Anyone who stuck his head above the trench parapet for more than a few seconds was shot.
So the Frenchstarted disguisingobservation posts as trees.
Then they taught the British how to do it.
Later, the Germans started using them too.
The fake tree had to replace an existing tree.
Adead tree, blasted by a bomb, located ideally near the trenches was chosen.
The tree was then photographed and extensively studied, measurements taken and sketches made.
A hollow, steel replica was then made in the workshop far behind the lines.
The artillery fire also drowned out the noise of the work.
The tree’s base wassunk intothe ground, and its entrance was concealed.
If a trench was spotted leading up to the tree in aerial photographs it would be a giveaway.
These observation posts were surprisingly successful, and none were detected by the enemy.
Plan of dummy tree observation post.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
An artist’s sketch.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
Construction of dummy tree as observation post.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
A model of a sectioned observation post with an artillery observer.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
Erecting the First Camouflage Tree, 1916, by Solomon.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
A canvas and steel tree observation post.
Near Souchez, 15 May 1918.
Photo credit: Imperial War Museum
Entrance to a canvas and steel tree observation post.
Near Souchez, 15 May 1918.
Photo credit: Australian War Memorial
