Irish Camo Parkas, Combat Pants, shirt / summer jacket.

[Connaught Ranger]

Hallo Fellow members, :)

I am posting pictures of items in my possession of Irish camo.

Items were manufactured by:

"PORTWEST"

"SEYNTEX"

"CARRA / SEYNTEX"

and range from the years 1999, 2003, 2007.

More detailed pictures of items to follow.

Connaught Ranger:)

[Bokwa]

Is there any significant differance between the items?

[Connaught Ranger]

Is there any significant differance between the items?

Briefly to answer before I post the detailed pictures, the 2007 CARRA SEYNTEX Parka has had velcro added to the top pockets as well as the button, a small Irish tri-colour added to the upper left sleeve.

As for the Combat Pants the "PORT-WEST" summer trousers have thin belt loops.

The CARRA / SEYNTEX Combat Pants have a added Field Dressing pocket to the side of the fly and wide belt loops.

I should also point out the parka on the right has been used more or less continually since 2000 when I got it, just after it came back from a tour with the UN in Lebanon.

Connaught Stranger.:)

[biffin35]

Is your cam the same as French CE or slightly different ?

[Connaught Ranger]

Is your cam the same as French CE or slightly different ?

It is slightly different, hopefully this weekend, I will have my hands on a set of French Camo and I can do some side by side shots for comparison, which I then will post here.

Connaught Ranger:)

[miguelencanarias]

A question I always wanted to make about this pattern: If I remember 'The quiet man' correctly, the average Irish landscape is that of bright grass green. How effective is this camo in the Irish countryside? I always thought that the colours in British DPM were way more effective there than those of this dark pattern.

[Marsh]

A question I always wanted to make about this pattern: If I remember 'The quiet man' correctly, the average Irish landscape is that of bright grass green. How effective is this camo in the Irish countryside? I always thought that the colours in British DPM were way more effective there than those of this dark pattern.

Hi,
Some years ago I did a photo shoot of an Irish army border patrol as part of a couple of articles I had published in a magazine called Combat Survival. I was impressed by the professionalism of those Irish soldiers I came into contact with. I was also impressed as to how the Irish plain-green drab uniforms, blended in very well with the local terrain and flora. I remember the latter as being DAMP green rather than bright green grass!

I spoke to the soldiers about the forthcoming introduction of the cammouflage uniform. They all said that British DPM would be very effective for their local conditions but for political reasons it could not be adopted. (I do believe the Ranger Wing did make use of British DPM at the time). In any case, the Irish army wanted a cammo pattern which would not only give them a distinct identity, but would work in areas where they had units on detachment such as Lebanon. As far as I am aware which the current issue cammo' works pretty well in Lebanon.

cheers
Marsh

[Connaught Ranger]

A question I always wanted to make about this pattern: If I remember 'The quiet man' correctly, the average Irish landscape is that of bright grass green. How effective is this camo in the Irish countryside? I always thought that the colours in British DPM were way more effective there than those of this dark pattern.

There is a song in Ireland called "The 40 shades of Green" and its not to far wrong, depending on the weather, time of year then Ireland is mosaic of greens, browns, sandy areas etc.

Well farmed land tends to have a uniform green, and there are lots of peat bogs with heather and a yellow swamp grass boarded by green Gorse bushes which turn to brown in the winter. Also a lot of pine forest. rocks and scrub.

Also there is a very variable climate with the southern parts experiencing considerably better weather than the West Coast ( I was there in August, rained for 14 days continually.) the west to North west has lots of barren, wet bog land, where multiple greens and browns can be found within meters of one another.

In my opinion this pattern works very well for Ireland. Only sorry they never had it while I was in service from 1976 - 1997, we had one shade of green:-( and tended to use more natural camo affixed to the equipment / body etc.

The British camo has been used by the "Ranger Wing" Irish S.F. and by instructors on various courses and as enemy Forces on local exercise,
however the fear was that if used in the Northern Border area it would lead to Irish troops being mistaken for members of the British Army and result in them being targeted by the Terrorists.

Connaught Ranger:)

[Connaught Ranger]

Hi,
Some years ago I did a photo shoot of an Irish army border patrol as part of a couple of articles I had published in a magazine called Combat Survival. I was impressed by the professionalism of those Irish soldiers I came into contact with. I was also impressed as to how the Irish plain-green drab uniforms, blended in very well with the local terrain and flora. I remember the latter as being DAMP green rather than bright green grass!

