Difference between revisions of "Belgium"

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[[File:belgium9.jpg|200px]]
 
[[File:belgium9.jpg|200px]]
  
* Another early pattern is the two-color "waves" scheme of large russet brown amoebic shapes on a grey background. This pattern was worn by some members of the Belgian Volunteer Corps ("brown berets") serving in the Korean War, and probably saw limited service with airborne units, but is likely to have been completely phased out of production and usage by 1953.
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* Introduced in 1951 for trials was a two-color "waves" pattern of large russet brown amoebic shapes on a grey background. This camouflage was worn by some members of the Belgian Volunteer Corps ("brown berets") serving in the Korean War, and probably saw limited service with Belgian airborne units, but seems to have been quickly discontinued and completely phased out of use by 1953.
  
 
[[File:belgium10.jpg|200px]]
 
[[File:belgium10.jpg|200px]]
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* First appearing in 1952, this variation of the original brushstroke pattern is often called "moon & balls." It can be distinguished from later Belgian derivatives by the faint brush trails of the overlapping colors and the unique "sawtooth" shape encountered infrequently within the pattern. Seeing use primarily again with the Airborne, Commando and Marine units, it was only in production from 1952 until 1956.
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[[File:belgium2.jpg|200px]]
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* Introduced in 1954 and continuing in production until circa 1975 is the more traditional Belgian brushstroke camouflage seen here. In general the pattern consists of thick dark green & russet brown brushstrokes on a khaki background, although at least two or three variations have been documented in terms of color usage (some using significantly brighter hues) printed on both a heavyweight canvas and a mediumweight cotton fabric. Also issued exclusively to Belgian Airborne, Commando & Marine units, it is believed the design was primarily intended for use outside of Europe, particularly in Belgium's African colonies. Although production discontinued in the 1970s, existing stocks continued to be used well into the early 1990s.
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[[File:belgium3.jpg|200px]]
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* Belgium's first truly indigenous camouflage design is the "jigsaw" pattern, seen here in its first incarnation. Introduced in 1956 and continuing in production until the 1970s, this camouflage design again was generally restricted to use by elite units of the Belgian Armed Forces. The pattern consists of rusty earth, dark green and khaki green elements amidst smaller, black & white shapes. It is believed the design was primarily intended for use in Europe, although some stocks did reach Africa and even ended up in the hands of elite units of Belgium's former colonies.

Revision as of 00:52, 25 October 2010

belgium.gif

Belgian Forces fighting alongside the Allies during World War Two included two airborne units, the Belgian Independent Parachute Company, and a Belgian Special Air Service (SAS) Squadron. Both units wore British-made Denison parachutist smocks in a unique, hand-painted "brushstroke" camouflage pattern that later spawned a large branch of derivative patterns that are still used today. Following the war, the Belgians reproduced several variations of the brushstroke pattern, which continued in use primarily with Airborne and Commando units well into the 1970s. Alongside the brushstroke pattern, Belgium also introduced its own indigenous camouflage pattern, nicknamed "jigsaw" for its resemblance to multicolored pieces of a puzzle. This pattern has continued in usage with Belgiam military forces (in various incarnations) into the present era, and variations have also been produced for her former colonial possessions in Africa.

Belgian Camouflage Patterns

  • British WW2 Denison smock (2nd pattern) brushstroke camouflage, worn by members of the Belgian Independent Parachute Company and SAS Squadron.

Canada7.jpg

  • A 1950-dated Belgian manufactured copy of the British Denison smock in early copy of the brushstroke pattern. This pattern would have been in service from the very late 1940s until circa 1952.

Belgium9.jpg

  • Introduced in 1951 for trials was a two-color "waves" pattern of large russet brown amoebic shapes on a grey background. This camouflage was worn by some members of the Belgian Volunteer Corps ("brown berets") serving in the Korean War, and probably saw limited service with Belgian airborne units, but seems to have been quickly discontinued and completely phased out of use by 1953.

Belgium10.jpg

  • First appearing in 1952, this variation of the original brushstroke pattern is often called "moon & balls." It can be distinguished from later Belgian derivatives by the faint brush trails of the overlapping colors and the unique "sawtooth" shape encountered infrequently within the pattern. Seeing use primarily again with the Airborne, Commando and Marine units, it was only in production from 1952 until 1956.

Belgium2.jpg

  • Introduced in 1954 and continuing in production until circa 1975 is the more traditional Belgian brushstroke camouflage seen here. In general the pattern consists of thick dark green & russet brown brushstrokes on a khaki background, although at least two or three variations have been documented in terms of color usage (some using significantly brighter hues) printed on both a heavyweight canvas and a mediumweight cotton fabric. Also issued exclusively to Belgian Airborne, Commando & Marine units, it is believed the design was primarily intended for use outside of Europe, particularly in Belgium's African colonies. Although production discontinued in the 1970s, existing stocks continued to be used well into the early 1990s.

Belgium3.jpg

  • Belgium's first truly indigenous camouflage design is the "jigsaw" pattern, seen here in its first incarnation. Introduced in 1956 and continuing in production until the 1970s, this camouflage design again was generally restricted to use by elite units of the Belgian Armed Forces. The pattern consists of rusty earth, dark green and khaki green elements amidst smaller, black & white shapes. It is believed the design was primarily intended for use in Europe, although some stocks did reach Africa and even ended up in the hands of elite units of Belgium's former colonies.