>That's interesting coming from someone whose military has some of the most colorful dress uniforms in the world. :o)

True they're colourful, but underneath the red they're really quite plain and simple. Except for the cuirasses on the Household Cavalry, apart from the buttons there's very little shiny metal. Compare with a US marine in full dress. And talk about gaudy, WHO ever told you that blue and black go together? :-)

btw I understand that the reason why the British Army, in typical penny-pinching style, originally chose red cos it was the cheapest suitable cloth available at the time.