- Basha (tarpaulin)
A Basha is a waterproof
canvas orplastic sheet witheyelet s or loops on the perimeter, which is used incamping , outdoor, ormilitary situations to act as a shelter, in the form of an impromptutent and/or groundsheet, usually supported withbungee cords attached to trees. The name 'basha' is derived from an Indian language.Military application
They are used by the military, particularly the
British Army as a shelter while in the field or on operations. They are lightweight and can be put up rapidly, andcamouflaged simply with foliage specific to the area of operation. Their low profile gives them a smallsilhouette , and many are alsoInfra-red Reflective or IRR, which makes them, and their occupants, less visible to enemy infrared detection equipment. Normally bashas are erected in woods, as the trees both serve to give visual cover and support the basha throughbungee cords . Because they are nearly invisible if well camouflaged, they are ideal for forming covertobservation post s or OPs.The word Basha is a Malay word meaning Shelter or hut and was first introduced into the British Army vocabulary by Veterans of the Malayan Campaign (1950 - 1959) eg Malayan Scouts,who would eventually evolve into the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (SAS).References
See also:
tarpaulin .
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