South African Para Fox Chest Webbing (1980’s?)

Chest Rigs, Later Cold War (1969 - 1989), South Africa, Webbing

Sample 1:

Similar nylon weight and ALICE fixlock clips as Niemoller webbing.  No map pocket on back. 

Magazine Pouches:

  • Internal cloth strips.
  • Drain holes on bottom of pouches.

The cloth strips inside the magazine pouches are not long enough to reach bottom. They are probably only there to keep magazines inside.

Holster:

  • Closeup of fixlock clip.

Shoulder Straps:

Sample 2: Unknown Bateleur 90

The Para Fox chest rig was the direct inspiration for the Bateleur 90 Parabat chest rigs. These also included an integrated holster. The example below is of unknown origin and has a similar dark color, but softer, lighter weight Cordura:

  • Comparison with standard SADF Nutria Brown.

Usage Photos:

Mainly used by SADF Parabats (parachute brigades), particularly 44 Parachute Brigade (source: http://iacmc.forumotion.com/t5635-44-para-brigade-chest-webbing).

44 Parachute Brigade Images from http://iacmc.forumotion.com/t5635-44-para-brigade-chest-webbing.
December 1980: Ondowanga Air Base in South West Africa (Namibia), testing a vehicle before operations. Photo taken by Ken Gaudet, used here with permission.

Reenactor Photo:

The above photos are reenactors from http://combat2525.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-228.html?sp. Be careful with social media sources; this image with a filter has been circulating around Instagram and similar sites with dubious text!