RAF Female Mess Dress Query

[dragon166]

During research into the Female Mess Dress of 1971 - 1996 I have come across some questions re the colours of the dresses worn. In the Dress Regs of circa 1981 the black/white illustrations suggest that the PMRAFNS dress is a light colour. I found the coloured pics some years ago and they show the colours of the dresses for both the WRAF & PMRAFNS as being dark and light blue respectively.

The black/white Dress Regs illustration for the PMRAFNS clearly shows the collar pattern but the colour of the dress appears to be lighter than that shown in the colour pic. Perhaps there was also a white version?

To further throw a spanner in the works, I was recently sent the full length coloured pic of a PMRAFNS Officer, apparently from a version of Dress Regs, which shows her wearing the darker blue dress, although it has the correct collar pattern and badging for the PMRAFNS.

Confusion now reigns!! If anyone can help with information to clarify the situation I would love to hear from you.
Dave

[Staffsyeoman]

My better half is a former RAFVR/RAuxAF Sqn Ldr. Before the change to male style jackets and a skirt, she wore the "royal blue" dress which was universally despised. Her comment on the PMRAFNS was "they always wore different to us".

[Paul Spellman]

It was 80’s throwback ball gowns for RAF women Junior ranks in 1992.
I’m one of the Pongos making the picture look smart
Paul

[leigh kitchen]

According to Issue 270 (April - June 2018) of "The Formation Sign":
"Between 1971 and 1996 the WRAF officers mess dress was a long-sleeved ankle length, royal blue dress on which their rank was indicated by a small gilt and enamel brooch worn near the neck. Female officers now wear the same blue-grey mess dress jacket, bow tie and cummerbund as that of male officers with an ankle-length skirt".

[Alan O]

Universally known as the 'Blue Tube' and not liked.