Hello and some SADF uniform and equipment questions

[Jozar1972]

Hello to you all,

I'm Johan from The Netherlands and last month I started collecting SADF militaria. Since 1990 I have been collecting militaria form the former GDR, and the Royal Dutch Marine Corps from 1945-1990. I like to research SADF and I have made a modest start with a Nutria bush jacket, pongo trousers, a bush hat, M83 chest rig and M83 combat vest. I also have ricefleck camouflaged recce beret, sold to me as a GDR beret. During my recent research I stumbled upon several questions I have. I'm sure you can help me, thanks in advance!

• Which helmet was worn by normal infantry units at around 1984-1987 as the M87 Kevlar helmet was available only from 1987 on? The old M63
staaldak, or even the M83, but that was only a para helmet?
• What could be attached at the bottom straps of the M83 vest? A ground sheet? (photo 1, blue umcircled)
• Are this SADF pre 1990 era field dress captain ranks, I thought these were of rubberised yellow? (photo 2, source: ebay)
• Could this battle jacket with exposed buttons be worn at around 1984-1987 by infantry units? (photo 3, source: ebay)

Baie dankie !

[richardtl]

Hi Welcome.

Check elsewhere here on the forum for correct packing of the battle vest.

The pips are post borderwar and I think early 90s

The jacket looks like one of the jackets issued for colder weather to permanent force (not national servicemen)

There was a transition period even to 85/86 where some unit still wore staaldak and P70 webbing. The Kevlar and new type webbing starting coming out in 83 and was issued mainly first to some infantry etc units. Normally on patrol etc the bush hat was worn due to the heat.

[Jozar1972]

Hello Richard,

Thanks very much for your helpful reply,

Baie dankie

Johan