I spoke to the soldiers about the forthcoming introduction of the cammouflage uniform. They all said that British DPM would be very effective for their local conditions but for political reasons it could not be adopted. (I do believe the Ranger Wing did make use of British DPM at the time). In any case, the Irish army wanted a cammo pattern which would not only give them a distinct identity, but would work in areas where they had units on detachment such as Lebanon. As far as I am aware which the current issue cammo' works pretty well in Lebanon.

cheers
Marsh

Hallo Marsh,:)

because I never saw the article in question, the green of the old style Irish combats of the guys you did for the photo-shoot might have been caused by all the guys getting issued with new combats for the shoot.

Can you post some pictures, with regards above, in a separate thread as I don't want to run the two items camo and plain into one here.

In my time on the border patrols and checkpoints it was rare to get any two members of the patrol looking exactly the same, depending on the time of issue, how many machine washes, how many scrubbing's with carbolic soap when unable to get out to the nearby laundry etc..etc..
In the mid to late 1970's there was a craze, for skin tight combats (somewhat similar to the French style of cut) keeping in mind that combats were supposed to be baggy to help break up the shape.

Also for many years the standard dress with the Irish combats were Khaki shirts and brown ties, the same as worn for Parade uniforms (god how I hated them). The green combats were sometimes further adapted by the addition of old surplus British Army Combat Jack hoods (plain green, not camo). "Old sweats" sometimes sported the pale sandy knitted ties, similar to the ones favoured by Officers.

Connaught Ranger:)

[Marsh]

Hallo Marsh,:)

because I never saw the article in question, the green of the old style Irish combats of the guys you did for the photo-shoot might have been caused by all the guys getting issued with new combats for the shoot.

Can you post some pictures, with regards above, in a separate thread as I don't want to run the two items camo and plain into one here.

In my time on the border patrols and checkpoints it was rare to get any two members of the patrol looking exactly the same, depending on the time of issue, how many machine washes, how many scrubbing's with carbolic soap when unable to get out to the nearby laundry etc..etc..
In the mid to late 1970's there was a craze, for skin tight combats (somewhat similar to the French style of cut) keeping in mind that combats were supposed to be baggy to help break up the shape.

Also for many years the standard dress with the Irish combats were Khaki shirts and brown ties, the same as worn for Parade uniforms (god how I hated them). The green combats were sometimes further adapted by the addition of old surplus British Army Combat Jack hoods (plain green, not camo). "Old sweats" sometimes sported the pale sandy knitted ties, similar to the ones favoured by Officers.

Connaught Ranger:)

Hi,
My main article was the lead feature for Vol.9 Issue 12, March 1998 edition of Combat Survival. I am sorry but I don't have a scanner and can't digitialise the photos. I went out on a patrol with the 27th Infantry Battalion, accompanied by a couple of Panhard M3s, along the border between Dundalk and County Armagh. The equipment that the soldiers had was of good quality, including pretty decent boots, considerably better than the British equivalent. All the uniforms appeared to be standardised with everyone wearing a the same wet-weather, breathable gear in green. The weapons were Steyr AUG rifles with Israeli style helmets. Webbing resembled British Soldier 95 stuff.

I was really impressed by my visit and maintain friendships forged at the time.
cheers
Marsh

[Connaught Ranger]

Hi,
My main article was the lead feature for Vol.9 Issue 12, March 1998 edition of Combat Survival. I am sorry but I don't have a scanner and can't digitialise the photos. I went out on a patrol with the 27th Infantry Battalion, accompanied by a couple of Panhard M3s, along the border between Dundalk and County Armagh. The equipment that the soldiers had was of good quality, including pretty decent boots, considerably better than the British equivalent. All the uniforms appeared to be standardised with everyone wearing a the same wet-weather, breathable gear in green. The weapons were Steyr AUG rifles with Israeli style helmets. Webbing resembled British Soldier 95 stuff.

I was really impressed by my visit and maintain friendships forged at the time.
cheers
Marsh

Hallo Marsh,:)

My mob was the 28th Infantry Battalion in the North-West side of the country, I left in November 1997 after 21 years 147 days. If they were wearing wet gear it was of a "Gore-tex material" in green with a black "F.F." sunburst symbol, similar to the Irish Cap badge on the breast.

