Tab patches have been a distinctive feature of military uniforms throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, particularly within the armed forces of Commonwealth nations. Often worn on the upper sleeve, these arched patches were primarily used to indicate national origin—examples include tabs reading Canada, New Zealand, and Rhodesia. This form of identification was especially useful in multinational units or during joint operations, helping distinguish personnel at a glance. Beyond national designations, tab patches were sometimes used to denote specific units, roles, or qualifications, cementing their place as both functional and symbolic elements of military dress.
During the Rhodesian Bush War (1964–1979), the Rhodesians carried on the tradition of wearing a tab patch. It was a simple but powerful symbol of tradition and identity for a nation that found itself increasingly isolated.
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The first picture is of a digital rendering of the reproduction patch and the second is of a real world example.
These reproduction embroidered patches will be roughly 4.25 inches wide and 1.25 inches tall with velcro backing.
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Made in the USA