Cold War Era/Congo Crisis - Belgian Brushstroke Camouflage Combat Pants, RAKA, 1956, Approx Medium-Regular

After World War II, the Belgians designed a flurry of different uniforms. One of the earliest, and perhaps the most iconic, is what has become known as "Belgian Brush Stroke". The pattern shows influence from the WWII era British Denison camo. First adopted in 1952, the pattern was widely used by Belgian airborne, commando, and marine units well into the 1970s - Primarily in the Congo. During the Congo Crisis of the 1960s it was often seen being worn by mercenaries.

Starting in the 1940s, Belgium pumped a lot of money and effort into turning Congo into the "model colony", this included factories, infrastructure, modernization and education programs. The result of this was the development of a new Westernized middle class, as well as a blue-collar working class larger than any other African colony or nation. On top of that, the Congo was rich with resources, including fissionable material.

By the 1950s, the Soviet Union realized that this success could not continue. They began fomenting disorder between this new urban class near the cities, and the less educated, and less successful, Congolese in the hinterlands. By 1960, the nation was split into factions; Pro-Belgian Democratic, pro-secession Democratic, and pro-secession Communist forces. The Belgians were run out in 1965, but the chaos within the region is still ongoing

This is an original pair of 1956, RAKA-made, Belgian Army brushstroke camouflage trousers in well-used condition. The material is very thick cotton duck, and starched. There do not appear to be missing parts or tears, though there are some faded stains below the knees.

These appear to be approximately size 36x27. The waist tightens with a drawstring and there are buttons around the waist to which braces can be attached. It is important to remember that these trousers are cut in a wide, loose fashion as they are designed to be worn as an over an inner layer.