Operation Savannah was South Africa’s entry into the Angolan War after the Portuguese withdrew due to the Carnation Revolution. The operation was meant to prevent Angola from becoming a staging point for communist-backed insurgent movements to attack South West Africa (Namibia), then under South African control [1]. Although conventional SADF units were involved, the operation was intended to be covert, so these sterile green uniforms were specifically procured from an unknown source for the operation [2][3].
Shirt:
The materials and cut of the shirt are similar to the sateen American OG-107 shirts used at the time.
The trousers are similar to the ones in the standard issue Israeli Bet uniform, a cut shared with the Israeli lizard uniform. However, these trousers were made without the small lower pocket underneath the left large pocket (as worn).
Pockets:
Large cargo pockets are located closer to the waist line.
Waist Adjustment:
Inside:
Ankles:
Stamp:
Similar size stamp as shirt.
Usage Photos:
October 1975: Troop 3 of D Sqn (attached 2 South Africa Infantry) – From the left James Smit, Paul Kotze, Sam vd Berg (back) Ronnie Shepperson, Phillip Rossouw, Mark Addison, Harry du Toit (back) Willie Kruger, Fred Gericke, Lieb Liebenberg. Not in the photo Troop Commander Lt Hennie Kotze and Cpl Jan (Tenk) Fourie [4]. October 2, 1975 – March 27, 1976: A SADF 5.5 inch (140mm) gun and crew in Angola during Ops Savannah. Note the casual uniforms, long hair and beards; typical of SADF units after being in the bush for extended periods. The one soldier is carrying an AK 47 rifle. The camouflage pattern of the gun is non-standard SADF, and was part of the covert action to disguise the units as non-SADF [2].October – December 1975: SADF troops in green non-SADF uniform in front of a heavily camouflaged Eland armoured car some where deep in Angola during Ops Savannah. These uniforms were probably sourced internationally and was of bad quality. Again the covert nature of the operation is evident from the non-standard SADF uniforms. Rumours during the time were that the green uniforms were intended to make the SADF troops look American. At that stage the CIA was still actively supporting the operation, but it soon pulled out, leaving the SADF on its own deep inside enemy teritory. Note the sleeves and pants being cut off as a result of the African summer heat, and the casual dress reminicent of troops on long operations [2].SADF leadership during Operation Savannah. Person in the center is wearing a Recce First Wet Season Pattern Camouflage uniform. [2]November 1975 (?): The field hospital personnel in front of the hospital at Cela, Angloa. Colonel Dippenaar at the back, second from the right.[3]November 1975: The Eland crew responsible for the recovery of Gideon Obbes, part of Battle Force Zulu deep in Angola on the way to Nova Redondo. First Eland – L/Cpl Giles Parker (arms crossed)and Gunner Johan Uys – Second Eland – Chris Botha (hand on chin).[5]
References
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