9409 1 Para Bn beret and badge (Ref. SA)

9409 : 1 Parachute Battalion beret and badge

1963 –

1 Parachute Battalion beret, S.A.P.H.I., 1963, size 7, 55cm, South African Infantry badge worn on maroon beret by Paratroopers before the 1 Parachute Battalion beret badge was introduced. This beret belonged to Georg Schroeder, who served as a Parachute Instructor with 1 Para Bn before joining Mike Hoare’s 5 Commando Mercenary group in the Congo. Georg Schroeder was the last Commanding Officer of 5 Commando before they were disbanded and returned to South Africa and Rhodesia. In his book Mike Hoare states that Schroeder was a “military machine” and “the finest man I met in the Congo”. From my personal collection.

PRICE: $250

Reference:SA