The boots were probably German, cant recall the name, begins with "D":|

The Panhard M3 were showing their age then, and probably on their last legs with the Irish Defence Forces, Border units I think were some of the last to use them also the "SISU" was being used in small amounts, mainly for UN Training, as it was in use in Lebanon. I think its Mowags or a Mowag derivertive now, probably time to do another article:p

Connaught Ranger

[Connaught Ranger]

Upper Pockets on the Parkas.

Right Shoulder Pockets

(only good for getting in the way of your webbing and ruck straps etc)
As can be seen a variation in the darker greens has occurred between 1999 and 2007.

Connaught Ranger

[Marsh]

Hallo Marsh,:)

My mob was the 28th Infantry Battalion in the North-West side of the country, I left in November 1997 after 21 years 147 days. If they were wearing wet gear it was of a "Gore-tex material" in green with a black "F.F." sunburst symbol, similar to the Irish Cap badge on the breast.

The boots were probably German, cant recall the name, begins with "D":|

The Panhard M3 were showing their age then, and probably on their last legs with the Irish Defence Forces, Border units I think were some of the last to use them also the "SISU" was being used in small amounts, mainly for UN Training, as it was in use in Lebanon. I think its Mowags or a Mowag derivertive now, probably time to do another article:p

Connaught Ranger

Hi,
On my photos I can't see the sunburst FF symbol I am afraid. The boots did look very much like Mendel (spelling?) ones in style.

For the second day of my visit with the Irish army I was a guest with the Cavalry up at the Curragh where I was allowed to photograph various machines. I saw at least one SISU, a big beast which was in UN colours and it seemed to struggle with the narrow, country roads you find in Ireland.

I am a little too old to be accompanying border patrols I am afraid. I am 53. Carrying several Kg of camera equipment (plus an equal weight of beer gut), whilst running after squaddies is no longer my idea of fun!

cheers (smiley thing inserted here)
Marsh

[Connaught Ranger]

Hallo Marsh,

the F.F. symbol was small about 3 cm in diameter located above the left breast pocket some type of laminated heat bonded thing (supposedly to stop the jackets being sold):roll:

Your right about the boots, Mendals, (why I thought of "D" is beyond me 50 with no beer gutroflbut obvious fat on the memory cells) I am sitting here looking at a pair of the older style of boots, (unused, unpolished, as they were issued to me in early 1997, contemplating bulling* them as we did back in the old days.)

*(For the younger generation better explain bulling is to spit and polish and not some nefarious ****** act with some dead cow parts).rofl

Connaught Ranger:)

[Connaught Ranger]

Pen Pockets,

2007 CARRA SEYNTEX Parka version with small Irish Tricolour.

1999 "PORT-WEST" version with no Tricolour.

again another webbing snag hazard and awkward to access.

Upper Parka Pockets, with closed flaps.

Note the "velcro" strip for Name tape with the 2007 version.

2 X grommeted drain holes in the bottom of these and the lower pockets.

More will be added later.

Connaught Ranger:)

[Britboy]

That looks like good kit CR. Is it similar at all to the CS95?

Can you get Ireland Defence Force kit from any kitshop or website? I am a Brit and so of course could not use it, but also like kit and love getting my mitts on something unusual and distinctive - like a French bivvy bag I use - and the pattern does look similar.

[oscarni]

Hi,
Some years ago I did a photo shoot of an Irish army border patrol as part of a couple of articles I had published in a magazine called Combat Survival. I was impressed by the professionalism of those Irish soldiers I came into contact with. I was also impressed as to how the Irish plain-green drab uniforms, blended in very well with the local terrain and flora. I remember the latter as being DAMP green rather than bright green grass!

I spoke to the soldiers about the forthcoming introduction of the cammouflage uniform. They all said that British DPM would be very effective for their local conditions but for political reasons it could not be adopted. (I do believe the Ranger Wing did make use of British DPM at the time). In any case, the Irish army wanted a cammo pattern which would not only give them a distinct identity, but would work in areas where they had units on detachment such as Lebanon. As far as I am aware which the current issue cammo' works pretty well in Lebanon.

cheers
Marsh

Hey Marsh,

I actually remember that article well, you also took some pics with the Panhart [spelling] armored car along the South Armagh Region, great pics, I might actually have that one in my collection.

