Unhappy choice

[OC Richard]

I really feel for that poor guy.

Standing at attention in the blazing hot sun, wearing heavy wool kit, is a recipe for keeling over.

As a piper who does quite a few funerals, including military funerals, in hot sunny Southern California, I've been in that situation often.

One time it was well over 100f not a cloud in the sky and I in black wool jacket was posted out in the sun. I got through it OK, but a young Marine in the Honour Guard (in Dress Blues) keeled over. Luckily it was on thick spongy grass- he had a soft landing! Nobody moved- and when the Guard marched away he was still there. When the ceremony was over the other Marines came back and ministered to their unfortunate comrade.

Sad, really, that the plight of the Royal Regiment of Scotland musician was used by the media to talk about "the question".

[Liam]

Or a bear skin/fur hat....

[Jimmy the Celt]

Sad, really, that the plight of the Royal Regiment of Scotland musician was used by the media to talk about "the question".

Aye, it is that. I am such a stickler for tradition that I can never see myself wearing anything under the kilt. Whilst accidental exposure is unfortunate, I don't think it is really that big of a deal, and I say that as one with a high degree of modesty and propriety; things happen that cannot be controlled.

I find it amusing to think that female assisting him is, in fact, dressed like a man

[neloon]

I am such a stickler for tradition that I can never see myself wearing anything under the kilt.

So you are a private soldier on active service (pre-1940) !

[Jimmy the Celt]

So you are a private soldier on active service (pre-1940) !

I can only say that it seems quite unthinkable--to me--to wear anything under the kilt as that is the perennial consensus. Everyone makes their own choice and I would not say it is wrong to wear anything under the kilt precisely. For me it just seems unnatural and to some degree takes away the freedom of movement that comes with the kilt. If one is careful, accidental exposure will almost never occur unless something happens that cannot be controlled (sudden high wind, collapse, etc.).

[Mechamaniac]

Someone didn't listen when their NCO told them NOT to lock their knees.

[MacRob]

My son and daughter-in-law got married at Homewood Castle in Asheville, NC on July 30, 2005. They had the ceremony outside in a kind of amphitheater. It was warm but not excessively so but the humidity was awful. The piper was soaking wet the whole time and could not keep his pipes going very well. The groomsmen, none of who had ever worn the kilt, were about to pass out but, I am happy to say we all survived and got into the great hall of the castle before anyone passed out. So, I can sympathize with the young bandsman in the photos. The choice of undergarments - not so much but had he actually been regimental you would not have seen that photo.

[Steve Ashton]

Here in Canada the tradition may have been a bit different.

I had the honor to speak to one of the last surviving soldiers from WWI just before he passed. We spoke of his time in the war while serving in a kilted regiment. The unit he was with was the 16th Battalion (Canadian Scottish) now called The Canadian Scottish Regt. (Princess Mary's) Their home is right here in Victoria. For those of you who do not know this is the unit that conducted the counter-attack in the aftermath of the world's first gas attack. (The battle of Kitcheners' wood)

The story he related to me was that, at the time, the entire military uniform was made of wool. When uniforms were issued they included wool underwear. Large, and loose, fastened with a tie at the waist.

However, while in the trenches the soldiers were not able to bathe regularly. Lice was just one of the many problems among the troops. Crab lice were a constant problem.
So to combat the lice the soldiers cut all their hair very short or shaved it all off. Yes, even pubic hair was shaved.
And they also dispensed with the woolen underwear because it was the perfect breeding ground for lice.

According to this soldier's memories, while actually in combat, or when sanitary amenities were not available, were the only time that they went "regimental". At all other times they worn the uniform properly as it was issued. That included the underwear.

According to this old soldier, the time of the RSM and the mirror, came in the late 1950' and early 60's. Well after the last time the kilt was worn in combat and only in some regiments.

While we were talking, this old gentleman related an interesting side story. According to him it was very common while serving at home, for the young soldiers to exchange the woolen underwear for something more comfortable. Many wore bright red silk. His belief was that it was very uncommon not to wear some form of underwear. But to attract the attention of young ladies they would wear these 'special' things hoping that the lasses would take a peek to get a glimpse of the bright red silk.

[Pleater]

In the recent blistering heat having the option of cotton kilts has been a lifesaver - wet cotton is cold - oh bliss.

It has been possible to cook just by placing a cast iron frying pan in the full sun - it being black with age it heats up so no need to use the cooker.

tradition is all very well but with the heat building as it is and records being broken - it seems - every year, the cotton option is going to be the sensible one for at least two months of every year.

Anne the Pleater

[Benning Boy]

I don't know how things were in Steve's Marine Corp back in the day, but in the Army informed Grunts dispensed with undies. Go 30 days without a shower, or spend days waist deep in swamps and you'll understand why. I was fortunate enough in Basic Combat Training to have as a Drill Sergeant a man who had served entirely through WW2, Korea, Dominican Republic, and two tours in Viet Nam. He taught us a lot that wasn't in the book. One of his tips was get rid of the underwear at first chance. I even went without socks. Much of his reasoning makes sense in civilian life, and there's nothing titillating about. My first day in the oilfield it was 106 degrees and I was soaked in salt water. After that I "traveled light" until winter. Kilting regimental is more comfortable than not, just as kilting is more comfortable than wearing jeans. To everything there is a season, or something like that.