During the First World War, camouflage took many unique forms, including this observation post disguised as a tree!
Due to the nature of trench warfare on the Western Front, armies became bogged down in trenches, making it difficult to observe the enemy and their movements. Armored, camouflaged trees meant watchmen could observe the enemy without being seen while being protected from potential enemy fire.
These trees were created in a multi-step process, beginning with a military artist sketching an existing tree in no man's land. Then, a hollow replica with a steel core would be constructed using the artist’s sketch. Finally, under the cover of darkness, soldiers would sneak into no man’s land, cut down the tree, and replace it with their hollow replica, allowing a soldier to crawl inside the tree to watch opposing forces.
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