tanith My dad was a professional soldier, officer in the Royal Engineers, and I remember those 'suspenders'. I also remember him in khaki wool knee-socks, without suspenders, below knee-length sharply pressed shorts when we were stationed in warmer climes. The suspenders were still in use after he left the army but he eventually gave up on long socks and the suspenders were consigned to the sewing box - I think the theory was that the little metal and rubber bits might 'come in' to repair a suspender belt for mum or me. I also recollect dad polishing shoes every morning before breakfast - obviously after he left the army and no longer had a batman or 'house boy’. The latter makes me shiver with horror. O tempora, o mores.