December 17, 20205 yr #1 This is a Strichtarn uniform that was supposedly captured from a ZIPRA (Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army of the Zimbabwe African People's Union) soldier/terrorist in Rhodesia in the late 1970s. The uniform itself looks to be a tailor made piece that originated in Mozambique and was given as aid to the Marxist group ZAPU. I have shown this uniform to a fellow collector before it arrived and we weren't sure if the rain pattern was EG or Polish. After having it in hand, the camo appears to be EG in origin. If not, it may be a copy of the EG rain pattern. However, I am pretty confident the fabric was EG in origin and sewn in Mozambique. Unlike uniforms used by SWAPO-PLAN(South West African People's Organization People's Liberation Army of Namibia), this uniform does not appear to be EG manufactured as it does not follow any known cut uniform they used. I am including pictures of a FRELIMO soldier (Frente de Libertação de Moçambique) in Mozambique and two pictures of Samora Machel (FRELIMO Commander and President of Mozambique) wearing a similarly cut uniform.
December 17, 20205 yr Author #3 If you look closely, the cut of the uniforms are identical and this is why I think my uniform is of Mozambique in origin.
December 17, 20205 yr #4 XGreat uniform, I would’ve attributed it to ZANLA rather than ZIPRA as it is/was a FRELIMO Combat uniform. the Freddie’s worked together with Mugabe’s ZANU party and army providing support and protection around the training camps throughout Mozambique. Ive got a ZANLA set made in the camps, (which I’ll post soon)these camps were very sophisticated with workshops, schools and stores what wasn’t supplied by various Communist Organisations was made by tradesmen and women. Webbing, packs and clothing.
December 17, 20205 yr Author #6 9 hours ago, Kia kaha said: XGreat uniform, I would’ve attributed it to ZANLA rather than ZIPRA as it is/was a FRELIMO Combat uniform. the Freddie’s worked together with Mugabe’s ZANU party and army providing support and protection around the training camps throughout Mozambique. Ive got a ZANLA set made in the camps, (which I’ll post soon)these camps were very sophisticated with workshops, schools and stores what wasn’t supplied by various Communist Organisations was made by tradesmen and women. Webbing, packs and clothing. I would agree with you on usage, but am merely going by what the seller said, mate. Great reference pictures! Any idea how hard it would be to find one of the Strichtarn caps?
December 18, 20205 yr #7 Any terr kit was always hard to get, the Special Branch intel guys would swoop in and grab all souvenirs trying to keep all the kit each terr wore to document what individuals carried. This would then be relayed to the Selous Scouts so there psydo teams would look legit, these teams would infiltrate and meet with real terrorist to gain info. Which is why a lot of this gear comes from ex Selous Scouts. Hats used to be the easiest to hide so there should be a few around South Africa’s version of eBay “Bid or Buy”is a good place to look but purchasing from there could be a mission. most vets still living in Zimbabwe brunt all their gear in the early 80s to avoid going on a long unpleasant holiday in a govt hotel, these hats used to be favourite fishing hats but when the arrests started they all fell into the lake. sorry bit long winded just to say no l don’t have one either, cheers Tony
December 18, 20205 yr Author #8 11 hours ago, RRA227 said: Great uniform. Never seen one like that. Rich A. in Pa. Thank you kindly!
December 18, 20205 yr Author #9 3 hours ago, Kia kaha said: Any terr kit was always hard to get, the Special Branch intel guys would swoop in and grab all souvenirs trying to keep all the kit each terr wore to document what individuals carried. This would then be relayed to the Selous Scouts so there psydo teams would look legit, these teams would infiltrate and meet with real terrorist to gain info. Which is why a lot of this gear comes from ex Selous Scouts. Hats used to be the easiest to hide so there should be a few around South Africa’s version of eBay “Bid or Buy”is a good place to look but purchasing from there could be a mission. most vets still living in Zimbabwe brunt all their gear in the early 80s to avoid going on a long unpleasant holiday in a govt hotel, these hats used to be favourite fishing hats but when the arrests started they all fell into the lake. sorry bit long winded just to say no l don’t have one either, cheers Tony Tony, I always am appreciative of information like this because it is invaluable. Thank you for the reply.
December 20, 20205 yr #10 As promised this set came from a live donor! She was trained in East Germany then got back to Rhodesia through Mozambique and then was part of the transition teams after The ceasefire agreements. this uniform has been made in the camps by artisan tailors within the ZANLA organisations, it is missing an epaulette but this maybe part of the system used to spot imposters.
December 20, 20205 yr #14 display of Selous Scouts in The Rhodesian Services Museum The Lion and Tusk.
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