What is a mess?
In civilian terms it might be your teenage son’s bedroom but in the military it means where the soldiers food is prepared and served and for Sergeants and Officers it means where they gather for a drink as well as to eat. Troops below the rank of Sergeant cannot drink alcohol with their meal. Sergeants and above can. The Officers Mess: Officers Messes were first introduced in the British Army about 1770. The first known writing, using the word “Mess” is found in early writings from a “Military Guide for young Officers”, which states, ” each Field Officer and Captain is to contribute six guineas and each Subaltern and Staff Officer, one days pay each towards the purchasing of a dining tent and also to enable a sutler to buy a cart and two horses, table linen, kitchen furniture, etc. Wine, punch, ale, cider etc, being distinct articles must be paid for by those who choose to call for them; and for each strangers dinner sent from the Mess”.
