Original Fleece Lined Second Pattern Bush War era Rhodesian Brushstroke Camouflage Bush Jacket.
Although RBS is scarce in general, this war-time custom made jacket featuring a GS marked Fleece Lined interior and hood on a Second Pattern Bush Jacket is the first we have come across.
Flat garment measurements (inches):
Chest: 42" (21” P2P)
Length: 32”
Sleeve: 26”
Rhodesian Brushstroke, similar to the United Kingdom’s Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM), features large, contrasting shapes designed to disrupt the outline of an object. Like most disruptive camouflage, the pattern relies on countershading, employing hues with high-intensity contrast or noticeable differences in chromaticity. Prior to Rhodesia’s unilateral declaration of independence, the Rhodesian Army issued enlisted personnel with khaki drill uniforms. However, the Battle of Sinoia and the outbreak of the Rhodesian Bush War prompted the security forces to develop a more suitable uniform, particularly suited for the region. This uniform featured a three-color, high-contrast, disruptive fabric with green and brown strokes on a sandy background. Initially, shortages of textile and equipment were addressed with assistance from South Africa and Portugal, leading to the establishment of a domestic industry for the new battledress. The pattern of this uniform is believed to have been designed by Di Cameron of David Whitehead Textiles. The basic Rhodesian military battledress, adopted universally between 1964 and 1966, consisted of a camouflage jacket, field cap, and trousers with wide belt loops for a stable belt and large cargo pockets. Ranks, name tapes, or unit patches were sewn on. In 1969, the jackets were largely superseded by lighter-material shirts for combat operations in the hot African climate. Late in the bush war, Rhodesian battledress commonly took the form of one-piece coveralls, but uniform regulations remained quite lax in the field. Individual servicemen often modified their uniforms by shortening the sleeves, while others wore privately purchased T-shirts with the same camouflage print. The long camouflage trousers were also discarded in favor of running shorts. While the brushstroke pattern itself was considered very effective, the fabric in locally made uniforms was of poor quality, and the Rhodesian troops frequently envied foreign volunteers who brought their more durable foreign-produced clothing.
