Download 'Too Hot', an exclusive Specials track from iTunes

It was a fight that pitted one whiskery British airman against the United States Air Force. But last night the Ministry of Defence said that Flight Lieutenant Chris Ball, right, had won his battle to keep his moustache while serving in the USAF in Afghanistan.
When Flight Lieutenant Ball arrived at the US base near Kabul on an exchange from Lossiemouth, his commanders ordered him to trim his moustache to conform with US regulations. Perhaps they were unaware of the importance of the moustache in British military history, where it was essential to the stiff upper lip.
Flight Lieutenant Ball turned to the Queen’s Regulations for the RAF. Regulation 209 on moustache size states that the upper lip is to remain unshaven and the hair should not extend below the edge of the mouth. His moustache complied, and furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding between the forces meant that local commanders could not issue orders that did not allow for difference in dress regulations. The battle of the moustache was won by a whisker.
Win a luxury weekend to Newcastle and its neighbour Gateshead, find out more here
Risk, resilience and embracing new technology
Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast
Discover the power of collective thinking. Submit a solution and be in with a chance to win a Media Hub Home Entertainment System
The inside track on current trends in the charity, not for profit and social enterprise sectors
Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip
Make the most of the summer and enter our fabulous photographic competition, you could win a £5000 holiday
Corsica is an island of beauty and contrast, an ideal holiday destination
Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more
Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles
The clever way to lease a new car is with Car leasing made simple™
2009
per month on 36-month
Personal Contract Hire (PCH)
2008
42850
Car Insurance
£24,250 - £30,346
MI5
London
£60,000
The Environment Agency
Bristol
Up to £90K
Boots
Midlands
OTE £85k
Credit Protection Association
Nationwide Opportunities
Completely London
Luxury Condo's in Manhattan with NYC views
The best new homes in Wimbledon?
Nationwide
Fabulous Cruise And Cruise & Stay Offers Including Virgin Atlantic Flights Prices Start From Only £699pp!
Last Minute Cruise And Cruise & Stay Offers. Med From £499pp, Caribbean From £699pp!
5 star quality at a 3 star price.
8 fabulous Canadian cities ...you won’t find cheaper
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths | Subscriptions | E-paper
News International associated websites: Globrix Property Search | Property Finder | Milkround
Copyright 2009 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.
Well done sir, good fellow!
I just hope your career and promotion prospects do not suffer at the hands of the 'tut-tutting' spittle-encrusted upper echelons.
Mike, Balsall Common, England
Three things strike me on this report... one "refused to comply when his superior officer" NO yank is superior as for refusal The Pilots Oathe states "bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors," no yank there good luck to the lads out there .!
Cyan, Stoke , England ( and Proud of that !)