Rhodesian Army Captain Rank Slip-On – Bush War Period

An original Rhodesian Army Captain’s rank slip-on, worn on the shoulder epaulettes of the combat and service dress uniforms during the Rhodesian Bush War (1965–1980).The slip-on is manufactured from heavy-duty olive or nutria brown canvas, bearing three black embroidered or stencilled pips (stars of Bath), denoting the rank of Captain. These were produced locally under the constraints of international sanctions, leading to minor variations in thread tone and material weave between different production batches.Captains in the Rhodesian Army typically commanded companies or troops within units such as the Rhodesian Light Infantry (RLI), Rhodesian African Rifles (RAR), Grey’s Scouts, Selous Scouts, and Support Command. Their roles included field leadership, operations planning, and coordination of counter-insurgency patrols in the Zambezi and Mozambique operational zones.This example’s subdued design was intended to reduce visibility in the field, reflecting the Rhodesian Army’s practical adaptation of British regimental insignia to bush warfare conditions.Authentic examples like this are increasingly rare, especially in good condition, as post-1980 issues were replaced under the Zimbabwe Defence Forces structure and many originals were discarded or repurposed.