Reproduced from a document pasted into the War Diary of the regimental depot written by Lt Col J E Neville
ABREVIATIONS
These have always been forbidden in the Regiment, fundamentally and rightly to avoid confusion, e.g.
(1) Not C.O. But Commanding Officer or Colonel.
(2) Not M.O. But Medical Officer or Doctor or Messing Officer.
(3) Not R.S.M. but Serjeant Major or Regimental Serjeant Major.
(4) Not P.M.C. but Mess President.
(5) Not C.S.M. but Company Serjeant Major.
(6) Not C.Q.M.S. but Company Quarter Master Serjeant.
(7) Not P.R.I but President Regimental Institutes or “Institutes” alone.
(8) Not “Skipper” but Captain.
(9) Never O.B.L.I Speak of The Regiment always or give the full title. The written official abbreviation is – Oxf & Bucks Lt Infty. NO OTHER
(10) Sjt spelt with a J is the official abbreviation for Serjeant.
(11) Never refer to a Private soldier as a “Tommy”. He is entitled to his rank or refer to him as a man or soldier. “Tommy” used to be punishable by Subalterns Court Martial.
DRESS
1. Certain misnomers are common and NOT used.
(1) Tunic is red. The Service Dress Jacket is Khaki and known as a Jacket.
(2) Trousers are NOT slacks.
(3) Plain clothes NOT Mufti.
(4) Blue Serge NOT Patrol.
2. The Service Dress cap and Field Service cap should have the small polished regimental buttons for chin strap and peak respectively.
3. Stars. Service Dress – ¾” measured diagnolly across the top and polished. Same size for Greatcoat.
4. Great Coat or Macintosh collars are not turned up except in very inclement weather. Overcoats are not worn when the men are not wearing them.
5. Cane – Black with white metal or silver knob.
6. Dubbed boots or shoes on parade.
7. With battledress an ashplant stick is carried.
8. The coat of the battle dress is known as a jacket – officially a blouse.
9. Whistle Strap – is always worn in Service Dress and in Battle Dress. It is NOT worn at dinner.
10. The Green Field Service Cap is always worn straight on the head. This dates from the introduction of the Glengarry in 1866 and the present type in 1885.
11. “Curls” and quiffs are strictly taboo” in all ranks – Chronicle Vol XXIII p.154.
12. The regimental Belt is not a Sam Browne. It is not worn in the mess at any time and only when on duty or carrying a pistol, or outside barrack area.
13. Gloves – in winter Khaki string. In summer not worn in war’
14. The correct name for the Officers collar badge is “Button and Cord Loop”.
15. Siver Horns are always worn in all types of headdress.
“Watchword extreme neatness without any appearance of showiness”
DRILL
1. The stamping of feet is a sign of heavy infantry. All drill movements are done quickly, silently and consequently smartly.
2. It is customary to salute the Officer Commanding a company on entering his office.
HONORARY MEMBERS
1. All battalions of the Regiment are permanent honorary members of the Messes of all battalions of the Rifle Brigade and Chestnut Troop RHA.
2. The 43rd and 7th Fusiliers are permanent honorary members of each others messes.
The 43rd and 12th Royal Lancers are permanent honorary members of each others messes.
MESS
(1) All are equal in the Mess except the Commanding Officer
(2) “Sir” is not used to any senior officer except the Commanding Officer in the Mess. On parade every commander is addressed Sir.
(3) The Commanding Officer is saluted only on first meeting.
(4) Majors are not saluted or addressed Sir except on parade. This applied to Majors of other regiments.
(5) The 52nd say Grace before dinner.
(6) The regiment does not stand up for the national Anthem in the Mess.
(7) The Kings health is not drunk at dinner.
(8) After the first round of port any diner can leave the table, and smoking is permitted after the second round.
(9) If late for dinner apologise to whoever sits at either end of the table.
(10) When in other messes comply with their customs.
(11) There are no guest nights. Guests can be invited any night but more usually when the band plays. Such nights are called Band Nights.
(12) If you invite a guest or intend to dine out you must put your name in the “Dining In” and “Dining Out” book by 1600hrs.
(13) Leave – The Leave Book is in the ante-room until Friday, when it is taken to the Orderly Room. The name of an understudy must be inserted if a duty coincides with the application for leave.
(14) There is no treating of any sort in the Mess.