[Connaught Ranger]

That looks like good kit CR. Is it similar at all to the CS95?

Can you get Ireland Defence Force kit from any kitshop or website? I am a Brit and so of course could not use it, but also like kit and love getting my mitts on something unusual and distinctive - like a French bivvy bag I use - and the pattern does look similar.

Hallo Britboy,

thanks for the question, Official Irish Defence Force kit such as the camp gear is by Irish Law:- not allowed to be bought or sold or even held in the possession of anybody outside the Defence Forces,

there are NO shops selling it publicly, although items turn up on e*bay from time to time, and I have seen a couple of down and outs sporting it (but its more than likely a copy version).

Irish e*bay has pulled auctions when the seller is in Ireland after-being contacted by the authorities.

Irish Camo has also been sold on e*bay uk and e*bay usa going for very high prices as it can be classed as a rarity in the camo collecting world.

I believe there was a copy being sold by an Irish firm Protek (sp?) from Kildare, county Ireland, the colours do not match exactly the Irish pattern and I attach a picture of two Irish "Boonie" hats to show difference between the official and the copy.

The official pattern one is on the left of the pictures.

Connaught Ranger:)

[mrmeindl]

Hallo Fellow members, :)

I am posting pictures of items in my possession of Irish camo.

Items were manufactured by:

"PORTWEST"

"SEYNTEX"

"CARRA / SEYNTEX"

and range from the years 1999, 2003, 2007.

More detailed pictures of items to follow.

Connaught Ranger:)

How did you come across the newer smocks, I thought you are retired and living in romania?

[Connaught Ranger]

How did you come across the newer smocks, I thought you are retired and living in romania?

Its on a need to know basis, sorry but its been determined you dont need to know.:p

Connaught Ranger:)

[oscarni]

Howdy,

Aye, still trying to find that issue, I used to be a fan of the mag when I was a wee lad, but well I spend my money on other more interesting things lol. I actually have my hands on the smock with the FFD pocket on the arm and well its a really well designed piece of kit for the winter months, I have used it from hunting but, well during the summer it would melt your balls off, the trousers again are very well constructed and heavy duty, some thing you need in the hills of south armagh. Aye there are some Irish DPM Trousers on Ebay right now going for £40 at the moment, I saw the smock going for around £120 as well.

Have you seen any Irish DPM pouches out there at the moment ?

[Connaught Ranger]

Howdy,

Aye, still trying to find that issue, I used to be a fan of the mag when I was a wee lad, but well I spend my money on other more interesting things lol. I actually have my hands on the smock with the FFD pocket on the arm and well its a really well designed piece of kit for the winter months, I have used it from hunting but, well during the summer it would melt your balls off, the trousers again are very well constructed and heavy duty, some thing you need in the hills of south armagh. Aye there are some Irish DPM Trousers on Ebay right now going for £40 at the moment, I saw the smock going for around £120 as well.

Have you seen any Irish DPM pouches out there at the moment ?

Err.....the Irish Defence Forces do not patrol the hills, roads, villages, towns, streets etc etc of South Armagh, as that area belongs to our neighbors:p. . . . .

the FFD pocket is on all versions of the parka, by the way what brand name on your jacket??

Connaught Ranger:)

[Connaught Ranger]

The sewn in liners are basically the same,

the exception being the PORTWEST 1999 version has two small tapes

with press studs and two small press studs on the hem, for affixing a small

insulation mat for your backside, dead handy when sitting on wet ground,

or hard wooden seats in a truck. for a small insulation mat for your backside, dead handy

when sitting on wet ground.

Also examples of the fleece strip in the inside neck area of the Parka's.

The CARRA / SEYNTEX Fleece is wider in size.

[Connaught Ranger]

Double post!

[oscarni]

Err.....the Irish Defence Forces do not patrol the hills, roads, villages, towns, streets etc etc of South Armagh, as that area belongs to our neighbors:p. . . . .

the FFD pocket is on all versions of the parka, by the way what brand name on your jacket??

Connaught Ranger:)

Oh I know lol I mean the border region

- Its the Portwest 1999 version

[Connaught Ranger]

Inside zippered pockets of both Parka's,

also maker labels.

