Original Australian Vietnam War Uniform and Load Bearing Equipment LBE Set Featuring “Pixie Greens” Fatigues Original Items

Original Items: Only One Lot Available. This grouping provides a great example of the diverse equipment used by Australian soldiers during the Vietnam War. They utilized a wide range of gear, including surplus WWII P37 pouches and even American M-1956 web gear. This collection showcases the mix-and-match approach to web gear that was common among Australian soldiers in Vietnam. Fortunately we were able to find a period photograph online of Australian soldiers displaying the diverse equipment utilized. It is a DIGITAL IMAGE ONLY and is Not Included.

Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War began with a small commitment of 30 military advisors in 1962 and increased to a peak of 7,672 Australian personnel. The war became Australia’s longest, and it remains the largest force contribution to a foreign conflict since World War II. The withdrawal of Australia’s forces from South Vietnam began in November 1970 and was completed by January 1973. Approximately 60,000 Australians served in the war, with 521 killed and over 3,000 wounded.

The Items In This Lot:

– Australian Army Issue Jungle Greens (JGs) “Pixie Greens”: The Australian Army wore “Jungle Greens” during operations in Malaya, Borneo, and Vietnam. These uniforms were first worn by the 2nd Australian Imperial Force during World War II. The JGs were supplied by the British during the Malaya and Borneo campaigns, and Australian-made JGs were worn during the Vietnam War, such as this set here. New Zealand soldiers joining the 1st Australian Task Force in Vietnam were also supplied with these uniforms.

The uniform evolved over time, with updates such as the addition of pockets and a new version nicknamed the “pixie greens.” Additionally, the U.S. M1 helmet was sometimes worn in high-risk situations, such as inside a Fire Support Base or when traveling by APC.

Both the blouse and trousers show signs of having been heavily worn in a hot, humid tropical climate such as Southeast Asia. The top bears the original tag but unfortunately nearly all details are washed out and faded. We are able to make out the year 1967, manufacturer Yakka Ltd and the standard Broad Arrow marking.

Unlike the blouse, the trousers have a completely legible tag:

YAKKA PTY LTD
VICTORIA 1969
“Broad Arrow”
D.S.N. 8405-66-029-6602
WAIST AND SIZE 27/31S
ARMY NO.
NAME.

Yakka Pty. Ltd. operates multiple clothing stores, retailing workwear, apparel, and furnishings such as overalls, trousers, shirts, shorts, jumpers, footwear, jackets, and vests across Australia.

– Australian Army Issue General Purpose (GP) Boots – Matched Size 8E: These Australian Army General Purpose (GP) Boots are the traditional 10-eyelet leather boots with rubber soles and were the standard issue to Australian troops in the latter half of the 20th century.

GP boots are designed to carry heavier loads on multi-day trips across the roughest terrain. GP boots tend to have a high cut that wraps above the ankles for excellent support. Durable and supportive, with stiffer midsoles than lighter footwear, they are suitable pretty much for everything a soldier could encounter.

The boots are in fantastic condition but are post war example with the Final Inspection dated being in 1987. While they are Post War, they are nearly identical to the ones worn in Vietnam and would still look very well displayed together with this set as a whole.

– Australian Early Army Issue “Giggle Hat”: The Australian Giggle Hat was made from jungle green cotton twill and featured a headband for inserting natural camouflage. Early versions were of British manufacture and had large screened air holes like this one. However, from 1968 the Giggle hat was produced in Australia and featured smaller un-screened air holes. This example is in fantastic condition and is presented without any markings or extensive damage.

– Australian / American Mixed Web Gear Set: The set features a combination of both American and Australian issued gear. As stated above, this was not an uncommon practice for Australian troops to use foreign equipment. The LBE itself features the following American M-1956 Items; Combat Field “Butt Pack”, x2 Canteens With Carriers, Field Dressing/Compass Case, Suspenders and Web Belt. The Australian/British Items are; x2 Green Dyed P37 “Basic Pouches, Australian Toggle Rope and lastly an Australian camouflage “psychological smock” pouch.

This is a wonderful set of items perfect for the Australian Military Forces collectors. Comes more than ready for further research and display.