SA Paratroopers Giraffe skin camo

HI everybody, Can any one confirm if the Parabats really had a giraffeskin camo uniform in the middle to late 1970's. According to the rumours I've heard it was only experimental and only made in small quantities. Someone suggested some troops also wore it at Cassinga in 1978. Can anyone confirm this and perhaps send a photo?

Hi Ferdie,

Yes, the uniform did exist, and was a prototype/trials item only. Needless to say, it is extremely rare. I've seen quite a few photos of the Parabats at Cassinga, and all of them are wearing nutria uniforms, so I'm skeptical that it saw use there. It's my understanding that this uniform was only trialed by the Pathfinders, so that would put it's use around 1980-82 or so.

I see you are also a member of ICUS. You should check out Didier Bousquet's post on this uniform to see some detailed photos of the exquisite set that he has in his collection.

Cheers,

Mike

Thanks Mike, will checkit!

Hi Mike, Ferdie,

I took the images from Didier just to simplify and show to other fellow members.

This is an extremely beautiful and rare uniform.

PHOTOS BELONG TO DIDIER BOUSQUET






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i=186&u=14636101][/url]

Normally I would not part with huge money for really rare SA stuff just because I'd rather concentrate my limited resources elsewhere. HOwever, I definitely think I could make an exception for this if one ever came under my nose

Steve

oh me too definitely! Anybody wants to part with theirs????

I'm drooling........

What country wore these?

This was a trial pattern developed for South African paras. It saw very limited trial use with the Pathfinders in the early 80's.

Super rare would be an understatement. This set is the only known example I've ever even heard of. If there are more than a handful of items stil extant in this pattern, I'd be shocked.

Mike

ugh..I just relized how stupid a question that was.

That Dennison smock is stunning .

Dang the whole thing is stunning .

to complete rge discussion, this is the only ground photo of the giraffe camo worn by a Pathfinder less than 80 only tested



Photos and information were given to me by Yves DEBAY ex French Belgian RAR, 32nd Bat and Pathfinder, the shirt I had was swopped with Jeff FANNELL (SWATSHOP)

Regards

bousquet123 wrote:this is the only ground photo of the giraffe camo worn by a Pathfinder

... not any more!

Picture taken from 30 degrees South Publisher's website showing Pathfinder Company CSM Peter McAleese wearing 'Giraffe' camo Slangvel:

Hi Filupe, I had never seent this photo before, GREAT

another pics (Peter Mc Aleese) of the used of the giraffe camo (thanks to 30 ° South Editions)

I think those photos come from Peter Mc Aleeses book No Mean Soldier

No Mean Soldier is an incredible book. Mcaleese has seen some incredible things, Brit Army, Rhodesian Army, merc. in Angola, SA Army...........