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ORIGIN OF MILITARY DINING-IN Officers to meet socially at a formal military
function. This is effective in building and
maintaining military tradition, morale and
espirit de corps.

Apart from adding significance to the
occasion, the dining-in is also to familiarise
the Officers and Warrant Officers with the
proceedings, formalities and courtesies
practised at such a function. The essentially

The exact origin of the Dining-in is not simple procedures, which have become
known. It is believed, however, that the established, heighten the enjoyment of the
practice dates to an old Viking tradition of meal and impart graciousness to the occasion
holding formal ceremonies to celebrate great not often, found elsewhere.
battles and feats of heroism. These Traditionally, dining-in is held in camp
ceremonies usually included a dinner of fine premises / Messes and the attire worn by
food, drinks, and fellowship. Later this military personnel is the Mess Kit (No 2
custom spread to the monasteries, uniform). However, some may wish to
universities, and, eventually, to the Military organise their dining-in outside the camp
Officers’ Mess.
premises such as hotel function rooms,
During the early eighteenth century, the restaurants or at private clubs. The organisers
British Army incorporated the practice of of the dining-in must observe and maintain
formal dining into their regimental Mess the decorum and traditions of the military
system. Customs and rules of the mess were dining-in procedures.
soon institutionalized in the Queen’s
Regulations that governed the actions and RATIONALE BEHIND DINING-IN
conduct of the British Army. The mess was a
home for the bachelor Officers, a club for all The Dining-in is a formal dinner held by a
Officers, and the centre of social activity at the Military Unit. The rationale prompting the
military garrison. An important feature of the event may vary. The dinner may be held to
Mess was Mess night. Usually held once a recognize the achievements of a Unit, to build
week, it was a formal mandatory gathering of and maintain esprit de corps among the
the Officers of the Regiment. The purpose of Officers of their command, etc.
the dinner was to bring the Officers together With the addition of female Officers, the
in a fraternal atmosphere and to make them Dining-in has changed from being a stag
aware of the luxuries of life. The Mess night affair. Moreover, some units occasionally
or Dining-In became a tradition in all British invite spouses. This is an excellent
regiments.
opportunity to introduce the spouses to the
Military dining-in is a formal military Army’s history, customs, and traditions, and
function, which is occasionally held in Units their attendance often stimulates greater
and Formations in the SAF. The diningin interest and participation in the event.
provides an occasion for Officers and Warrant