Howdy Gents,
Those last few uniform items are indeed Recce 1st pattern camouflage. There is quite a bit of confusion surrounding this pattern, which isn’t helped by some incorrect information on the 32 Bn Veterans website. Let me explain.
Several years ago I had a conversation with Jeff Fannell (co-author of Osprey Elite Series #47: South African Special Forces) in regards to this pattern. It came to light that there is a misprint in the book where it attributes this pattern to the 32 Bn Recce Wing. Jeff found this enlightening, as he had been wondering why everyone was calling this “Recce Wing camo”. This is in fact, incorrect. Jeff has since added a correction to his webpage. Please see the bottom of this link:
http://members.fortunecity.com/swatshop/updates.htm
It states: LINE 6 SHOULD READ "Although not much issued in 32bn after 1976 this pattern was adopted by SA SPECIAL FORCES (The Recces) and new stock was produced using a poly/cotton blend material........."
There also exists photographic documentation showing this pattern in use with the Recces
prior to the formation of 32 Bn. Now, did the 32 Bn Recce Wing use this pattern? Sure. Just as 31 Bn Recce Wing used it, and SWA Recce, and any other unit trained by and operating with the Recces. The fact is, this is not a 32 Bn only issued uniform, and actually predates the unit.
Be aware as well, that there are two versions of this pattern. The original 1970's produced pattern (of which Gilles’ garments are examples), and the 1980's produced “copy” pattern. The patterns themselves are very similar, but not exactly the same, and the colors of the 80's version are a bit darker. Now, the Recce 1st pattern was the inspiration for the 32 Bn camouflage patterns, and the later Recce copy version is the exact pattern as the wet and dry season 32 Bn camo.
Here’s an example of an original 1970's produced Recce 1st pattern jacket:
![32 Battalion Recce_12](https://i.servimg.com/u/f27/14/47/39/88/recce_12.jpg)
And here’s an example of the 1980's Recce 1st pattern copy pattern. Note this is exactly the same camo pattern as 32 Bn uniforms, although the pattern orientation is usually reversed on the Recce uniforms.
![32 Battalion Recce_13](https://i.servimg.com/u/f27/14/47/39/88/recce_13.jpg)
Finally, here’s a comparison shot of the 70's and 80's material. Note the pattern is orientated differently on the uniforms, the color differences, and some of the differences in the shapes as well.
![32 Battalion Recce_11](https://i.servimg.com/u/f27/14/47/39/88/recce_11.jpg)
I'd like to add, that 32 Bn Veterans website is very good, and has a ton of great information and photos. However, many of the pages haven't been updated in a few years, and quite a bit of information has come to light since, so there is some incorrect information there.
Anyway, I hope this will help clear up the confusion in regards to this pattern.
Cheers!
Mike