Shirts:

Shirt 1

As used by FAPLA in Angola (See Shirt 2 and Trousers, below, for intact FAPLA tags like this one would have).  Item came out of South Africa.  Shirt has same cut as Elm Leaf pattern.

Shirt 2

Mint condition shirt. Also has FAPLA tags like Sample 2 but much tighter weave fabric.

Tags:

“Triumfo” tag indicates 1980’s production (source: https://cuba-militaria.org/hersteller/)

Washing instructions tag at bottom:

Cuffs:

Cuban originals tend to have a “flare” at the button ends of the epaulets and cuff adjustment flaps. This is also present in Shirt 1.

Trousers:

FAPLA tag indicates it is for Angola.  Similar weight and type of twill material as Shirt 1.

Tags:

Cuban original is cotton twill while Recce version on this page (Sample 3) is like SADF poplin.

Jackets:

Another type of jacket with only 2 lower patch pockets also existed (source: https://cuba-militaria.org/afrika/).

M1943 style Jacket

Cut is very similar to US M1943 or M1951 style jacket. More information about Cuban Grey Lizard jackets: https://cuba-militaria.org/afrika/

Pockets:

Inside:

Padded liner.

Epaulette:

Cuffs:

Parka Cut:

Only has lower pockets. This jacket was apparently a battlefield pickup, which explains its heavily worn condition. All buttons are missing.

Tags:

Arm:

Inside:

Liner:

Thin quilted liner similar to M1943 style jacket above, unlike Recce copy.

SADF Recce Copy Fabric

One form of SADF Recce copy fabric, like SADF poplin.

Pattern Tile:

Made from Recce copy fabric.

Usage Photos:

This camouflage pattern was very widely used by Cuban troops and exported to Cuban-backed insurgent groups.

Zimbabwe Peoples Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) :

1979 or 1980: Zimbabwe Peoples Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) guerillas marching to assembly point for demobilization, transition to national independence (from https://digitalcollections.lib.uct.ac.za/islandora/object/islandora:12551).