Rank Slider Attachment Points.

Modeled after the French system I believe

Connaught Ranger.:)

[Connaught Ranger]

Parka Hoods:-

Rear showing the adjustment straps.

Fronts, wire stiffener in the front hem

hoods also have cloth tape fastener's with spring loaded clips.

Waist Draw string with spring loaded fastener's.

Draw string in the lower hem of the parka.

In my opinion would be far better with elasticated 3 / 4 mm cord, in hood, waist and hem.


Connaught Ranger:)

[Connaught Ranger]

PORTWEST 1999 Insulation pad.

Measures:- 35 cm X 30cm

also shown fixed in place.

Connaught Ranger:)

[apod]

C.R; Sorry for being pedantic but they are not Parkas,they are smocks.The only parkas issued by the DF were the late 90's O.G,heavy lined,knee length "wog jackets" issued to the last few winter trips to UNIFIl before the DPM's were introduced in 1999.:)

Marsh; I remember that article.One of the only ones that C&S has ever published about the Irish defence forces.Pity as the last ten years has seen a seismic change in our equipment,missions and uniforms.:-(

[Connaught Ranger]

C.R; Sorry for being pedantic but they are not Parkas,they are smocks.The only parkas issued by the DF were the late 90's O.G,heavy lined,knee length "wog jackets" issued to the last few winter trips to UNIFIL before the DPM's were introduced in 1999.:)

Marsh; I remember that article.One of the only ones that C&S has ever published about the Irish defence forces.Pity as the last ten years has seen a seismic change in our equipment,missions and uniforms.:-(

OK

Amendment to above posts:

Where the word "Parka" has inadvertently been used, please disregard and use the word "SMOCK".

Please also disregard the unpolitical derogatory word (***) in apods post, this is not meant as a racial slur, this is just the way the jackets were described in the late 1999's by people in the Irish Defence Forces who should have known better, thank you and have a nice day :)Connaught Rangerrofl

[Connaught Ranger]

Combat Pants:-

Left to right:-

PORTWEST SUMMER TROUSERS 1999.

SEYNTEXT 2001.

CARRA / SEYNTEX TIELT 2003.

(All unused).

Connaught Ranger :)

[Connaught Ranger]

Maker labels and Washing instructions:-

Connaught Ranger:)

[Connaught Ranger]

Waist area front, on left to right:-

PORTWEST SUMMER TROUSERS 1999.

SEYNTEXT 2001.

CARRA / SEYNTEX TIELT 2003.

Note the thinner belt loops on the "summer trousers".

Inner waist area showing tie-cords.

Connaught Ranger:)

[Connaught Ranger]

Fly area showing with F.F.D. pocket and without.

PORTWEST SUMMER TROUSERS 1999 with no First Field Dressing Pocket.

CARRA / SEYNTEX TROUSERS 2003 with First Field Dressing Pocket.

SEYNTEX TROUSERS 2001 with no First Field Dressing Pocket.

As an interesting side note none of the trousers have a back pocket.:roll:

Side view showing pocket location.

Connaught Ranger:)

[Connaught Ranger]

Opps,:oops:

omitted these in the smock pictures;

Smock sleeve ends:-

And hood front:-

Sleeve elbow reinforcing patch:-

Smock front:-

Smock rear:-

Connaught Ranger:)

[Connaught Ranger]

And the "Elvis" Shirtrofl

so called because of the big shirt collars:-

note the off-set pockets, where name tags (on overseas service) were to worn they were ordered to follow the contour of the slanted pockets, which looked a bit odd.

Shirt pen pocket located on the upper left sleeve,
(sub-divided into three sections).

Velcro Rank attachment space on the shirt front, copy of the French system I believe.

Shirt cuff detail.

Connaught Ranger:)

[-Church-]

Did they conceive the pattern to mirror the CE or is it totally unintentional ?

[Connaught Ranger]

Did they conceive the pattern to mirror the CE or is it totally unintentional ?

As far as I know, they were influenced if anything by the original 1st type pattern camo, they got for use in U.N. service in South Lebanon, some of the area is similar in colour to Ireland, especially in the wet season.

