At our 863 (Thurston) Squadron formal Annual Dinners we always try to follow RAF traditions and etiquette where pragmatically possible. Records show that formalised military dinners go back to Roman Legion days and formalised dining-in etiquette goes back to the 18th century for the British Army, early 19th century for the RN and of course for the RAF, from when it formed in April 1919 - influenced by Army (& Royal Flying Corps) traditions. RAF station dining-in nights are usually presided over by the President of the Mess Committee (PMC - whether in the Officers' Mess or the Sergeants' Mess) while squadron dining-in nights are usually presided over by the OC or a nominated deputy.
RAF Dining-In nights take a lot of organisation and are an important part of our culture as they promote camaraderie & esprit de corps, they demonstrate loyalty & allegiance, they provide the opportunity for commanding offers to give a speech recognising achievements etc, they are an opportunity to invite and host VIP guests and of course they are great fun!
An important part of every dining night is the Loyal Toast to the reigning monarch where after the meal decanters of port (a soft drink equivalent for air cadet dinners) are placed on the tables and are past to the left (e.g. clockwise) and glasses filled but importantly, the decanters are NOT to touch the table until they have gone full circle and are back in their original place. The RN tradition is different in that the decanters do not leave the table and so glasses are filled by tilting the decanter at the table edge to fill a glass held just below the table edge then sliding the decanter to the person on the left. The 'port' is not drunk until the Loyal Toast.
For the Loyal Toast, the PMC, OC or nominee stands and bangs the gavel then says "Mr Vice, The King." The pre-nominated Mr Vice (normally the junior most person attending) then stands saying 'Ladies & Gentlemen, The King." at which point all stand and, after the optional playing of the first verse of 'God Save The King', all raise their glass and say "The King." before taking a sip and with NO clinking of glasses. The Loyal Toast may well be followed by other toasts such as "Heads of State here represented." or "Absent friends."
While the RAF and the Army stand for the Loyal Toast, the RN remain seated. The reason for this is that King William IV (1765 - 1837), who served as a naval officer, was once on board a ship at sea dining with his officers and when he stood up he banged his head on the low ceiling after which he declared that from then on all RN Loyal Toasts would be done while remaining seated!
Other RAF dining-in protocols include acknowledging the PMC/OC (simply "Good evening Sir/Ma'am.") on arrival at the pre-dinner reception, remaining stood at the dining table until after grace has been delivered, not starting to eat before the 'top table' have started and no visiting the toilets during the meal until after the Loyal Toast when the PMC/OC will declare a short break to 'ease springs' before the the speeches start.
For 863 (Thurston) Squadron formal dinners, the etiquette we endeavour to follow is simply:
Arrive on time.
Approach (singularly or in small groups) the OC and simply say "Good evening Sir."
Use the toilet facilities before the start of dinner.
Remain standing until after grace.
Start eating only when the top table starts eating (or as briefed).
Do not leave the table (unless critical!) until after the Loyal Toast.
Pass the 'port' to the LEFT and WITHOUT touching the decanter to the table.
Do not drink the 'port' until the Loyal Toast and do not clink glasses.
Enjoy a great Dining-In!
Chocks Away!
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