Rhodesian Arid Brushstroke Pattern (late 1960’s – early 1970’s)

Camouflage, Early Cold War (1945 - 1968), Experimental, Trials, and Prototypes, Rhodesia

The arid Rhodesian camouflage pattern, also known as the “winter” or “dry season” pattern was a trial colorway of the standard Rhodesian brushstroke camouflage that was ultimately never adopted. Based on a comparison of features between the earlier 1st Pattern (same jacket cut) and the later standard version (same pattern shapes), it probably existed some time between the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

Since it was not selected for mass production, Rhodesian forces simply used more faded garments during the dry season (source: https://www.josephcolumbussmith.com/african-history-on-edge/ ).

Sample 1:

  • The lack of contrast between the base tan and yellow makes the item difficult to photograph.

Tag is not filled in. Same format and manufacturer (L. Ferera [PVT.]) as 1st Pattern Rhodesian Jacket Sample 4.

Tag matches sample posted by bousquet123 here:  http://www.newrhodesian.ca/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=4660 (now removed as of May 2020)

Same shapes as standard Rhodesian pattern, but green color is more yellowed. The pattern likely existed concurrently with the standard version since some arid jackets and pants have been found with standard version fabric used as trim material.

From https://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/407343235/Rhodesian_Camo_Cap_with_Neck_flap_58_Cm.html?

Trousers:

Note inside of waistband (from https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2908492095841976&set=p.2908492095841976&type=3&theater).

Pattern Comparison:

The jacket’s cut is the same as the first pattern Rhodesian jacket.

The comparison below shows that the arid version uses a different printing screen than the first pattern. In fact, the arid version appears to use the same screens as the more common second pattern.

First pattern on left, arid on right. Notice the greater distance on the brown zigzag blob at the bottom and the thicker Y-shape on the arid version compared to the first version. These pattern features are also found on the standard pattern.

Usage Photos:

Unfortunately, the few photos that currently exist of this pattern are yellowed due to age. The real arid items, as seen on this page, are not as spectacularly yellow.

Standard pattern items appear in both photos showing that the arid and standard pattern existed concurrently.

Possibly the most famous picture of the arid pattern.

From https://www.nairaland.com/1386870/african-militaries-security-services-strictly/1970.

For more information about the Rhodesian arid pattern, please see:

Social media thread: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=773311343171030&set=gm.2690783847695859&type=3&theater&ifg=1

(warning: contains ambiguous/misleading, unverified information on the items the author does not entirely agree with)

Forum thread: http://www.newrhodesian.ca/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=4660

Disclaimers on neutrality and political content of sources apply.