Collection: African Pinwheel CAMO

The South African Police (SAP) adopted its own camouflage pattern in 1969, consisting of grass green and russet foliage shapes on a khaki background. The pattern began as a civilian design available at commercial sporting outlets in the 1960s. That design remained unchanged until 1972, when it was slightly modified. The SAP 1st pattern camouflage can be distinguished by the "smudge" and "pinwheel" shapes within the pattern, for which it is often called "pinwheel pattern." Also produced in Rhodesia, the pattern was worn into the 1970s by the SAP, and also by some Police units in South West Africa. Use of this camouflage was not limited to the SAP, but was also worn by the SADF Reconnaissance Commandos and the Recce Wings of 32nd and 31st Battalions beginning around 1976.