Early war camouflage shirt in what is known as “duck hunter” camouflage, so called because of its similarity to commercially available camouflage back in the US (itself being based on the WW2 US Army and USMC camouflage). Some SF troops on early advisor tours bought these hunting suits and used these in the field. This shirt was made as part of the Mutual Defence Aid Pact (MDAP). This program saw a wide range of military articles manufactured across South-East Asia. This shirt exhibits many of the common features found on garments produced under this program – “chicken flap” chest pockets (the pocket is stitched to the chest along one vertical side meaning that it only expands from one side), cigarette pocket on the left sleeve and 13-star metal buttons (WW2 US surplus). The fabric is medium weight cotton.

Photos courtesy of the Hall Collection.