Hoar frost is a type of feathery frost that forms as a result of specific climatic conditions. The word “hoar” comes from old English and refers to the old age appearance of the frost: the way the ice crystals form makes it look like white hair or a beard. How does hoar frost form? Under clear, cold nights in winter, a hoar frost can form. It forms when water vapour in the air comes into contact with an object that is below freezing. Rather than the water vapour first condensing onto the object and then freezing, the water vapour immediately freezes to form ice crystals. The hoar frost is distinctive due to its feathery structure, and the freezing process is so quick that it traps air, giving it a white or silver opaque appearance. Hoar frosts most commonly attach themselves to the branches of trees, leaves and grasses but can also be seen on objects such as gates and flowerpots. Sometimes the deposits can be so thick that it may even look like a dusting of snow has fallen, creating a typical winter wonderland day. Stag editor Jules Xavier focused on hoar frost-covered trees adjacent to the Junior Ranks mess, Base HQ and the RCA Museum’s outdoor artillery gun park.