF called crabs? Simply because they do a drill that requires them to move sideways and diagonally, making them look like a crab.
Do RAF officers get a sword?
The present regulation Royal Air Force Sword, as carried by RAF Commissioned Officers, was adopted by the Air Ministry in 1925. The sword has a single-edged straight blade with gold-plated brass hilt, white fish-skin grip and a brass pommel in the form of an eagle.
What is a wireless air gunner?
Wireless operator/air gunner – The role was to send and receive wireless signals during the flight, assisting the observer with triangulation “fixes” to aid navigation when necessary and if attacked to use the defensive machine gun armament of the bomber to fight off enemy aircraft.
Can you be an RAF reserve pilot?
Yes, of course you can. We understand that the RAF Reserves may not be for everyone but we would ask that you let your squadron boss know why you want to leave just in case he/she can make changes that may enable you to stay.
What side do RAF wear poppies?
Wondering where to wear your poppy on your uniform? The answer is on the RIGHT side in the equivalent position of the No. 1 jacket pocket. Only if you are carrying a drum or banner on parade should a poppy be worn on the left side.
What do the British call the RAF?
crabs
Definition: This is a term used to refer to members of the Royal Air Force by both the British Armed Forces and the Royal Navy. Why are members of the RAF called crabs? Simply because they do a drill that requires them to move sideways and diagonally, making them look like a crab.
What does the Navy call the RAF?
“Crabs”. From “crabfat” – it is a derogatory term – the grease that was used on Navy gun breeches was called “crabfat” as it resembled the blue colour of the ointment used to treat sailors for ‘crabs’ – the RAF uniform was a similar shade of blue hence the link. Also believed to be the origins behind the “Fly Navy.
Why do British officers carry swords?
The usage of swords in courts-martial was an established tradition within the British armed forces. The accused was marched into their court-martial by an escort armed with a sword. Commissioned officers would be obliged to put their swords on the court table as a symbol of their rank and reputation being put on hold.
Who gets the sword of Honour?
The Sword of Honour (Urdu: اعزازی شمشیر) is an honorary sword awarded to that “Gentleman Cadet”, “Officer Cadet”, “Aviation Cadet” or “Lady Cadet” who achieves an overall best performance during his or her entire training period at the Pakistan Military Academy at Kakul, the Pakistan Air Force Academy at Risalpur, or …
What was the life expectancy of a WW2 pilot?
The Germans generally had better aircraft and more experienced airmen, but the Canadian and Imperial fliers persevered. Historians have calculated that the life span of a pilot in action was about ten weeks.
What was the life expectancy of a WW2 bomber crew?
More than 50,000 Airmen lost their lives in the four years of WWII and the majority of those losses were on bomber missions over Nazi Germany in B-17s and B-24s. The average age of the crew of a B-17 was less than 25, with four officers and six enlisted Airmen manning the aircraft.
Do RAF pilots carry guns?
RAF pilots WILL carry guns in case they are shot down by ISIS over Syria and need to defend themselves in a shoot-out on the ground. RAF pilots asked to bomb ISIS in Syria would carry handguns to defend themselves on the ground, MailOnline can reveal today.
How many hours do RAF pilots fly?
Flying Hours.
The NATO minimum is 180 hours (15 per month). RAF flying hours for jet pilots is between 180 and 240 per year (18.5 per month on average). Of these hours, 150 hours (12–14 hours per month; 12.5 on average) are felt to be a safety-of-flight minimum (instruments, takeoffs, landings).
Can I wear my uniform on Remembrance Day?
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed in the past that wearing the poppy, however, is not obligatory. During the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, personnel on parade do not wear a poppy as it is not a part of their formal uniform.
Can I wear my beret on Remembrance Day?
Civilians may wear items of uniform such as caps and berets with badges in public displays, performances and special events provided that it is not to the detriment of the Naval Service. In particular: (1) By custom, ex-service personnel may wear caps or berets with badges on remembrance and memorial occasions.
Why are RAF called crab fat?
What does biff chit mean?
a sick chit
BIFF CHIT – A derogatory term for a sick chit/medical note that excuses someone from various types of military work or exercise.
What are RAF soldiers called?
RAF Regiment instructors are responsible for training all Royal Air Force personnel in basic force protection such as first aid, weapon handling and CBRN skills. The regiment and its members are known within the RAF as “The Regiment”, “Rock Apes” or “Rocks”.
Do you keep your military rank after retirement UK?
Under the Regulations, only retired officers of the Regular Army and officers retiring from the auxiliary forces with 15 years’ commissioned service have the privilege of retaining their rank.
Why were officers only given pistols?
As War History says, officers came from the nobility; carrying swords rather than pikes or bows marked them as elite. Carrying a pistol served the same purpose: it was more of a close-quarters weapon than a rifle, so it seemed braver and more chivalric for officers to carry a pistol rather than a longer-range weapon.
Can a girl get Sword of Honour?
Major Divya Ajith Kumar, an Indian Army officer of Army Air Defence, was the first Lady Cadet to receive the Sword of Honour in the history of Indian Army.