Original Bush War era Rhodesian Jump Wings
Nicely worn, combat dress uniform removed example, that has some sticky residue on the reverse from the prior owner using them on a display of sorts.
These are Rhodesian made, Parachute / Airborne Jump Wings that would’ve been worn on the brushstroke camouflage uniforms. This particular example features a white backing indicating they were made during the UDI (Unilateral Declaration of Independence) period of the 1970s, a black colored backing was atypical for wings produced pre UDI in the 1960s. Rhodesia’s earliest jump wings were issued by the British and were given to those who served with British airborne units during World War Two in Europe. Many Rhodesians also served with the LRDG and SAS during this time, wearing SAS wings. Due to the hand-made nature, patterns and manufacturers varied greatly. In the 1960s, some soldiers were assigned paratrooper duties and received standard pattern wings, including a Rhodesian variant. According to the 1967 Dress Regulations, soldiers were issued a parachute wing and “lightbulb” qualification badge, with an APJ wing available to qualified instructors. However, all parachute training in Rhodesia was conducted by the Rhodesian Air Force, whose instructors wore the RAF parachute half wing in accordance with British tradition.
