page_title: Uniforms of the Royal Air Force
section_title: War service dress
hierarchical_section_title: Uniforms of the Royal Air Force / Historic uniforms / War service dress
caption_attribution_description: Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder on the Italian coast. Later that month he returned to Britain to take up his appointment as Deputy Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces then being assembled for the cross-channel invasion.
context_page_description: 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. Cadets of the RAFAC which includes the ATC and CCF Sections wear similar uniforms.
context_section_description: War service dress, also known as battle dress, was introduced in 1940 as a blue/grey version of the British Army's battle dress.  Initially, war service dress was only worn by air crew.  However, in 1943, its use was authorised for all ranks and trades.  War service dress continued to be worn after the end of World War II.  It was significantly altered in 1948 and not phased out until 1976.
caption: Air Chief Marshal Tedder wearing war service dress
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