Its still has not been ascertained if it was Hungary or Romania who supplied the original camo uniforms issued in South Lebanon to Irish troops, but, before this they were using the basic green French uniforms supplied by France.

Connaught Ranger:)

[apod]

As far as I know, they were influenced if anything by the original 1st type pattern camo, they got for use in U.N. service in South Lebanon, some of the area is similar in colour to Ireland, especially in the wet season.

Its still has not been ascertained if it was Hungary or Romania who supplied the original camo uniforms issued in South Lebanon to Irish troops, but, before this they were using the basic green French uniforms supplied by France.

Connaught Ranger:)

CR,
Can i ask where you are getting your information from as unfortunately it is way off the mark?The first Ip-DPM uniforms issued to troops going to the LEb was for the 86 Inf bn in winter of 1999.The smocks and pants were made by Portwest clothing of westport ,mayo.The shirts were made by Seyntex,belgium.As such the shirts were of a slightly different shade of the same pattern.These were the infamous "elvis" shirts with the disasterous oversize collar.The following trip(87 bn,with which i served) were again issued the same items but at this stage seyntex had started to produce smocks and pants in the same slightly "greyer" shade of IP-DPM as the shirt and as such some sizes issued came like this.This continued up till 2002/03 when Clothing procurement switched to a "one stop shop" approachand seyntex clothing through thier irish distributors Carra got the contract.Portwest then stopped supplying at this stage.The pattern was standardised to what it is now.:)

No other DPM pattern was issued to troops overseas or at home prior to 1999 with exception of the ARW's Arktis made british pattern trial uniforms and the limited issue of U.S pattern desert camo to the 1st transport coy to serve with UNISOM.There was an older irish camo pattern developed in the 70's i believe but it was never issued due to the security situation along the border.The old combat suit with the zip chest pockets was produced in this pattern DPM which was clay colour as a base with green splotches.Horrible and thank god we never got it!There was a picture of it in Brasseys book of camoflague.I have it somewhere and will post it when i get a chance.:)

Now on the issue of the french pattern combats.These were originally issued by the french foreign legion to the 1st irish tpt company who served with UNISOM,Somalia in 1993.Why?Well it goes like this.The irish lads spent most of the trip wearing U.S style "choc chip"pattern desert cam uniforms that were made in the U.K.As a result they were mistaken for american forces on a few occasions and were attacked.A decision was made to ditch these uniforms and adopt the french pattern OG one which the FFL,whom the irish shared a camp with in Baidoa,provided.This pattern uniform proved so popular that it was adopted by the DF for issue as a lightweight combat suit for overseas use.It was then manufactured in ireland by a company called franklin in a different cloth and thus was refered to by the troops as the "franklin uniform".This uniform also replaced the issue of the khaki uniform or "whites" and the old "bush green" combats issued by the UN to troops in the Leb.This was a result of the UN ceasing to supply them and the D.O.D having to supply overseas uniforms themselves.:roll:

All the above info can be found in the report on the DF's combat clothing which is available in the DFTC library and which was the catalyst for the development of IP-DPM uniforms.:)

[-Church-]

Well thanks for both replies.

[[DVDF]Merlin]

Was sorry to see the Bush Greens go.Boy did i hate that franklin uniform

[Connaught Ranger]

Hallo apod,

I only stated what I heard with regards Irish camo uniforms being worn by Irish Defence Forces in the early days.

With regards the camo in Lebanon, I was told no Irish factory could supply it, from scratch at the time as they could not produce the camo material pattern, but had to wait for it to be made.

PortWest you say made the camo uniforms, but, where was the actual material manufactured / sourced??

Any concrete information with regards this subject is very welcome.

Connaught Ranger.

[Connaught Ranger]

When I served with the 46th Irish Bn, U.N.I.F.I.L. the "bush greens" were from a Malaysian Company, according to the labels, they had been stored so long in the boxes that the buttons were very brittle and had to be replaced.

In the two pictures attached can be seen examples.

1. C.Q.M.S. Ganley (R.I.P.) on the balcony of the C.Coy H.Q. at Sultaneyia.

2. Signalmen John O'Donahugh (sp) & P. J. Coleman in the Signals bunker at Sultaneyia.

Brassards made from Irish Dress uniform shirt material.

Connaught Ranger:)

[Connaught Ranger]

The plain green Irish Combats & 58 Pattern webbing.

