Ethiopian DERG Uniform

[nkomo]

This is one of the rarest uniforms in my collection. It is a Ethiopian camo uniform in the Korean noodle or sea-wave pattern. This was reportedly captured in Rhodesia in the late 1970's. Some people have said that this pattern was not invented until the 1980's time period, but there are examples of this pattern with dates of 1976. Whatever the case, this uniform has seen better days. Notice the hammer and sickle on the collar tabs.

 

[gwb123]

Unless you have markings that suggest otherwise, it may very well have been manufactured in Korea. If you open a phone book in Seoul or Hong Kong, you will find merchants who will make camouflage clothing and will sell to literally anyone.

[nkomo]

Gil,

Thanks for the comment. This one was made in South Korea back in the 70s. South Korea exported this pattern to several different countries as well.

[Kia kaha]

These uniforms where used in Southern Rhodesia, Zimbabwe during the ceasefire period when the nationalist groups ZANLA and ZIPRA were assembled in camps prior to the 1980 election. There are many press photos of these being worn. Don’t know who procured them properly the then British administration, but they were flown in on Canadian supply aircraft.

Tony

[Kia kaha]

Been a long time but found a photo of a group of guys in a assembly place in Rhodesia December 1979.