Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Conyngham
A very typical SA Recruit with Cap and not Polo Helmet as was commonly the case. Note SAA titles on Red Tab and "darkened Cap and collar" badges.
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This chap appears to be wearing the Frock, Drab Veld, a 4-pocket khaki drill tunic introduced c. 1937 and popular with the gunners. From 1940 it was replaced by the familiar Bushjacket, Khaki Drill, however the Frock was still worn within the Union after that especially by men in training etc.
By the time this photo was taken Other Ranks of SA Arty wore same pattern collar badges as officers. Prior to the war officers and ORs wore different badges with a number of variations worn over the years. Officers and Other Ranks in SAA still wear the same pattern collars today as far as I'm aware unlike many Commonwealth countries where the patterns differ for Officers and ORs. Also during WWII all South Africans on active service wore darkened badges - officers and other ranks alike.