Private Brendan McManus & Private Kevin A. Ryan.

Mixed wearing of Jungle Green Shirts & Irish Combat Pants:-

Private Robert Dawson and Private Kevin A. Ryan,

U.N. "Whites" at the Company Christmas Dinner 1979.

Cpl. Harry Cassidy, (?) Private Kevin A. Ryan.

American made, private purchase brown-green skip cap, Irish Green Wooly-Puli with added pen pocket and Irish Combat pants:-

Private Kevin A. Ryan.

Irish Green Wooly-Puli & Irish Combat pants, Blue Plastic Helmet Insert.

Private Eugene Wright.

Plastic-Wet Suit / Rain gear:-

Private Alan Molloy.

Israeli Jacket, unofficial, private purchase.

Private Louie Farrel.

Connaught Ranger.:)

[apod]

With regards the camo in Lebanon, I was told no Irish factory could supply it, from scratch at the time as they could not produce the camo material pattern, but had to wait for it to be made.

PortWest you say made the camo uniforms, but, where was the actual material manufactured / sourced??

Any concrete information with regards this subject is very welcome.

Connaught Ranger.


I have that info around here somewhere but will have to go rooting for it.Bear with me.IIRC it was a company from the UK that supplied the material.leave it with me i will find out.p-)
In the meantime here is the scan from brasseys book of camo circa 1998.Small pic of the trial dpm that was never issued.Thank god:oops:

[Irish]

I have that info around here somewhere but will have to go rooting for it.Bear with me.IIRC it was a company from the UK that supplied the material.leave it with me i will find out.p-)
In the meantime here is the scan from brasseys book of camo circa 1998.Small pic of the trial dpm that was never issued.Thank god:oops:

To Quote myself..


I did three tours to Lebanon and never had any sort of Camo pattern. We used a green version of the French uniform called Franklyn's(sp) from 95 to 99 when the Irish pattern came into service.

I remember on my first trip the 77 Inf Bn seeing guys from the 76 Inf Bn wearing an American olive green uniform from the Vietnam era on trail. But no Camo.

[apod]

I think you are picking me up wrong IA.I am refering to where the the material for the first issue of the portwest DPM's was sourced.Not the franklins.:)

[Irish]

I think you are picking me up wrong IA.I am refering to where the the material for the first issue of the portwest DPM's was sourced.Not the franklins.:)


Sorry Bud ..Your picking me up wrong too..lol

I was agreeing with yap-)

[SandBagger]

I have that info around here somewhere but will have to go rooting for it.Bear with me.IIRC it was a company from the UK that supplied the material.leave it with me i will find out.p-)
In the meantime here is the scan from brasseys book of camo circa 1998.Small pic of the trial dpm that was never issued.Thank god:oops:
looks like a ww2 dennison smock

[Connaught Ranger]

looks like a ww2 dennison smock

The camo pattern does NOT resemble anything at all like a British Denision Para Smock either of WW2 or post WW2 vintage, you need to take basic camo schemes 101 again kid. :roll:

Connaught Ranger.

[SandBagger]

thats a highly faded versions and ok it just looks SOMEWHAT like a denny
any country use camo that looks more like ours than france i want to be a big walt and join an airsoft team

[Connaught Ranger]

thats a highly faded versions and ok it just looks SOMEWHAT like a denny
any country use camo that looks more like ours than france i want to be a big walt and join an airsoft team

What are you trying to say here?Of course its faded its an original worn example from 1944.

What are you trying to say here?


any country use camo that looks like ours than france i want to be a big walt and join an airsoft team

I my opinion, kid, you are far to young / immature to belong on this military forum, you have made some very fishy claims with nothing to back them up in various threads and in my opinion the moderators should suspend your membership until you are 18+

Connaught Ranger.

[tippex22]

A question for Connaught Ranger , do you have any pictures of the Irish desert d.p.ms , if you do could you post them.I have yet to see a good clear picture of them . Thanks in advance. By the way , congradulations and thanks for posting a lot of great material on this site about the defence forces . Please keep up the good work.

[apod]

A question for Connaught Ranger , do you have any pictures of the Irish desert d.p.ms , if you do could you post them.I have yet to see a good clear picture of them . Thanks in advance. By the way , congradulations and thanks for posting a lot of great material on this site about the defence forces . Please keep up the good work.

