Pocket patch for RT Mamba from Control and Control North (CCN). RT’s from CCN tended to use the names of venomous snakes, CCS US States and CCS used the names of tools. The team patch was an important piece in the bonding of the teams. The indigenous troops were often illiterate and the use of imagery was the only way to convey the message. Common elements in almost all SOG RT patches are the skull with pointed teeth (sometimes with blood dripping from them!) and possibly a snake interwoven through the skull, the green beret of the US and LLDB special forces and a weapon. The weapons used ranged from crossbows and knives through to AK47’s, M16’s and as here the Swedish K. Other items such as parachutes and other animals deemed to possess powers were also frequently seen.

Photos courtesy of the Hall Collection.