If C>R doesnt mind i will answer tis one.If you go to the irish military photos thread in the strictly photos and videos forum here you will find a few that myself and a few of the lads have posted over the last year.I only posted one last week of an irish officer serving with the UN wearing the new pattern.Hope that helps.:)

[Connaught Ranger]

A question for Connaught Ranger , do you have any pictures of the Irish desert d.p.ms , if you do could you post them.I have yet to see a good clear picture of them . Thanks in advance. By the way , congratulations and thanks for posting a lot of great material on this site about the defence forces . Please keep up the good work.

Sorry to say at the moment no, :-(

Connaught Ranger.

[tippex22]

thanks for that Apod , no worries C.R .

[Connaught Ranger]

Finally, I can add the comparison pictures of Irish and French camo patterns, side by side, taken in natural light:-


Connaught Ranger. woot

[zema_06]

A question for Connaught Ranger , do you have any pictures of the Irish desert d.p.ms , if you do could you post them.I have yet to see a good clear picture of them . Thanks in advance. By the way , congradulations and thanks for posting a lot of great material on this site about the defence forces . Please keep up the good work.

the best pics i could find:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9127/86849bb71fn0.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1268/20081127091142enlus0156.jpg

[Rhodius3D]

Good photos, the colours are differant alright. The browns are darker and the base colours are differant. The French has a sandy colour and the Irish has a light green colour.
But they can blend together alittle as you can see from my photo. Only on close up can you tell them apart.

I found wearing CCE with Irish DPM not always a good idea as th CCE showed up very bright with the sandy base colour and lighter greens.


Finally, I can add the comparison pictures of Irish and French camo patterns, side by side, taken in natural light:-


Connaught Ranger. woot

[Connaught Ranger]

Good photos, the colours are differant alright. The browns are darker and the base colours are differant. The French has a sandy colour and the Irish has a light green colour.
But they can blend together alittle as you can see from my photo. Only on close up can you tell them apart.

I found wearing CCE with Irish DPM not always a good idea as th CCE showed up very bright with the sandy base colour and lighter greens.
Depends too, on if the Irish Boonie hat is official issue or a civilian clone. :p

[Rhodius3D]

Thats very true!!

I think the civilian clone would have fitted better with the CCE.

The hat is real, I had it a few years now and like it to much to give it up. The next cover and lining is great for the Japanese summer. It is great for stoping the sweat running down your neck.


Depends too, on if the Irish Boonie hat is official issue or a civilian clone. :p

[vonstuck]

Trial pattern ?

http://i88.servimg.com/u/f88/11/28/71/91/irland10.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=2462&u=11287191)

http://i88.servimg.com/u/f88/11/28/71/91/irland11.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=2463&u=11287191)

http://i88.servimg.com/u/f88/11/28/71/91/irland12.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=2464&u=11287191)

http://i88.servimg.com/u/f88/11/28/71/91/irland13.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=2465&u=11287191)

http://i88.servimg.com/u/f88/11/28/71/91/irland14.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=2466&u=11287191)

http://i88.servimg.com/u/f88/11/28/71/91/irland15.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=2467&u=11287191)

http://i88.servimg.com/u/f88/11/28/71/91/irland16.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=2468&u=11287191)

[Connaught Ranger]

The lizard pattern is very similar to the French or Greek models, possibly Irish made for a foreign contract?

As for the second model, I believe a picture of this was shown in a book on camo as a proposed pattern for the Irish Defence Forces, however having been in the Irish Army for over 21 years 1976 - 1997 IMHO there is nowhere in Ireland that colour would blend in, and even for Lebanon it is far too garish!!

Connaught Ranger.

[miguelencanarias]

The lizard pattern is very similar to the French or Greek models, possibly Irish made for a foreign contract?
Connaught Ranger.
Actually it is similar to the old Portuguese pattern, which is itself similar to the French lizard, only vertical. That's why is usually refered to as 'Portuguese vertical lizard'. Looks like a comercial version to me.

[vonstuck]

Hello
Thank you for your answer
I have bouth the 2 in France, the vertical lizard jacket in small shop in TOULOUSE , and the set on ebay at a French guy, who sell it as Irish trial pattern
Gilles